HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-11-09-PB-min
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 9, 2021
Minutes of the Lexington Planning Board
Held on November 9, 2021, Virtual Meeting at 6:00 pm
Present: Charles Hornig, Chair; Robert Peters, Vice-Chair; Michael Schanbacher, Clerk; Robert
Creech, Melanie Thompson. Also present was Amanda Loomis, Planning Director.
Charles Hornig, Chair, called to order the meeting of the Lexington Planning Board on
Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at 6:02 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 could 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.
***************************TOWN MEETING*****************************
1. Zoning Articles: Article 15 - Amendment
Charles Hornig, Chair, opened the discussion for the proposed amendment proposed by Bob
Creech. Mr. Creech presented a PowerPoint regarding the proposed Motion Number 1 for
Article 15.
Mr. Hornig requested comments from members of the Planning Board. The following
comments were provided.
Mr. Hornig requested clarification regarding the need for a special permit. Mr. Hornig
further questioned Mr. Creech about the ability of the Town to request affordable
housing if the Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) Article did not pass.
Mr. Hornig stated that the passage of this amendment would result in Article 15
failure.
Robert Peters stated that he is coming around to Mr. Creech’s point of view relative
to the project at 440 Bedford Street. Mr. Peters stated that the Town is balancing
things and has created affordable units, and the Town needs to have a tool in the
toolbox for residential construction.
Melanie Thompson stated that she found the presentation a little confusing. Ms.
Thompson questioned how this proposed Motion would get the Town more
affordable units.
Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of November 9, 2021
Michael Schanbacher stated that the Planning Board is all in agreement to make more
affordable housing. Mr. Schanbacher further stated his concerns regarding scaring off
a developer by not providing clear direction.
Mr. Hornig opened the floor for public comment. No comment was received.
Mr. Hornig questions if members of the Planning Board have anything to add. No
additional Planning Board comments were provided.
A member of the public raised their hand to request clarification regarding affordable
units proposed in Article 15. Mr. Hornig provided a brief review of the affordable
component for the affordable units in the Open Space Residential Development.
Robert Peters moved that the Planning Board recommend that Town Meeting not
approve Bob Creech’s Motion Number 1 to amend Article 15. The Planning Board
voted in favor of the motion 4-1-0 (roll call: Robert Peters – yes; Melanie Thompson –
yes; Bob Creech – no; Michael Schanbacher –yes; Charles Hornig – yes). MOTION
PASSED
1- Zoning Articles
Charles Hornig, Chair, provided a brief review of the recent discussion of the Select
Board regarding the Walls and Fences Zoning Amendment.
Adjourn
Robert Peters moved that the Planning Board adjourn the meeting of November 9, 2021.
Michael Schanbacher seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion
5-0-0 (roll call: Robert Peters – yes; Melanie Thompson – yes; Bob Creech – no; Michael
Schanbacher –yes; Charles Hornig – yes). MOTION PASSED
Meeting adjourned at 6:44 pm
Lex Media recorded the meeting.
Michael Schanbacher, Clerk of the Planning Board