2004-03-04-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF MARCH 4, 2004 The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairman Harden with members Galaitsis, Kastorf, Manz, and planning staff Garber, McCall - Taylor, and Tap present. Mr. Davies arrived at 8:00 p.m., having been scheduled to make a presentation to the Historic Districts Commission earlier in the evening. ARTICLES FOR 2004 TOWN MEETING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Article 9 Amend PSDUP of RD -6 1010 -1012 Waltham Street Brookhaven Public Hearing: Mr. Harden opened the hearing at 7:45 p.m. Mr. William J. Dailey, Jr., attorney and former member of the Brookhaven at Lexington Board of Trustees; Mr. James Freehling, Brookhaven President; Ms. Diane Dooley, of Demilla Schafer Architects; Mr, Bill Peach, engineer, of BSC; and Mr. Charles Kalauskas, traffic consultant, were present. There were 30 people in the audience. Mr. Dailey briefly summarized the history of Brookhaven at Lexington, recalling that independent living developments for seniors were a new concept in 1986. The Town Meeting vote set conditions, all of which have been met, which included the transfer of three acres to the Conservation Commission; a donation of $402,000 for affordable housing (used towards the purchase of purchase ten units at Emerson Gardens); preference for town residents (approximately 20 % were Lexington residents prior to moving to Brookhaven and another 20% are parents of Lexington residents); approximately $270,000 a year payment in lieu of taxes; restoration of wetlands filled by previous owners; and, units to remain affordable. In 17 years no one has been asked to leave for lack of funds. Mr. Dailey said that the predicted traffic levels had never been reached and those levels still would not be reached if this expansion took place. The current project is in response to what is seen as a need for increased space and facilities for wellness, additional assisted living units and more private nursing units. The independent residential units will help underwrite the costs of the expansion. Mr. Dailey said that Brookhaven has been a role model for being good neighbors. As in 1986, when they had made a donation toward affordable housing, there would be a donation of $100,000 to the town to use as it sees fit. The payment in lieu of taxes would increase by the percent of increase in units along with a voluntary payment to Lexpress. W. Dailey noted that Brookhaven has no endowment so any contributions they make or expenses incurred are passed along to the residents. Other members of the development team made brief presentations. Mr. Kalauskas spoke to the traffic analysis done by his firm. He maintained that traffic generated has not reached the initial traffic levels that were projected before the development was built and still would not reach those levels if the expansion goes forward. The project could generate 45 peak hour trips but the real traffic activity occurs in the off -peak hours. He felt that the reason the number of trips was less was due to successful transportation demand management strategies. There will continue to be a transportation coordinator to promote the use of alternate transportation, the existence of on -site services such as a bank and convenience store, and flexible work hours for employees. They will also explore the 128 Business Council shuttle and promoting pedestrian traffic by continuing to work to get a pedestrian- crossing signal on Waltham Street. Board Comments and Questions: Mr. Harden asked how the drainage system would be adjusted to accommodate the reallocated impervious surface. Mr. Peach responded that the existing pond would remain the catchment area for the system. Mr. Davies remarked on its steep banks. Mr. Peach replied that the pond would be widened and landscaped with low plantings. He is working with the Conservation department on this.