HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Board minutes 06-08-1998 PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF JUNE 8, 1998
Chairman Merrill called the meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in Room G-15,Town Office
Building to order at 7:37 p.m. Members Bridge-Denzak,Colman,Davies,Planning Director Bowyer, and
Assistant Planner Marino were present.Mr Galaitsis was absent.
***************************************MINUTES ****************************************
114. Review of Minutes: The Board reviewed and corrected the minutes for the meetings of March 2 and
March 30, 1998. On the motion of Mr. Colman, seconded by Mr. Davies, it was voted unanimously 4-0 to
approve the minutes, as amended.
The Board reviewed the minutes for the meeting of March 9, 16,23,25 and April I, 1998. On the motion of
Mr Colman, seconded by Mr. Davies, it was voted unanimously 4-0 to approve the minutes, as written.
*************** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ****************
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
115. Munroe Villaee, Todd Cataldo, Waiver of the Requirement for a Gas Line: Mr. Marino explained that in
conversations with the Conservation Administrator, an alternative use for the money the developer will pay in
lieu of installing a gas line was defined. It would be placed in a Conservation Fund and used for maintenance
and improvements to the conservation land adjacent to the subdivision. On the motion of Mr. Davies, seconded
by Mr. Colman, the Planning Board unanimously approved the requested waiver from the requirement that a
gas line be installed in the Munroe Village subdivision,with the condition that the developer either:
1. file a revised landscape plan prepared by Jack Tremblay, Landscape Architect, showing the installation
of additional street trees and/or other landscaping along Howard Munroe Place, and/or Woburn Street.
The value of the additional street trees and/or other landscaping shall be at least $500 not including the
value($470)of the additional street tree the developer is responsible for installing; or
2. donate $1,000 to the Conservation Fund for the purpose of making improvements to existing trails,
constructing new trails, and/or providing amenities along the Minuteman Bikeway on the land shown
as lot 164J on assessor's map 47 and known as "Brown's Homestead" The Planning Board agrees to
accept the funds and authorizes the use of the funds for the purpose of making the improvements to the
"Brown's Homestead" land in return for the waiver from the requirement that a gas line be installed in
the Munroe Village subdivision.
116. Old Suring Street.Rescind Ston Work Order, Site Plan Adjustments: Mr.Merrill commented that he
found the staffs proposed solution to lift the stop work order at the 155 Old Spring Street Subdivision site, as
set forth in a memo to the Board dated May 29, 1998, reasonable and asked the Board if it wished to support it.
On the motion of Mr. Davies, seconded by Ms.Bridge-Denzak,the Board voted unanimously to rescind the
Stop Work Order issued by the Planning Director on April 24, 1998 and to allow the developer to begin work in
accordance with the procedures set forth in the Development Regulations after a subdivision plan has been
recorded.
117 22 Revere Street.Daniel&Janice Whitney Definitive Subdivision Plan under Section 7 4.5. PUBLIC
HEARING:Mr. Merrill opened the hearing at 7:50 p.m.Present for this item were Janice and Daniel Whitney,
applicants,David Crispin, engineer,of the BSC Group, and Patricia Nelson,attorney Some abutters were
present. Mr. Crispin presented a definitive subdivision plan under Section 7 4.5 for 22 Revere Street showing
three parcels of land: one will have a permanent conservation restriction on it; another parcel will be deeded to
the Town; a new house will be built on the third. The Conservation Commission has issued an Order of
Conditions for the site.A sizeable tree where the driveway is to be located has conveniently died. The
2 Minutes for the Meeting of June 8, 1998
Conservation Commission granted permission to build within the 50 foot wetland setback.An engineering
change from the previous plan is the addition of a fire hydrant at the request of the Engineering Department.
Ms.Nelson said that the language describing the required public benefit has been firmed up. It includes close to
two-full=building-lots-along-with-the conservation restriction-on-Parcel-2. Improvements;-including-landscaping,----
will also be made along the bikeway There is also a no-build restriction on lots 1 and 2 along the bikeway
The house will have 2,800 square feet of living space apart from the garage and porch.
John Stacey, 63 Ledgelawn Avenue, an abutter who was in the audience,expressed his approval of the project,
saying it fits well in the neighborhood. Mr. Colman commended the Whitney's attention to detail.Mr. Merrill
commented that this plan represents a classic example of how Section 7 4.5 was designed to work. Mr. Davies
called it a good example of cooperation between neighbors.
Mr Merrill closed the hearing at 8:07 p.m.
Mr Davies moved that the Board approve the subdivision plan as presented, including the conditions that the
dwelling not have more than 2,800 square feet of living area and that a fire hydrant be added as recommended
by the Engineering Department and that the Board instruct the staff to write a decision to that effect for their
signature.Mr Colman seconded the motion. With a unanimous vote, 4-0,the Board approved the motion.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PLANS
118. Earl Street. Definitive Street Improvement Plan. Mark Barons. Presentation to the Board: Mr. Merrill
opened the public hearing at 8:30 p.m. Present were Zoltan Julian, civil engineer, of Meridian Engineering
Collaborative, Richard Lakutis, landscape architect, of Land Tech Associates, Daniel Tocci and Joanne Kerwin
applicants.
Mr Julian explained that the plan before the Board is based on a preliminary plan the Board saw about three
years ago, but it has incorporated features that address suggestions and comments the Board and the Engineering
Department made at that time. They have worked with the Engineering Department to resolve several issues
surrounding drainage and related matters.
The plan shows proposed improvements to 320 feet of Earl Street, currently an unaccepted street, to provide
legal frontage to two parcels of land. A waiver of the requirement to center the pavement, which will be 20 feet
wide, in the right of way, is requested. The Conservation Commission has issued Orders of Conditions for both
lots. The utilities will be underground. The water main will be extended from Ash Street. Town water and sewer
stubs will be provided for the three existing lots on Earl Street.
Ms. Bridge-Denzak questioned the placement of the houses on the two lots, saying it will make them very high
relative to neighboring houses. Mr Julian explained that it has to do with the Zoning By-Law's requirement that
the floor be constructed four feet above the elevation of the groundwater Mr. Davies pointed out that it is the
design of the house that is questionable as much as it is the location. Several options to deal with this problem
were suggested, including redesign of the houses or seeking a variance from the Board of Appeals.
Cindy Prenovitz, 34 Earl Street, expressed her dissatisfaction that the new house next to her house will be so
high on the property Joseph Akimchuk, 49 Earl Street, had a question about details on the construction of the
street and the effect of more traffic on the unpaved roadway Mr Marino spoke briefly about possible future
improvements to Ash Street. Mr. Bowyer spoke about sewer system issues and about the Town's responsibilities
in connection with unaccepted streets. Joanne Kerwin, 40 Earl Street, expressed her concern about this project
being further delayed. She is looking forward to the sewer connection.
Mr. Merrill closed the hearing at 9:20 p.m.
Minutes for the Meeting of June 8, 1993 3
119 577 581 Marrett Road Sketch Cluster Subdivision Plan.Harry Wight.Presentation to the Board: Present
for this item were Harry Wight and Richard Ruggiero,principals of Chestnut Green LLC,the developer. Mr.
Wight gave some background on the project,which picks up where Joseph Butler left off in 1996. The land was
rezoned from CS to RS in 1996 and the previous owner presented a proposal for nine townhouses for the site.
Mr.Wight's plan is a revised sketch plan showing a"village"of eight luxury condominiums ranging in size
from 1,800 to 2,400 square feet with two-car garages. The dwellings are targeted toward smaller households,
e.g.empty nesters.He showed aerial photographs of the site.
Existing vegetation at the back of the site will be left as undisturbed as possible. The dwelling units are sited in
such a way that as much green space as possible can be maintained at the front of the site. The proposed cul-de-
sac will have a slightly larger diameter than the previous plan showed.
Mr. Colman commented that he thought they had done well with a difficult site. Ms.Bridge-Denzak expressed
concern about the usability of the green space. Mr.Merrill said he believes the project is aimed at an important
market and works well as a gateway to Lexington.
Comments and questions from the audience included: the wetland is really a swamp;how will the development
affect the water level relative to existing dwellings;we are going to lose our privacy;the property should be
zoned commercial;the architecture is cliched; what is the public benefit?Mr. Wight said that the sketch
provided tonight is an early illustration and the actual architecture is likely to change with more detailed study
Mr.Merrill declared the informational meeting closed at 10:16 p. m.
***************ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ****************
RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPLICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS
120. Applications To Be Heard on June 11. 1998: Mr. Colman gave an oral review of the following
applications:
755 Massachusetts Avenue (Follen Church 1,Nextel, special permit to install a wireless communications
facility
The Planning Board agreed to endorse the Cable Television and Telecommunications Advisory
Committee's comments.
62 Mass.Avenue.Magnificent Muffm, special permit to operate a take-out food business
The Board agreed to endorse the Zoning Officer's comments about delineating the parking.
The Board had no comment on the following applications, also scheduled to be heard on June 11, 1998.
25 Fottler Avenue, Giliberto,variances to add a second story,new stairs and garage
33 Parker Street.Ghillany&Lehar,special permit to place soil on lot
1265 Mass.Avenue. Seasons Four, inc.,renewal of a special permit to operate a nursery, etc.
16 Fottler Avenue,MacLellan, special permit to add a second story to dwelling
******************************** PUBLIC PARTICIPATION *********************************
121. Wireless Communications Antennas Regulations: Mr. Merrill recognized David Kanter, 48 Fifer Lane,
who was present.Mr Kanter provided the Board with the first draft of proposed regulations that will be used in
the permit granting process for siting wireless communications antennas.
122. Hennessy Field Committee,Designation of Planning Board Representatives: Mr. Merrill reported that the
Chairman of the Board of Selectmen asked him to designate one Planning Board representative to the
Selectmen's Hennessy Field Committee. Mr.Merrill noted that Mr. Colman is the senior member of the three
4 Minutes for the Meeting of June 8, 1998
who expressed interest in serving in that role and asked him to be the Planning Board representative and thus
chairman of the committee, according to the Selectmen's wishes. He asked Ms.Bridge-Denzak and Mr.
Galaitsis to serve as resource people to the Committee. Mr.Merrill noted that the formation of this Committee
demonstrates the beginning of a Planning Board/Selectmen dialogue that should continue. On the motion of
- Mr.2Merrill,-seconded-by=Mr,-Davies,the-Boardvoted-unanimously=to=endorse-the-appointment of-Mr.Colman..
****************** REGIONAL,INTERTOWN ISSUES ***********************
123 Minuteman Tech Hiah School Development Proposal: Mr. Bowyer reported that membership on the
Selectmen's Ad Hoc Committee on Minuteman School Development calls for a Planning Board representative.
Richard Canale is currently the Board's representative to the Four-Town Planning Group and is interested in
serving on the Minuteman School Development Committee.In answer to Mr. Colman's question,Mr. Merrill
said that the Board's representative does not have to be a member of the Board. On the motion of Mr. Davies,
seconded by Mr Colman,the board voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Canale as its representative to the
Selectmen's Ad Hoc Committee on Minuteman School Development.
124 Metropolitan State Hospital Land Reuse Task Force: Mr. Bowyer said that the Met State Hospital Land
Reuse project is becoming active again and that the Planning Board should have a liaison to the Met. State Task
Force for this important project. On the motion of Mr Colman, seconded by Mr. Davies, the Board voted
unanimously to designate Ms.Bridge-Denzak as the Board's liaison.
Ms. Bridge-Denzak reported that an RFP will be issued for development of the Met. State Hospital property
and the Task Force discussed how best to involve themselves in the RFP process. They want to assure that any
housing built there has an affordable component.
Mr. Bowyer said that two years ago it was decided that there should be a Memorandum of Understanding
among the three communities(Lexington Belmont and Waltham)and DCPO That has not been done yet. There
is an approved reuse plan and legislation has been passed but there are many details to be worked out. Three
communities are involved, each with its own needs and by-laws to satisfy Developers will need a clear
permitting process for the site. Mr. Merrill predicted the development of site will attract national interest.
125 Freedom's Way Heritage Corridor Richard Canale, newly elected President of the Freedom's Way
Heritage Corridor Association, was present to ask the Board to write a letter of support so that the Association
can seek the designation of the area as a National Heritage Corridor. The Board agreed to write a letter of
support.
126. Hanscom Area Towns (HATS) - Four Town Master Plan Study—Mr. Bowyer reported on the May 27
meeting of the Four Town Planning Group. He said that a more detailed work plan that he had drafted for a
stage of the Group's work,the Comparative Regulation of Development, has been approved. The next stage is
to seek funding through the HATS Committee.
127 Recent Activity
Route 3 Widening: Mr.Bowyer reported that legislation has been filed that deals with widening Route 3 North.
It involves the private sector and allows development rights along Route 3 He said that the legislation has a
number of troublesome financing arrangements.
The meeting was adjourned at 11 15 p.m.
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Steven L. Colman,Clerk