2010-05-10-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF MAY 10, 2010 A regular meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was held in the Planning Office, Room G-1, Town Office Building, and called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Vice Chair Richard Canale with members Charles Hornig and Wendy Manz and planning staff Maryann McCall-Taylor present. Gregory Zurlo and Anthony Galaitsis were absent. *********************************TOWN MEETING************************************ Article 9, Cotton Farm: Mr. Hornig said that he would speak at Town Meeting as an individual. He felt that this proposal was not cost effective. Using easements and conservation restrictions would achieve the goals with less money. He felt that the back of the lot could be developed with up to 12 houses, leaving the views to the front unchanged. Ms. Manz reported that the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) had reluctantly voted to support Article 9. The committee’s sentiment was that the price was high, but since a better deal had not been offered they would support what was offered. Ms. Manz had found the heritage landscape argument persuasive. Mr. Canale felt his position was somewhere in between the other board members. He said Cotton Farm was a key location providing open space, natural beauty, connectivity and a sense of place. While it is a high price, he felt it was a fair price. He said he would let Town Meeting know the span of the Planning Board’s opinions. On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted 2-1 (Mr. Hornig in the negative) to support warrant article 9 at Town Meeting. The oral report by Mr. Canale will include a full explanation of the issues, including the concerns about the expense and possible other solutions. Even if the article doesn’t pass, the Planning Board will be able to influence the form of the final development of the site. **********************************TRANSPORTATION********************************* Now that Town Meeting is drawing to a close the Board will be able to return to work on the Hartwell Avenue Transportation Plan. The next step will be a presentation to the Board of Selectmen, than a community meeting followed by the public hearing and a vote by the Planning Board.