HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Board minutes 03-16-1998 PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF MARCH 16, 1998
Chairman Merrill called the meeting of the Lexington Planning Board,held in Room G-3, Town Office
Building,to order at 7:38 p.m.,with members Bridge-Denzak,Colman,Davies,Galaitsis,Planning Director
Bowyer,-and-Assistant-Planner-Marino-and-former Board-member-Richard Canale-present. -- -
********************ARTICLES FOR 1998 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING *********************
62. Article 32. Wireless Communication Antennas: The Board reviewed and revised the ninth draft, dated
March 16, 1998,of Article 32,Wireless Communication Antennas and a draft of its report to Town Meeting,
dated March 13, 1998. On the motion of Mr. Colman, seconded by Mr. Davies,the Board voted unanimously,
5-0,to recommend that the Town Meeting approve the proposed amendment and to approve the report, as
amended.
***************** COORDINATION WITH OTHER BOARDS,COMMITTEES *****************
63 Preparation for Joint Meeting with the Selectmen: Mr Merrill reported to the Board on his conversation
with Peter Enrich, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen,about the Planning Board's proposed zoning
amendments. They agreed to discuss three of the eleven articles: Article 32,Wireless Communications
Antennas,Article 36,Nonconforming Parking,Lexington Center,and Article 40, Outdoor Lighting at tonight's
joint meeting.
The Board recessed at 8:00 p.m.to meet jointly with the Board of Selectmen in the Selectmen's Meeting
Room,Town Office Building.
Mr. Merrill reconvened the Planning Board meeting at 8:57 in Room G-3
64 Article 36.Nonconforming Parking. Lexington Center The Board reviewed and revised a draft report on
Article 36,Nonconforming Parking,Lexington Center,dated March 13, 1998. On the motion of Mr. Davies,
seconded by Mr Galaitsis,the Board voted unanimously to recommend that the Town Meeting approve the
proposed amendment and to approve the report, as revised.
65 Article 37 Maximum-Minimum Parking: The Board reviewed and revised a draft report on Article 41,
Maximum-Minimum Parking, dated March 12, 1998. On the motion of Mr Galaitsis, seconded by Mr.Merrill,
the Board voted unanimously to recommend that the Town Meeting approve the proposed amendment and to
approve the report, as revised.
66. Article 40. Outdoor Lighting: The Board reviewed and revised a draft report on Article 40, Outdoor
Lighting, dated March 12, 1998. On the motion of Mr.Davies, seconded by Ms.Bridge-Denzak,the Board
voted unanimously to recommend that the Town Meeting approve the proposed amendment and approve the
report, as revised.
67 Article 45. Transfer Spencer Street Property to Conservation Commission: After a brief discussion, on the
motion of Mr. Davies,seconded by Mr. Colman,the Board voted unanimously to oppose Article 45, Transfer
of Spencer Street property(owned by LexHAB)to Conservation Commission. The Planning Board reaffirmed
its support for the provision of affordable housing by the Town. _
*************************** PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT ***************************
68. Recent Activity
Historical Commission/43 Adams Street: Mr Bowyer reported that at a recent meeting with David Kelland
and Nancy Seasholes of the Historical Commission,he explained options and planning procedures with respect
2 Minutes for the Meeting of March 16, 1998
to a possible development at 43 Adams Street. The Windermere Group has purchased the property,which is
near the Fiske School playground,and wants to demolish a small mid 19th Century period building on the site
that the Commission is interested in saving.Mr. Kelland pointed out that a new roadway or subdivision might
alter the historic setting of the building which would most likely be lost in the process.
The six-month demolition delay period is currently in effect.
On a related matter,the Commission is making a survey of all the historically significant properties left in town
that are not in historic districts and wants to collaborate with the Planning Board on developing a process for
protecting them.Mr. Bowyer suggested that in cases where a historic structure is present,this might include
requiring evidence from applicants for subdivision approval that they have tried to save the historic property,
That might occur during the sketch plan stage and could have other considerations on the site. That might
require changes in the subdivision rules.
It was agreed that the Commission and the Board should work more closely together on historic properties. Mr.
Bowyer said he would add the Commission to the list of town bodies that are asked to identify potential public
benefits for those subdivisions that must provide benefits, such as those developed under Section 7 4.5,
Reduced Frontage of the Zoning By-Law
****************ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ****************
RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPLICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS
69 Applications To Be Heard on March 26. 1998: Mr. Colman gave an oral review of the following
applications:
31 Allen Street,Bryan and Tulin, appeal of a decision of the Building Commissioner
The Planning Board, on the basis of the evidence available to it, agreed to strongly recommend
that the appeal of the abutters be upheld. It believes that the antennas were improperly installed
and should be removed.
4 Hartwell Place,Raytheon, special permit to install four office trailers
Mr.Colman commented that, in the spirit of supporting the business community,he supports the
placement of the trailers for 40 months. Their location,facing Hanscom Field,will have no
adverse impact on residential properties. The Board concurred and agreed to recommend
approving the special permit but will strongly urge the Board of Appeals to include special
conditions that prohibit any extension beyond the 40 month term and that require the trailers to be
removed and the site returned to its original condition at the end of 40 months.
443 Lincoln Street,Piantedosi, extend variance to continue parking vehicles
The Planning Board agreed to call to the Board of Appeals' attention that this is an area of critical
environmental concern. It believes the decision should contain a special condition to extend
monitoring privileges to the Cambridge Water Board.
The meeting was adjourned at 11.25 p.m.
Steven L. Colman,Clerk