2002-04-22-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF APRIL 22, 2002 The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in the Carpenter Room, National Heritage Museum, was called to order at 6:50 p.m. by Chairman Galaitsis with members, Chase, Davies, Harden, Kastorf and planning staff Garber, McCall- Taylor, and Tyson present * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** ARTICLES FOR 2002 TOWN MEETING Article 20 Sections E and F : The Board discussed the presentation that would be made by Mr. Harden to explain the changes in the definition of height. The planning staff and Mr. Harden had developed a slide show, with input by the other members. A script of the presentation was reviewed. Mr. Harden urged members to answer any questions that they felt comfortable with, rather than leaving all for him to answer. Mr. Garber reported that he expected Mr. Peter Kelly to offer an amendment to the motion that would raise the maximum allowed height in residential districts to 44'. The Board members felt that this would essentially cancel out any gains in controlling height that would be garnered by the change in the definition of how height is measured. The sense was that they were opposed to such a move but they would take an official stand once the amendment was brought forward on the Town Meeting floor. The Board also reviewed the handout produced by Mr. Jon Himmel. They thought it would reinforce their presentation as it provided additional concrete examples of building heights, including local historic structures. Mr. Kastorf said that in the future the Board should consider tapping Town Meeting members to lobby for amendments relating to mansionizati.on. The real estate /developer group had effectively rallied residents to lobby Town Meeting members this time. Mr. Kastorf said that the down side to such an approach might be a more radical approach. He felt that what the Planning Board had proposed this year had been fairly mild and had not galvanized supporters. Reconsideration of Article 20 was discussed. It was the sentiment of the Board that they would not ask for reconsideration of the Article as a whole but might consider reconsideration of the height section if the vote was very close this evening and there appeared to be an information void that could be addressed. Article 21, Codification Mr. Galaitsis will present the report and motion and then ask that Ms. McCall - Taylor be recognized to speak further on the subject. Members felt that this would be a non, controversial article as Town Meeting had already approved codification last year. RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPLICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS Applications To Be Heard on April 22, 2002: Mr. Kastorf gave an oral review of the following applications: ■ 1709 -1727 Massachusetts Avenue special permit to operate a frill service restaurant, including take -out service in the CB district AND a variance from the parking requirement 6 Patterson Road variance in order to construct a new two -car garage which will have a 14 foot side yard set back and a 17.7 foot front yard setback. The Board was favorably disposed towards the application for a variance from the parking requirements at 1709 -1723 Massachusetts Avenue. Members felt that it would result in more parking spaces being