2002-01-30-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF JANUARY 30, 2002 The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Galaitsis with members, Chase, Davies, Harden, Kastorf and planning staff Garber, McCall - Taylor, Tap and Tyson present. Philip Herr, Marilyn Fenollosa, Wendy Manz, Susan Solomon, Elaine Dratch, Edmund Grant, Gary Larson, Gerry Paul, Michael Schroeder and Susan Fisher also attended. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** REPORTS Planning Board, Subcommittees Metropolitan State Hospital Site Reuse Mr. Kastorf reported on a Met. State Hospital reuse meeting of the tri -town task force on January 15, 2002, at which a representative of the State Department of Capital Asset Management (DCAM) announced that DCAM had been considering using the site of the Gaebler Building to construct a new juvenile and trial court building. However, a traffic study for that use indicated that it would generate a high amount of traffic so DCAM opted not to use it, looking instead at the Fernald School site. Mr. Kastorf said he was encouraged by DCAM's decision, as it seems to indicate that the State will live by its agreements with the Towns. Bikeway Advisory Committee Mr. Galaitsis reported that the Bikeway Committee is interested in the Cotton Farm development off Marrett Road and want to attend the next hearing on that project. The group is interested in a link to Highland Avenue through the conservation land adjacent to the proposed development. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Public Hearing, Draft Comprehensive_ Plan Overview by Staff: Mr. Garber made a brief introduction and then presented a PowerPoint show that detailed the planning process from its inception in the year 2000 to the four elements presented in draft form tonight: land use, natural and cultural resources, housing and economic development. The current effort had its wellsprings in the Selectmen's Long Range Planning Committee and subsequent 2020 Strategic Planning Initiatives. He described the lengthy and detailed public process which entailed more than 20 public meetings of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, a representative group of residents. The resulting plan provides clear impetus and direction for zoning amendments and a host of other implementing actions. Mr. Garber said that the draft document, on which this hearing is being held, was widely distributed and it addresses the concerns of everyone involved in the process, sometimes by softening the language, or changing its priority designation. Mr. Galaitsis expressed the Board's thanks for all the effort that the participants put into this plan and invited comments on the draft document. Comments by Planning Board and Public Mr. Gerry Paul, 43 Highland Avenue, asked if the plan showed a particular use for the Munroe Hill area, where he lives. The neighborhood would like to see it remain as open space. Mr. Garber responded that the plan is a general document. Ms. McCall- Taylor said that the area he is concerned with is covered by the Open Space and Recreation plan of 1997. Mr. Edmund Grant commended the Planning Board and everyone who took part in producing these four elements of the comprehensive plan. He said that the plan will add credibility to future Town actions within the town and from without. As a former Planning Board member, he knows how difficult it is to accomplish a plan.