HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Board minutes 03-30-1998 PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF MARCH 30, 1998
Chairman Merrill called the meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in Room G-15,Town Office
Building to order at 7:30 p.m. Members Bridge-Denzak,Colman,Davies, Planning Director Bowyer, and
Assistant-Planner-Marino were-present.Mr.Galaitsis arrived-during-Item--7-7.
**************************** PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT ***************************
76. Recent Activity
Proposed Development at Minuteman Tech: Mr. Bowyer reported that the Minuteman Regional Science
Technology High School,has issued a Request for Proposal for a major development,with a price tag of more
than$1,000,000, at the School. The Claremont Company was the only respondent. They propose development
of an Advanced Technology Center, a hotel and an assisted living center He informed the Board that any such
project costing over a million dollars must be approved by a majority vote of the town meetings of all affected
towns. He said the proposal is likely to require a rezoning as well because he does not believe those type of
uses are covered by the educational use exemption. The Board reviewed and corrected a letter that lists several
points, having to do with review procedures by affected towns,that the Planning Board believes are important
to focus on early in the process. On the motion of Mr Colman, seconded by Mr Davies,the Board voted
unanimously,4-0,to approve the letter, as amended.
*************************ARTICLES FOR 1998 TOWN MEETING **************************
77 Article 32. Wireless Communications Antennas:Nicolas Hay,48 Valley Road,was in the audience and
requested an opportunity to ask three questions about Article 32.His question had to do with public safety,
FCC monitoring, and repeaters.Mr. Canale answered his questions. Mr.Merrill said the Board would address
the issues he raised
Mr. Colman informed the Board that the language in paragraph 15.6.4 of the motion for Article 32, Wireless
Communications Antennas, should be corrected as set forth in the motion that will be filed with the Town Clerk
the night it comes up at Town Meeting. On the motion of Mr Colman, seconded by Mr Davies,the Board
unanimously supported the change to the motion.Mr Colman will point out the difference in the official
motion from the wording of the motion included in the reports distributed to Town Meeting Members.
78. Article 35.Technical Corrections: George Burnell,4 Eaton Road,was present and asked to speak about
Article 35,Technical Corrections.He said that he moved reconsideration of Article 35 at the March 23 Town
Meeting session because the new definition of basement may create a problem for him. He would like to know
more about the reasoning that led to the definition and perhaps to move to amend the definition.After
discussion the Board suggested the better route would be to thoroughly review the effects of the amendment
made from the floor and to submit additional technical corrections at next year's Town Meeting.They pointed
out that unintended effects are produced from last minute amendments.Mr.Burnell agreed to not seek
reconsideration.
79 Article 46.Transfer of Hennessy Field Property to Conservation Commission: Mr Bowyer reported that
Judy Uhrig, 15 Vine Brook Road, is prepared to offer an amendment to Article 46, Transfer of Hennessy Field
Property to the Conservation Commissions that would refer the matter back to a proposed committee to be
composed of one representative from four town boards(Recreation, Conservation Commission,Planning
Board,the Board of Selectmen)and one person from the neighborhood. She believes there is no need for an
immediate decision, and that all the alternatives need to be studied further On the motion of Mr. Colman,
seconded by Ms.Bridge-Denzak,the Board voted unanimously to support Ms.Uhrig's initiative to form a
committee to study the issue. Mr. Colman volunteered to represent the Planning Board if the committee is
formed.
2 Minutes for the Meeting of March 30, 1998
***************ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ***************
80. APPLICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS
a. Anneal of Issuance of Permits for Antennas at 31 Allen Street: Mr Colman reported that the Board of
Appeals upheld the neighbors' appeal of the decision of the Building Commissioner to issue building permits
for the erection of two communications towers at 31 Allen Street.The towers will have to be removed.
b. Decision on Cary Library Expansion: Mr. Colman reported that the Board of Appeals granted the
variances requested by the Library Trustees so that Cary Library may be renovated and expanded.The Planning
Board had urged the Board of Appeals to grant the variances.The 20-day appeal period will start when the
decision is filed.
************************************** REPORTS ****************************************
81 Planning Board. Subcommittees
a. Historical Commission: After a brief discussion,on the motion of Mr Merrill,seconded by Mr Colman,
the Board voted unanimously to name Mr.Davies its liaison to the Historical Commission.
b. Design Advisory Committee: Ms.Bridge-Denzak reported that at the last meeting of the DAC,the DAC
discussed the Planning Board's Article 36,Nonconforming Parking,Lexington Center,which was voted down
at Town Meeting and the proposal to expand the Town owned parking lot behind the School Administration
Building next to Fletcher Avenue. The DAC believes that the defeat was due to the real need for a
comprehensive study of parking in Lexington Center and they would like to work with the Planning Board on
the issue of parking in the Center.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Steven L. Colman,Clerk