HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Board minutes 01-12-1998 PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF JANUARY 12, 1998
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in Room G-15, Town Office Building,was called to order at
7.40 p.m.by Chairman Canale with members Colman,Davies,Planning Director Bowyer,and Assistant Planner
Marino present. Mr. Merrill arrived during Item 10. Mr. Galaitsis had to leave the meeting during item#5 due
to illness.
************************************* MINUTES ***************************************
5. Review of Minutes: The Board reviewed and corrected the minutes for the meeting of June 16, July 23,
August 13, September 8, 15 and 29, and October 20. 1997 On the motion of Mr Davies, seconded by Mr.
Colman, it was voted unanimously 3-0 to approve the minutes,as amended.
The Board reviewed the minutes for the meeting of June 30,July 8,October 22 and November 17, 1997 On the
motion of Mr. Davies, seconded by Mr. Colman, it was voted unanimously, 3-0, to approve the minutes, as
written.
************ ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS *************
DETERMINATION OF GRADE AND CONSTRUCTION OF UNACCEPTED STREETS
6. Oakmount Circle.Definitive Street Improvement Plan.Richard Curtin.Decision: The Board reviewed and
amended the decision on a definitive plan for the improvement of a portion of Oakmount Circle that it voted
at the December 15, 1997 meeting. The Board agreed to remove two sentences(having to do with the road
surface)and send it as amended.
*************************** PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT **************************
7 Recent Activity
a. 160-170 Wood Street. Old Smith Farm: Mr. Bowyer reported that the developer of 160-170 Wood Street
needs some guidance on how to work with Section 9,the cluster subdivision by-law He has not yet defined the
public benefit for his subdivision proposal in a way to which the Board can respond.Mr.Bowyer suggested that
the Board consider adopting an alternative process to interact with developers on issues that are not clearly
defined in the Zoning By-Law Mr.Colman and Mr.Davies said they would be willing to interact with developers
on such issues.William Herring,of Herring Construction Company,was in the audience and suggested that the
Board produce a"menu"of possible public benefits for developers to consult.
b. Attorney General Annroval of 55 Hayden Avenue Rezonine: Mr. Bowyer reported that on January 6, the
Attorney General 's office approved Article 2 of the November 19, 1998 Special Town Meeting, Spaulding and
Slye's 55 Hayden Avenue rezoning proposal.
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
8. Adams Street 7 4.5 Subdivision.Winnetucket R. T Accent Covenant.Endorse Plans:Mr.Marino reported
that the developers of the 94 Adams Street 7 4.5 Subdivision has satisfied the conditions that were to be met prior
to the endorsement of their plans. After a brief discussion, on the motion of Mr. Davies, seconded by Mr.
Colman,the Board voted unanimously to accept the covenant executed by Winnetucket Realty Trust,Richard F
Perry and Peter C. J. Kelley, dated January 8, 1998; and to endorse the definitive subdivision plan entitles No.
94 Adams Street,Definitive Subdivision, in accordance with Section 7 4.5 of the Lexington Zoning By-Law
2 Minutes for the Meeting of January 12, 1998
**************************************** TOWN REPORT*********************************
9 1997 Planning Board Annual Report for the Town Report: The Board reviewed and revised a draft of its
annual report, dated January 2, 1998. On the motion of Mr Davies, seconded by Mr Colman, the Board
unanimously accepted the document as its Annual Report.
************************* ARTICLES FOR 1998 TOWN MEETING *************************
10. Amendments to the Zoning By-Law The Board further refined the wording of proposed amendments to the
Zoning By-Law and set February 9, 1998 as the date for public hearings on the following five articles: Article
C, Conversion of One Family Houses; Article E, Nonconforming Parking, Lexington Center; Article F,
Maximum, Minimum Parking; Article G, Transportation Demand Management; and, Article H, Procedures,
Planned Development Districts. The Board agreed that if the parties involved in Article X, Citizen's Petition:
Parking Requirements, Secondary Schools,bring in their material,a public hearing for the amendment may also
be held on February 9
Mr.Bowyer reported that William Herring,of Herring Construction Company,has asked for copies of the drafts
of proposed zoning amendments. Mr. Bowyer explained that under public records law, documents related to
policy positions being developed by the Board are exempt and are not considered to be documents available to
the public, contrary to Mr. Herring's claim. He had explained that as soon as the Board was finished with the
drafts,there would be numerous copies available and widespread availability
Article I. Outdoor Lighting(draft#2 dated 1/9/98)Mr Davies summarized the outdoor lighting amendment he
is drafting and explained how it would be implemented. The Board discussed the amendment further
Mr Merrill joined the meeting at this time.
Article J, Zoning Map Change, Clarke-Muzzey Block and Meriam St. Parking Lot The Board agreed that it
needed to hear from the Board of Trustees of Cary Library and from the condominium owners of 16 Clarke Street.
Their support is needed if the Board is going to go forward with the Article.
******************** PLANNING BOARD ORGANIZATION, SCHEDULE ********************
11 Election of Officers: The Board agreed to elect new officers instead of waiting until the last meeting in June,
as is customary Mr Davies nominated Mr. Merrill for Chairman;Mr. Colman nominated Mr Davies for Vice
Chairman; Mr.Merrill nominated Mr. Colman for Clerk. Mr.Canale seconded the nominations. There being no
further nominations,the Board voted that slate unanimously,to be effective February 9, 1998.
12. Anoint Representative to HATS Four Town Master Plan Implementation Committee:Mr.Merrill nominated
Mr. Canale to represent the Town on the HATS Four Town Master Plan Study Implementation Committee.Mr.
Colman seconded the motion and it was voted unanimously by the Board,4-0.
RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPLICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS
13. Applications To Be Heard on January 29 1998: Mr Merrill gave an oral review of the following
applications:
37 Baker Avenue.Fruitt/Markowitz,variances for an addition to dwelling
The Planning Board agreed that it would recommend denial of this petition. The Zoning By-Law,
Section 4, line 17.1, permits temporary uses if they are compatible with the adjacent neighborhood.
However, the Board agreed that the proposed storage container is not compatible with the adjacent
Minutes for the Meeting of January 12, 1998 3
neighborhood and bikeway
The Board agreed to make no comment on the applications below also scheduled to be heard by the Board of
Appeals on January 29, 1998.
121 Massachusetts Avenue.Accetta, special permit to have a temporary storage container
******************************* EXECUTIVE SESSION ***********************************
On the motion of Mr Merrill,Mr. Canale polled the members at 10:38 p.m. and the Board voted unanimously
to go into Executive Session to discuss the Town's acquisition of land. The Board agreed to reconvene in open
session only for the purpose of adjourning.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:09 p.m. / /
John L.Davies, Clerk