HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Board minutes 04-27-1998 PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF APRIL 27, 1998
Chairman Merrill called the meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in Room G-15,Town Office
Building to order at 7:05 p.m.Members Bridge-Denzak,Colman,Davies,Planning Director Bowyer, and
Assistant Planner Marino were present.Mr.Galaitsis arrived during Item 96.
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92. Review of Minutes: The Board reviewed the minutes for the meeting of October 27,November 3-4, 17
and 19,December 1, 8 and 15, 1997,January 5, 12 and the Executive Session of January 12,January 20 and 26,
1998. On the motion of Mr.Davies,seconded by Ms. Bridge-Denzak, it was voted unanimously 4-0 to approve
the minutes,as written.
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
93. Policies on Providing "Reasonably Priced" and Affordable (Comprehensive Plan definition) in residential
develonments under Section 9 or 7 4.5 of the Zoning Bylaw Mr. Bowyer asked the Board to look at the material
he drafted to try to deal with some inconsistencies in the Board's policy on affordable housing in cluster
subdivisions. Definitions in the Zoning By-Law, the Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan, Inclusionary
Housing Policy,etc.need to be re-evaluated and reconciled. The Old Smith Farm(off Wood Street)development
team had difficulties knowing how and what to propose in the sketch plan made in December 1997 One of the
documents distributed is a section of the Zoning By-Law A change in that wording will require a Town Meeting
vote. The Board agreed that they must define the issue for the Wood Street development team and other
developers.
Mr. Bowyer said that affordable housing is very difficult to produce without government subsidy To have it
done under private auspices almost requires a bonus provision allowing the developer to build more units in
return. Moderately priced housing is more likely without some type of public subsidy
James Gaklis, the developer of the Old Smith Farm Subdivision, was present. Mr. Colman summarized what
occurred at a meeting in which he and Mr Davies talked with Mr Gaklis and his development team, as
expressed in a letter dated March 25, 1998. Mr. Davies commented that the plan is really quite good at this point.
The Board just needs to clarify what it wants to see as the public benefit in a timely manner so the development
can move forward. Mr. Davies said he believes the public benefit offer could be examined separately from
another plan submission.
Mr Gaklis has provided a menu of choices for the Board to evaluate. David Williams speaking for the
Conservation Commission's Land Acquisition Subcommittee has said it does not want the hilltop for
conservation land. The Board members and the developer expressed concern about the farm drainage hole on the
site. It is a hazard that would best be removed by filling but the Conservation Commission determined it is a
wetland. Ms. Bridge-Denzak will go to the site and inspect its features.
The Board urged the developer to go ahead with a preliminary plan and to propose a public benefit in light of the
Board's discussion tonight and according to the Zoning By-Law
94. Old Spring Street Subdivision. Ston Work Order Mr Bowyer reported that clearing of the site and other
construction activity had started on the site prior to the endorsement of the subdivision plan, acceptance of the
covenant and the recording of the subdivision plan. He issued a stop work order. Mr. Bowyer said he has
discussed that work with Mr. Lopez when he received the notice. He has removed the heavy equipment from the
site. On the motion of Mr. Davies, seconded by Mr Colman, the Board voted unanimously to endorse the action
2 Minutes for the Meeting of April 27, 1998
of the Planning Director in issuing a stop work order at the Old Spring Street site, for the reasons enumerated in
a letter dated April, 1998.
95. Planning Board Work Programs: Mr Bowyer distributed a questionnaire relative to their priorities for work
to do during-the coming-year..—He said he asSumes-that there will be three meetings per month,one of which-will
be devoted to planning issues only Mr Merrill suggested the Board talk together a bit before each fills out the
questionnaire,perhaps at their"retreat."Mr. Davies would like to see the Board be a little more"user friendly"
Mr Galaitsis joined the meeting at this point.
96. Old Spring Street Subdivision. Accent Covenant.Endorse Plan: After a brief discussion, on the motion
of Mr. Davies, seconded by Mr. Colman,the Planning Board voted unanimously to accept the covenant executed
by Old Spring Street Realty Trust, Ronald A. Lopez, trustee, on April 16, 1998, and to endorse the definitive
subdivision plan entitled "Old Spring Street, Definitive Subdivision", in accordance with Section 7 4.5 of the
Lexington Zoning By-Law
PLANS NOT REOUIRING APPROVAL UNDER THE SUBDIVISION CONTROL LAW
97 Form A/98-5. 113/115 Concord Avenue.Kazazian: The Board reviewed an Approval Not Required
Plan for land at 113/115 Concord Avenue. On the motion of Mr. Colman, seconded by Ms. Bridge-Denzak,the
Board voted unanimously to endorse the plan entitled "Plan of Land in Lexington,MA(Middlesex County),"
dated April 7, 1998, prepared by James R.Keenan,Registered Land Surveyor, Winchester,MA,certified by
same,with Form A/98-5, submitted by George and Anahid Kazazian, applicants, as it does not require approval
under the Subdivision Control Law
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98. Article 13. Street Acceptances: The Board had a brief discussion about Currier Court,which is slated to
be accepted tonight.They agreed that they would support its acceptance by the Town Meeting,the stone
monument notwithstanding.(See item#86a. minutes of April 13, 1998)
The Board agreed to cancel their meeting set for Wednesday,April 29, 1998.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
Steven L. Colman,Clerk