2001-07-18-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF JULY 18, 2001 The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in the Selectmen's Room Town Office Building, was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairman Galaitsis with members Bridge - Denzak, Chase, Davies, Harden, Planning Director Garber, and Secretary Tap present. Assistant Planner McCall- Taylor was away on vacation. * * * * * * * * * ** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS * * * * * * * * * * * ** SUBDIVISION OF LAND 32 Roosevelt Road Definitive Special Residential Development, Ronald Lopez CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: Present for this item were Mr. Ronald Lopez, North Sbore Construction and Development, applicant; Mr. Edmund Grant, attorney; Mr. Daniel Harrington, attorney; Mr. Dylan James, Meridian Engineering, Inc., engineer. There were a dozen people in the audience. Mr. Grant remarked that density seems to be the issue, even though Mr. Lopez has made a good faith effort to satisfy the Board's desire for fewer units. And he compared the modest size units that Mr. Lopez is planning to build to the current high square footage of new construction in Lexington He wondered why six units still is a problem for the Board. Mr. Galaitsis countered that the real issue is not density so much as it is the high amount of impervious surface. He asked for questions from the Board. Mr. Davies asked if the applicant had considered six units in two building, instead of three buildings so the open space would not be so fractured. Mr. Lopez answered in the affirmative. He also said that the open space is more like the existing neighborhood in the three - building layout. The units would be taller than those in the current plan, where most of the living area is on one floor, and not an optimal design for empty - nesters. Mr. Harden expressed a concern, also voiced by the neighbors, about impacts on the trees between Wilson Road and Mr. Lopez's project. He asked .Mr. Lopez to clarify where the limit of work line would be. Mr. Lopez noted that though there are two places where work will be close to the abutters' properties, most of the vegetation is outside his property lines. Mr. Galaitsis asked if the proposed decks are considered impervious surfaces. The answer was no. He also asked if Mr. Lopez would agree to install pull -down stairs to the attic. Mr. Lopez agreed to this. Regarding the proposed decks, Mr. Davies said they are "pervious" surfaces. Ms. Bridge - Denzak stated her disagreement with this. Mr. Garber offered to look into the issue. Ms Bridge - Denzak shared Mr. Galaitsis' concern about site coverage. In this project, the interior drive was not part of the impact calculation for impervious surface. Mr. Galaitsis said that in future projects the Board will make it clear that the interior drive will be used in the calculation. Landscape Plan: Mr. Harden pointed out that the open space in this development will act as a buffer against Rt. 951128, more than as usable open space. Ms. Bridge - Denzak regrets the extent to which the site will be disturbed during implementation. Ms. Chase suggested turning the building closest to Roosevelt Road slightly toward the circle so the blank end of the house does not face the street. Mr. Harden suggested that the street view of the house could be improved with architectural details; turning the house would not be needed. Mr. Galaitsis suggested reducing the amount of visitor parking. Mr. Lopez said that the neighbors don't want cars parked on the Roosevelt Road circle. Attorney Harrington stated that Mr. Lopez could get eight units on the site. He further stated that if the Board is unhappy with the open space they should repeal the