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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-01-PB-min PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2021 Minutes of the Lexington Planning Board Held on September 1, 2021, Virtual Meeting at 7:00 pm Present: Charles Hornig, Chair; Robert Peters, Vice-Chair; Michael Schanbacher, Clerk; Melanie Thompson; Robert Creech; Michael Leon, Associate Member. Also present was Amanda Loomis, Planning Director. Charles Hornig, Chair, called to order the meeting of the Lexington Planning Board on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at 7:00 pm. For this meeting, the Planning Board is convening by video conference via Zoom. LexMedia may broadcast this meeting live and will record it for future viewing. Detailed information for remote participation by the public may be found on the Planning Office web page. Mr. Hornig conducted a roll call to ensure all members of the Planning Board and members of staff present can hear and be heard. Mr. Hornig provided a summary of instructions for members of the public in attendance. It was further noted that written materials for this meeting are available on the Town’s NovusAGENDA dashboard. **********************BOARD ADMINISTRATION************************* Review of Mount Independence Local Historic District Preliminary Report Present for the public meeting: Anne Eccles, Chair of the Historic District Commission Charles Hornig, Chair, opened the public meeting for the Review of the Mount Independence Local Historic District Preliminary Report. Mr. Hornig provided a brief review of the Planning Board’s role in reviewing such a report and the intentions of the public meeting. Anne Eccles, Chair of the Historic District Commission, presented a PowerPoint presentation titled, Establishing a New Historic District – Mt. Independence, A Resident- Led Request to Create a Local Historic District. The presentation covered the topics of local historic district laws (Mass General Law 40C), the Creative Colony Atop Follen Hills, National Register for 12 Summit & 52 Follen, historically significant listed buildings, boundaries guidance from the Massachusetts Historical Commission, proposed new district boundaries, Eli Robbins (1786-1856), and Historic District Oversight. Mr. Hornig requested comments from the Planning Board. The Planning Board provided the following comments.  Robert Peters requested clarification regarding the boundaries, precisely the reason for the inclusion of 4 Summit. Mr. Peters questioned if additional properties within the immediate area have the filled historic building form and are not included in the proposed district boundary. Mr. Peters requested clarification on the structural integrity of a structure. Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of September 1, 2021  Bob Creech presented two questions. The first question requested clarification about 12 Summit.  Michael Leon reviewed the report prepared by the Historic District Commission. Mr. Leon requested clarification as to the reasoning for such an effort. Would this addition be a meaningful contribution for the Town, or is this an effort to prevent future development? Mr. Leon further questioned what makes this area unique and not the same as what is found throughout the community.  Michael Schanbacher requested clarification on the term appropriateness. Ms. Eccles provides a detailed summary of the appropriateness for historic preservation.  Mr. Hornig discussed setting and two properties that were not included, in addition to other properties, while 4 Summit, which is not visible was included. Ms. Eccles provided reasoning for the inclusion of specific parcels. Mr. Hornig stated his concern with including only parcels that opted in except for one. Mr. Hornig asked when the Historic District Commission would be holding their public hearing. Ms. Eccles stated that the public hearing would be held on September 23, 2021.  Melanie Thompson requested clarification as to what makes up this historic district, in that the houses are not similar. There is not any information for all the parcels included in the proposed district. The Planning Board and Ms. Eccles discussed the parcels included and not included in the proposed district. Mr. Hornig opened the floor for public comment. The following public comments were provided.  A statement regarding the need to create a historic district to include parcels constructed in the 1920s.  A statement regarding the National Historic District of cultural significance which echoed the importance of creating a new historic district supporting mid-century modern architecture.  A statement of concern as to why the Planning Board has concerns about the size of the proposed historic district.  A statement from a property owner that will be included in the proposed district noted that the proposed district reflects the area.  A statement about the importance of including 4 Summit due to the proximity of historical features and views of significant parts of Lexington. The Planning Board discussed the nature of the proposal, and a majority agreed that additional parcels should be added. Further, the Planning Board agreed that either all parcels should have the ability to opt-in or out, or none should. Mr. Creech stated that he was comfortable with supporting the proposal as is. Minutes for the Meeting of September 1, 2021 Page 3 Mr. Hornig summarized the recommendation of the Planning Board that if additional parcels adjacent to and across the street from the historic homes were included, then the Planning Board would support the proposal. Robert Peters moved that staff be instructed to draft a report advising the Historic District Commission to utilize the same criteria for the existing proposed parcels and include additional parcels that fit similar criteria for inclusion into the district. Michael Schanbacher seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 4- 1-0 (Roll call: Robert Peters – yes; Michael Schanbacher – yes; Melanie Thompson – yes; Robert Creech – No; Charles Hornig – yes) Site Plan Review, Special Permit, Sustainability, Landscaping, and Fee Regulations Charles Hornig, Chair, requested that members of the Planning Board review the proposed regulations and send amendments to the Planning Director before the opening of the public hearing on September 9, 2021. Proposed zoning bylaw: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Permitting Charles Hornig, Chair, opened the discussion and requested a summary of the proposed changes to Section 9.4.2, Criteria for special permits. Ms. Loomis provided a brief review of the proposed amendments and a summary of a recent meeting with the Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, in support for such changes. Mr. Hornig requested comments from members of the Planning Board. The following comments were provided.  Robert Peters appreciated the summary of the changes and supported the proposed amendments.  Michael Schanbacher supported the proposed change to number 4, relative to neighborhood character vs. scale.  Melanie Thompson requested clarification on the intent of Public infrastructure, utilities, and services. It was agreed to add “public” before services.  Bob Creech stated that the changes were good and appreciated the time spent with the Zoning Board of Appeals Chair.  Michael Leon supported the proposed amendments and provided support for various items he felt needed to be changed. Proposed zoning bylaw: Innovation Park Charles Hornig, Chair, provided a summary of the concept of a draft Innovation Park. Mr. Hornig presented a PowerPoint presentation, which covered Why this change; What is the same as Article 45; What is different; a map of Hartwell Avenue and Bedford Street Area; a map of the Forbes Road Area; and a map of the South Lexington Area. Mr. Hornig requested comments from members of the Planning Board. The following comments were provided.  Robert Peters requested clarification on bullet three of slide four regarding the dimensional table relative to what is proposed to be changed. Page 4 Minutes for the Meeting of September 1, 2021  Michael Schanbacher stated that this was a great start and full support, including the Forbes Road and South Lexington area parcels.  Melanie Thompson requested clarification relative to the proposed map and what move to a new zoning district mean. Mr. Hornig provided clarification regarding the proposed amendments to the Zoning Map.  Bob Creech stated his support for the proposal.  Michael Leon requested clarification of the historic zoning districts and why similar campus settings for all development types and site-specific concerns. Mr. Hornig provides a brief history of zoning for these parcels. Mr. Leon further discussed other provisions that need further review. Mr. Hornig opened the floor for public comment. The following comment was provided.  A statement of concern for the deletion of the sustainable standards Mr. Hornig concluded the discussion and provided the next steps. Proposed zoning bylaw: Missing Middle Housing Charles Hornig, Chair, reviewed the draft amendment to the Zoning Bylaw, Missing Middle Housing. The Planning Board reviewed and provided comments on the proposed draft throughout Mr. Hornig’s presentation. Staff Updates Ms. Loomis provided an update on LexingtonNext and the upcoming Housing in Lexington public forum on September 21, the release of a survey, and a mapping exercise. Ms. Loomis further provided an update regarding the Sustainable Construction Workgroup. Board Member Updates:  Robert Peters provided an update on the Vision for Lexington survey under development and will be released after the first of the new year.  Melanie Thompson provided an update on the Transportation Advisory Committee and the desire to present the history of transportation in Lexington.  Bob Creech provided an update on the Greenways Corridor Committee, in addition to a letter recently sent by Susan Barrett that suggests the creation of a Pedestrian-Bicycle Plan for Lexington. Upcoming Meetings: The Planning Board reviewed the draft agendas for the September 9, September 22, and October 6, 2021, Planning Board meetings. Review of Meeting Minutes July 28, 2021, and August 11, 2021 Robert Peters moved that the Planning Board approve the minutes of July 28, 2021 and August 11, 2021meetings as presented. Melanie Thompson seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Robert Peters – yes; Michael Minutes for the Meeting of September 1, 2021 Page 5 Schanbacher – yes; Melanie Thompson – yes; Robert Creech – yes; Charles Hornig – yes). MOTION PASSED Adjourn Robert Peters moved that the Planning Board adjourn the meeting of September 1, 2021. Melanie Thompson seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5- 0-0 (Roll call: Robert Peters – yes; Michael Schanbacher – yes; Melanie Thompson – yes; Robert Creech – yes; Charles Hornig – yes). MOTION PASSED Meeting adjourned at 9:43 pm Lex Media recorded the meeting. The following documents used at the meeting can be found on the Planning Board website in Planning Board packets. Mt. Independence Historic District:  Preliminary Study Report from the Historic District Committee dated July 14, 2021 (58 pages). Zoning Proposals:  Draft amend Zoning Bylaw Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Permitting dated August 30, 2021 (3 pages).  Draft amend Zoning Bylaw Missing middle Income dated August 25, 2021 (7 pages). Zoning Regulations:  Draft proposed regulations for Solar Energy Systems dated May 27, 2021 (4 pages).  Draft proposed regulations for Site Plan Review and Special Permit Design dated August 25, 2021 (9 pages).  Draft proposed Fee Schedule dated August 25, 2021 (3 pages).  Draft proposed Planting List dated May 4, 2021 (3 pages). Michael Schanbacher, Clerk of the Planning Board