2011-02-03-PB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF FEBRUARY 3, 2011 A regular meeting of the Lexington Planning Board in the Room 207, Town Office Building was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Greg Zurlo with members Richard Canale, Charles Hornig, Anthony Galaitsis, and planning staff Maryann McCall-Taylor, Aaron Henry, and Lori Kaufman present. Wendy Manz joined the meeting in progress. TOWN MEETING ******************************************************************** Article 40: Rezone 1095 Massachusetts Avenue from RS to CRS: Mr. Tom Fenn, attorney was present to represent Doug Chapman, applicant, who was not at the meeting. This parcel has been used as a gas station for almost 100 years. Mr. Chapman has owned it 25-30 years and may want to retire and sell it. The only way to be able to sell or lease the property would be to rezone so that it could be changed from a gas station to some less restrictive alternative option. Mr. Fenn said notices were sent to neighbors without any negative responses. Board comments:  This is a residentially zoned property; why rezone to a CRS instead of using the CD process? Mr. Fenn said this property has always been a commercial property and the CRS zone would offer the most options.  The traffic at this intersection has always been problematic; have you spoken with the Town regarding curb cuts? Mr. Fenn said not yet, he first wanted to speak with the Planning Board and Engineering. A CRS zone could increase the number of cars at this busy intersection.  When the Board is asked for a rezoning there is usually a plan to show what would be placed on the site. It is important to get an idea for the new use and not write a blank check.  Making this lot a commercial zone with flexibility of uses is a good idea, but could it meet the setbacks for a CRS zone? Mr. Fenn said there was no rear setback. Could a conforming structure fit on the site? Rezoning may give less than thought, especially with the possibility of having to reconfigure the intersection within the next few years.