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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF APRIL 10, 2015
A meeting of the Lexington Planning Board, held in Kielty Hall, St. Brigid’s, 2001 Massachusetts
Avenue, was called to order 9:35 a.m. by Chairman Charles Hornig, with members Nancy
Corcoran-Ronchetti, Richard Canale, Timothy Dunn, Ginna Johnson, and planning staff Maryann
McCall-Taylor present. This meeting was as a part of the League of Women Voters First Friday
Forum.
******************************COMPREHENSIVE PLAN**************************
Chairman Hornig and Planning Director McCall-Taylor gave an overview of the comprehensive
plan elements found in “The Lexington We Want, The First Four Elements,” “The Lexington We
Want, Transportation Element” and the “Open Space and Recreation Plan.” Mr. Hornig also
explained the legal basis for a comprehensive plan and the elements that make up a plan.
The floor was opened for comments and questions.
Ms. Ciccolo said that in addition to sustainability as a possible unifying theme in an updated
comprehensive plan, health and healthy communities could also serve. It will be important to
expand public outreach, using different methods as such as social media, i.e. Twitter.
Mr. Sandy noted that Concord had donated its historic buildings to the National Historical Park
and why didn’t Lexington? It would avoid building maintenance costs. He was told that
Lexington felt the town was better able to preserve the intrinsic qualities of its historic resources
and the federal government had not included land inside of Route 128 when the park was created
as they felt the intrinsic qualities were too degraded.
Ms. Klimoff said more bicycle racks and sidewalks are needed.
Mr. Pato, chair of the Board of Selectmen, said that his Board was very supportive of increasing
opportunities for bicycles and sidewalks. This past year an inventory of sidewalks and their
condition had been done, much like the pavement management plan. Next year more money will
be allocated for maintenance. Mr. Canale said that there needs to be a commitment to a dedicated
capital budget item for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Ms. Ciccolo observed that the
Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of April 10 2015
appropriation had increased every year for the last three years and would increase next year as
well.
Ms. Ashton wondered whether or not there could be a way to get developers of large houses to
contribute to infrastructure improvements, along the lines of what had been set up on Hartwell
Avenue.
Mr. Burnell said that the 2020 Vision Committee advises the Board of Selectmen and he would
challenge the committee to frame a vision of the town for the Planning Board. It was pointed out
that the current comprehensive plan had drawn heavily on the work of the 2020 group and it was
expected that they would be involved in the efforts to update the plan.
Mr. Paul asked if the Comprehensive Plan influenced the interpretation of the Zoning Bylaw. He
was told that the Planning Board writes the bylaw, but the interpretation is the responsibility of
the Building Commissioner and his designee, the Zoning Administrator.
Mr. Bhatia urged that space be provided for a cricket field. There are many young children in
town who would be interested in playing.
Mr. Pato said that there had been a turnover of roughly 50 percent of the homes in town since the
comprehensive plan had been adopted so the Board may want to resurface topics that did not get
support the first time around. After an inclusive discussion they might find there is now support.
Mr. Sandy said that the Town Meeting had not appropriated $300,000 for the undergrounding of
wires at Hastings Park and he would like to see that money go to the construction and
maintenance of sidewalks.
Ms. Hughes asked about the status of the subsidized housing inventory and was the Town at
10%? She was told the Town was over 10% but would have to keep adding to the inventory at a
rate to match new housing units.
Ms. Manz thanked the Planning Board for coming and said there was a cake in honor of the
retiring planning director for those who wanted some.
Minutes for the Meeting of April 10, 2015 Page 3
There being no more questions, the Board voted, 5-0, to adjourn at 10:35.
The meeting was recorded by LexMedia.
The following document used at the meeting can be found on file with the Planning Department:
PowerPoint Presentation, titled “LWV2” and dated April 10, 2015
The Lexington We Want, The First Four Elements, 2002
The Lexington We Want, Transportation Element, 2003
Open Space and Recreation Plan, 2009 and 2015 Draft
Timothy Dunn, Clerk