2000-06-14-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF JUNE 14, 2000 The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, was called to order at 730 p.m. by Chairman Davies with members Bridge - Denzak, Colman, Galaitsis, Merrill, Planning Director Garber and Assistant Planner McCall - Taylor present. Mr. Colman left the meeting during the public hearing on Lexington Park. Ms. Bridge - Denzak left after the public hearing. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** *PLANNING BOARD ORGANIZATION * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** The Board held an election of officers, effective the next meeting. On motions duly made and seconded, the votes were unanimous for the following officers: Chairman, Steven Colman; Vice - chairman, Tony Galaitsis; Clerk, Stacey Bridge - Denzak. * * * * * * * * * * ** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS * * * * * * * * * * * ** SUBDIVISION OF LAND The Board signed the plans for the Grandview Subdivision. The applicant had received a letter from the Town Clerk stating that the twenty day appeal period had passed without any appeals being filed. PUBLIC HEARING: Lexington Park Definitve Cluster Subdivision Steven Colman recused himself and left the room, as he is an abutter to the property. Representing the applicant team were Jerry Moloney, Halyard Builders, Inc.; Michael Weinmayr, Weinmayr and Associates, Inc., landscape architect; John Noonan, Noonan & McDowell, Inc., engineers; Bill Hubner, Incite Architecture, and Edmund Grant, attorney. There were 13 people in the audience. Mr. Moloney presented a brief overview of the project, saying that he is committed to the cluster concept even though it is a challenge in today's market using the 1996 guidelines and impact figures. He felt that the project as presented would have significantly less impact than would either a conventional subdivision, or the previous proposal. That proposal had been a sketch plan utilizing the increased densities allowed with a Development of Significant Public Benefit. Mr. Weinmayr presented the landscape and siting plans, noting that the top of the knoll had been chosen for open space. A proof plan shows eleven units. Mr. Weinmayr noted that the April 1996 cluster by -law and the September 1997 guidelines called for half of the units to be attached and half to be small. The September 1998 updated guidelines suggest that two- thirds of the units be attached and two- thirds be small. According to Mr. Moloney advantages of this cluster subdivision include the retention of 200 trees, less impervious surface., and a smaller unit size. In comparison to current new single- family houses, the units are small. The impact factors reflect a market very different from today's. The average size of conventional subdivision units is much higher. This development will have an average house size of 2,500 square feet. Fifteen of the eighteen units will have the master bedroom on the first floor. This is an alternative housing type, designed to appeal to the "empty nester" market. The two -car garage is a major design element. The average height, by the Zoning By -law definition is 22 feet. The design of this cluster will close off the access to the back land which is landlocked, thus preventing its development, whereas a conventional subdivision could allow the purchase of individual units to provide access to the back land. The voluntary public benefit was presented. The basketball court at the Marvin Street playground will be resurfaced. A swale will be built into the field, which will then be reseeded. There will be a path from Cushing Street to the playground. Traffic safety improvements will include new signage on Winter Street, a stop sign on Magnolia Street, a street light to better illuminate the curved portion of Winter Street and a sight easement across the corner of the lot at 60 Winter Street. Drainage improvements will be made to