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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-05-07-PB-min PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF MAY 7, 2014 A regular meeting of the Lexington Planning Board, held in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Charles Hornig, with members Nancy Corcoran- Ronchetti, Richard Canale, Greg Zurlo, and Timothy Dunn and planning staff Maryann McCall- Taylor, Aaron Henry, and Lori Kaufman present. **********************DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION*********************** Edna Street extension, definitive subdivision plan: Mr. Hornig called the continued public hearing to order at 7:03 p.m. There were 5 people in the audience. Mr. David Burns of Debco Properties, the applicant, was present and explained that in response to some concerns expressed at the last meeting, an option of not having a through street from Homestead Street to Emerald Street was being considered. Mr. Burns had met with the Fire, Engineering and Planning staff and discussed a plan for a dead end street with a turnaround for fire trucks. There was concern that the existing street was not in the center of the right of way (ROW) and the applicant would try to correct it. Other issues regarding a fire hydrant and a looped water main through the project was discussed and an arrangement would be made with the Town. There was positive feedback from the Board about the street not going through; this plan was going in the right direction. Mr. Burns said he could have the revised plans ready in two weeks for the meeting May 28. On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, 5-0, to continue the public hearing to May 28 at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room. 138 Laconia Street, ANR: The applicant had requested a 14-day continuance and extension of the action deadline. This would push the matter to the meeting on May 21, 2014, and the action dead line to May 23, 2014. On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, 5-0, to accept the applicants request to extend the action deadline to May 23, 2014, to allow attorneys additional time to review the ANR. Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of May 7, 2014 **********************DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS*************************** CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING Development Regulations, Subdivision Regulations: Mr. Hornig called the continued public hearing to order at 7:13 p.m. There were five people in the audience. Mr. Henry submitted proposed updates to the development regulations regarding street classification, design standards for each class of street, and by-right sidewalks within the ROW without requesting a waiver. The Board’s general feedback was positive; the regulations are moving in the right direction. While not necessary to be captured in the regulations consideration should be given to what is meant by local access. What would parents allow on minor streets where pedestrians and kids have the right of way. Audience Comments: The primary focus should be on minor street definitions. No purpose in stating that they serve up to nine dwelling units, have a narrower right of way, and prohibit parking. Why say they are normally mostly dead end streets. These restrictions could cause problems for future proposed developments. On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, 5-0, to continue the public hearing to May 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room. *********************************MINUTES ************************************ On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, 5-0, to accept as corrected the minutes for April 9, 2014. *********************************SCHEDULING ******************************** May 21, 2014, public hearing 430 Concord Avenue, Laconia Street ANR; May 28, 2014, continued public hearings for Edna Street and the Subdivision Regulations; June 11 prepare for Town Meeting and adopt a report; June 16 and 18, 2014, meet before Town Meeting and June 25 a public hearing on 48 Summit Road and discuss the work plan and reorganization. Anything that needs to be added to the work plan should be sent to staff by Board Members. Minutes for the Meeting of May 7, 2014 Page 3 *************************ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT *************************** Melisa Tintocalis the Economic Development Officer presented to the Board updates on the Comprehensive Plan Element, Banks in the Center, and a Parking Management. Comprehensive Plan Element: The economic development element of the Comprehensive Plan has not been updated in 12 years. Economic development no longer addresses only taxes and jobs, but rather looks at a broader perspective to create a vibrant community by taking a fresh look at new trends in housing and transportation to help connect people. Would the Board be interested in exploring this potential update and work with staff and the EDAC? Board Members should reread the comprehensive plan to prepare for this discussion. This update should be considered for the Economic Development element before considering updating the entire comprehensive plan. There would need to be money in the budget and the fall would be the time to start the budget process. There were concerns about staff’s time and how much of a commitment the Town has for this. Banks in the Center: The Center Committee for the last two years has expressed concerns about banks in the Center and was considering a proposal to put in place a moratorium or a zoning regulation regarding banks. The Board of Selectmen should be approached by the Center Committee for the Fall Special Town Meeting. The Planning Board wants to see concrete data on the real problem as the Center Committee perceives it and the level of commitment by the Town. The Board should consider desirable locations for where banks should be allowed. The Center Committee needs to define vibrancy and have a plan laid out when presenting to the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board. Ms. Tintocalis wanted to see a policy that would encourage businesses the Town would like to have in the Center with the tools available at our disposal. Parking Management: There are ongoing meetings of the Parking Management Group to(PMG) review the recommendations put together by the consultant Nelson Nygaard which address parking in the Center and provide guidance to better manage the existing inventory in the Center. On May 19 the Board of Selectmen would be looking at the recommendations and giving their input and the group would move on from there. Materials were available on line for review. This has been a Page 4 Minutes for the Meeting of May 7, 2014 positive effort and the PMG is pleased with the tone and recommendations made to date. The Center Committee should provide recommendations in writing before placing anything on the warrant so that the Planning Board can provide guidance on the final proposal. On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, 5-0, to adjourn at 8:02 p.m. The meeting was recorded by Lexmedia. The following documents used at the meeting can be found on file with the Planning Department:  Street classification memorandum from Aaron Henry, regarding development regulations, (8 pages).  Staff Summary/Recommendation from Aaron Henry, dated May 7, 2014 regarding 138 Laconia Street (1 page). Timothy Dunn, Clerk