HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-10-09-ZBA-min
Minutes of the Lexington Zoning Board of Appeals
Selectmen’s Meeting Room
October 9, 2014
Board Members Present: Chairman – Martha C. Wood, Jeanne K. Krieger, Leo P.
McSweeney, David G. Williams and Associate Member William D. Kennedy
Associate Member sitting as an Alternate: Laura Hussong
Administrative Staff: Dianne Cornaro, Clerk and David George, Zoning Administrator
Address: 346 Waltham Street, Map 32, Lot 25
The petitioner submitted the following information with the applications: nature and justification
of request; topographic plan; plot plan; floor plans and elevations and a letter from property
owner dated June 15, 2014 addressing conversations with abutters.
Prior to the hearing, the petitions and supporting data were reviewed by the Building
Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Board of Selectmen, the Zoning
Administrator, the Planning Director, Economic Development; the Historic District Commission
Clerk and the Zoning Administrator. Comments were received from the Conservation
Administrator the Health Director and the Zoning Administrator.
The petitioner requested a SPECIAL PERMIT in accordance with 135-8.4.2 and 135-
9.4.2 of the Zoning Bylaw to allow modification (enlargement of porch) of a non
conforming structure.
The Chairman opened the hearing at 7:35 pm by reading the legal notices and
described information received from the petitioner.
David Baer, owner of the property, presented the petition explaining the project and
responding to questions raised by the Zoning Administrator.
A Board member expressed concern with the size of the large deck which he felt could be a
problem with noise to the abutters.
Another Board member asked to clarify the stairs that would be replaced. Are they same size
as existing. (Yes.)
An abutter, Mana Ranjitkar of 342 Waltham Street, asked to see the plans.
No one spoke in favor or in opposition to the petition.
The Zoning Administrator requested a new plot plan from the applicant.
The Chairwoman closed the hearing at 7:52 pm.
On a motion by Leo P. McSweeney and seconded by Jeanne K. Krieger, the Board voted 5-0
in accordance with 135-8.4.2 and 135-9.4.2 of the Zoning Bylaw
to grant a special permit
to allow modification (enlargement of porch) of a non conforming structure.
Submitted by: Dianne Cornaro, Administrative Clerk
BOA Meeting October 9, 2014
2
Minutes of the Lexington Zoning Board of Appeals
Selectmen’s Meeting Room
October 9, 2014
Board Members Present: Chairman – Martha C. Wood, Jeanne K. Krieger, Leo P.
McSweeney, David G. Williams and Associate Member William D. Kennedy
Associate Member sitting as an Alternate: Laura Hussong
Administrative Staff: Dianne Cornaro, Clerk and David George, Zoning Administrator
Address: 89 Bow Street, Map 20, Lot 87
The petitioner submitted the following information with the applications: nature and
justification of request; plot plan, elevations, floor plans and photographs.
Prior to the hearing, the petitions and supporting data were reviewed by the Building
Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Board of Selectmen, the
Zoning Administrator, the Planning Director, Economic Development; the Historic
District Commission Clerk and the Zoning Administrator. Comments were received
from the Conservation Administrator and the Zoning Administrator.
The Chairman opened the hearing at 7:54 pm by reading the legal notices and
described information received from the petitioner.
The petitioner requested a SPECIAL PERMIT in accordance with 135-8.4.2 and 135-
9.4.2 of the Zoning Bylaw to allow modification (reconstruction) of a nonconforming
structure.
Architect Carl Oldenburg presented the petition with the owner of the property, Janis
Brown.
A Board member asked if the structure had a full basement (Yes) and who currently lives
there? (No one lives there, the intent is to build and resell.)
Another Board member asked how much impervious surface there will there be and was
concerned with drainage. (They will install drywells for the run-off and the Zoning
Administrator answered no site coverage restrictions for residential lots.)
Other Board members questioned the distance from the property line to the overhang (9 ft)
and commented this will be the largest house on the street and will they hire an Engineer for
the drainage and runoff. (Yes.)
Jan Nowselski of 24 Rindge Avenue was concerned with the runoff over the retaining wall;
James Laker of 26 Rindge Avenue commented the plot plan did not have his property listed
correctly, was concerned with the roof line, questioned having additional finished space in
attic, was concerned with seeing no landscape plans and had a concern with the elevation of
the structure.
Leah Baigell of 91 Bow Street was concerned with the noise from the HVAC unit being right
next to her home and with the structure shading her lot.
BOA Meeting October 9, 2014
3
The Board followed with a discussion regarding possible conditions regarding the storm water
plan; requesting an Engineering report with their approval that the plan would work
A Board member asked the Zoning Administrator if there was anything on the Building Code
that addressed screenage for buffer areas. (There is nothing in place in the Building code.)
No one spoke in favor to the petition.
The Chairwoman closed the hearing at 8:40 pm.
On a motion by , the Board voted
Leo P. McSweeney and seconded by Jeanne K. Krieger
5-0, to grant a SPECIAL PERMIT, from Ch. 135 of the Code of the Town of Lexington
(Zoning By-Law) in accordance with §135-8.4.2 and § 135-9.4.2 to allow modification
(reconstruction) of a nonconforming structure with the following conditions:
1. That there shall be a system designed for water retention certified by an
Engineer.
2. The HVAC system be moved to the rear of the structure and have a sound
screen fence.
3. There shall be no internal permanent staircase leading to the third floor.
Submitted by: Dianne Cornaro, Administrative Clerk
BOA Meeting October 9, 2014
4
Minutes of the Lexington Zoning Board of Appeals
Selectmen’s Meeting Room
October 9, 2014
Board Members Present: Chairman – Martha C. Wood, Jeanne K. Krieger, Leo P.
McSweeney, David G. Williams and Associate Member William D. Kennedy
Associate Member sitting as an Alternate: Laura Hussong
Administrative Staff: Dianne Cornaro, Clerk and David George, Zoning Administrator
33 Marrett Road, Map 31, Lots 63C and 64A
Address:
The petitioner submitted the following information with the applications: nature and
justification of request; site plan; grading and drainage plan; elevations; photographs;
ZBA decision dated October 5, 1971, May 11, 1995 and August 9, 2012; storm runoff
analysis and operation maintenance plan; landscape and lighting plan and a letter
from the Town Manager, Carl Valenti, to the ZBA dated October 6, 2014.
Prior to the hearing, the petitions and supporting data were reviewed by the Building
Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Board of Selectmen, the
Zoning Administrator, the Planning Director, Economic Development; the Historic
District Commission Clerk and the Zoning Administrator. Comments were received
from the Conservation Administrator; Engineering; Selectmen’s Office Zoning; Historic
District Commission and the Zoning Administrator.
The petitioner requested a Modification of 2 Special Permits issued October 5, 1971
and May 11, 1995 in accordance with the Zoning By-Law (Chapter 135 of the Code of
Lexington).
The Chairman opened the hearing at 8:45 pm by reading the legal notices and
described information received from the petitioner.
Bob Carter of HW Moore Associates presented the petition for the applicants,
Supreme Council of the Ancient Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, requesting to construct
a 20-space parking lot extension on the northwest section of the site adjacent to the
existing parking field.
Members of the Board had questions regarding the area of trees next to the parking
area; easements for the driveways and restrictions on parking areas.
Liz Gibby of 26 Marrett Road had several questions regarding the parking lots for the
entire property.
No one spoke in favor or in opposition to the petition.
The Chairwoman closed the hearing at 9:08 pm.
BOA Meeting October 9, 2014
5
On a motion by Jeanne K. Krieger and seconded by William Kennedy, the Board voted
5-0, to allow modification of special permits issued October 5, 1971 and May 11, 1994.
Submitted by: Dianne Cornaro, Administrative Clerk
BOA Meeting October 9, 2014
6
Minutes of the Lexington Zoning Board of Appeals
Selectmen’s Meeting Room
October 9, 2014
Board Members Present: Chairman – Martha C. Wood, Jeanne K. Krieger, Edward D.
McCarthy, Leo P. McSweeney and David G. Williams
Associate Member sitting as an Alternate: Ralph D. Clifford
Administrative Staff: Dianne Cornaro, Clerk and David George, Zoning Administrator
Other Business:
1. Election of Officiers:
Jeanne K. Krieger nominated Martha C. Woods to continue as Chairman for the up-
coming year.
On a motion by Leo P. McSweeney and seconded by Jeanne K. Krieger, the Board
voted Martha C. Wood as Chairman.
David D. Williams nominated the following additional slate as officers: Vice-Chairman -
Jeanne K. Krieger, Clerk - Leo P. McSweeney and Administrative Clerk – Staff
Member Dianne L. Cornaro.
On a motion by Leo P. McSweeney and seconded by Jeanne K. Krieger the above
slate of officers were elected for the up-coming year.
2. On a motion by Leo P. McSweeney and seconded by Jeanne K. Krieger, the Board
voted 4-0 to accept the minutes of September 11 and September 25, 2014.
Submitted by: Dianne Cornaro, Administrative Clerk