HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-12-14-ZBA-min
Minutes of the Lexington Board of Appeals
Virtual, Via Zoom
December 14, 2023
Board Members: Chair – Ralph D. Clifford, Nyles N. Barnert, Norman P. Cohen, James A.
Osten, and Martha C. Wood
Alternate Member: Kathryn Roy
Administrative Staff: Julie Krakauer Moore, Zoning Administrator and Sharon Coffey,
Administrative Clerk
Address: 19 Crescent Hill Avenue
The petitioner is requesting a SPECIAL PERMIT in accordance with the Zoning By-Law
(Chapter 135 of the Code of Lexington) section(s) 135-9.4 and 135-8.4.2, to allow modification
of a nonconforming structure.
The petitioner submitted the following information with the application: Average natural Grade
Calculations, Height Calculations, Certified Abutters List, Certified Plot Plan, Gross Floor Area
Calculation, Drawings, Designs, Elevations, Floor Plan.
Prior to the meeting, the petitions and supporting data were reviewed by the Building
Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Board of Selectmen, the Planning
Director, the Historic District Commission Clerk, Historical Commission, Economic
Development, and the Zoning Administrator. Comments were received from the Planning
Department and the Zoning Administrator.
The Hearing was opened at 7:12 pm
Presenter: Keith Miller
Mr. Miller presented the petition. He stated the desire of the owners to add an addition to the
rear of their home to allow for an open floor plan on their first floor and a master suite on the
second. Examination of the neighborhood portrayed that the addition will not affect the character
of the neighborhood as the A-Frame Gambrel style architecture and character that the property
currently has will be preserved. Mr. Miller presented a letter of approval from an immediate
abutter at 21 Crescent Hill Ave. who lives closest to the proposed nonconformance setback. Mr.
Miller stated that the property runs East to West and therefore the proposed addition would not
add any new shadows that would affect neighbors. Mr. Miller shared proposed building plans
with the Board and stated that the setbacks from the existing roof are 7.3 Ft. on the front-left
side of the house and 7.2 Ft. on the back-left side of the house, with the proposed new roof set
back would be 7.0 Ft. He mentioned that no trees or shrubs would be impacted by the
nonconforming structure.
Zoning Administrator, Julie Moore, stated that Lexington measures setbacks from the furthest
projected point of a structure, clarifying that the existing set back of the home is 5.8 Ft. on the
front-left side and 5.5 Ft. for the proposed addition that was shared.
Board member, Norman P. Cohen, asked to clarify if the proposed nonconforming structure
goes as far back as the front of the garage and if it stops there (Yes, if goes to the garage, and
just about lines up with the existing garage structure).
No further questions from the board.
No questions or comments from the audience.
Mr. Miller summarized that they are requesting to be granted special permit for a modification of
a nonconforming structure that would not directly affect the neighborhood and has written
support from an immediate abutter.
The hearing was closed at 7:21pm (a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes, Norman P.
Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, James A. Osten – Yes and Nyles N. Barnert – Yes)
Board Chair, Ralph D. Clifford, suggested a condition that the special permit for modification of a
nonconforming structure, if granted, does not pertain to elsewhere on the property aside from
the locations show on the plans submitted with this application.
The Board of appeals voted five (5) in favor, zero (0) opposed, and zero (0) in abstention to
grant a SPECIAL PERMIT in accordance with the Zoning By-Law (Chapter 135 of the Code of
Lexington) section(s) 135-9.4 and 135-8.4.2, to allow modification of a nonconforming structure
(a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes, Norman P. Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood –
Yes, James A. Osten – Yes and Nyles N. Barnert – Yes) with conditions.
Minutes of the Lexington Zoning Board of Appeals
Virtual, Via Zoom
December 14, 2023
Board Members: Chair – Ralph D. Clifford, Nyles N. Barnert, Norman P. Cohen, James A.
Osten, and Martha C. Wood
Alternate Member: Kathryn Roy
Administrative Staff: Julie Krakauer Moore, Zoning Administrator and Sharon Coffey,
Administrative Clerk
Address: 1265 Massachusetts Avenue
The petitioner is requesting a SPECIAL PERMIT RENEWAL in accordance with the Zoning By-
Law (Chapter 135 of the Code of Lexington) section(s) 135-9.4 and 135-3.4 Table 1 (Permitted
Uses and Development Standards), Lines C.1.03 and P.1.02 to operate a nursery and retail
garden center, to allow the seasonal sale of Christmas trees and wreaths, and to extend regular
business hours during Spring and Christmas seasons.
The petitioner submitted the following information with the application: Nature and Justification,
plans, comments from the Building Commissioner, comments from the Zoning Administrator,
and a plot plan waiver request.
Prior to the meeting, the petitions and supporting data were reviewed by the Building
Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Board of Selectmen, the Planning
Director, the Historic District Commission Clerk, Historical Commission, Economic
Development, and the Zoning Administrator. Comments were received from Building
Commissioner and the Zoning Administrator.
The Hearing was opened at 7:23 pm
Presenter: Laura Hopkins and Jessica Michalek on behalf of Seasons Four
Ms. Laura Hopkins presented the petition along with Jessica Michalek on behalf of Seasons
Four. She requested that SPECIAL PERMIT be granted renewal to allow for extended business
hours during Spring and Christmas seasons and to allow to continue to keep operating a
nursery and retail garden center. Ms. Hopkins asked for the Board to consider altering the
SPECIAL PERMIT renewal time requirement from 5 years to 10 years.
Board Member, Nyles N. Barnert, asked the Petitioner is the same conditions are still accurate
for this renewal? (Ms. Hopkins stated, yes)
Board Member, James A. Osten, commented that he is impressed that there have been no
complaints from abutters against Four Seasons, while other similar businesses have had
complaints previously.
Chair, Ralph D. Clifford, asked the zoning administrator if there had been any complaints
against Four Seasons (No complaints that the Zoning Administrator is aware of)
No further questions from the board.
No questions or comments from the audience.
Ms. Hopkins summarized that Four Seasons love being in town and will continue to honor their
tradition of being good neighbors and would appreciate a longer renewal time due to their
continued compliance and respect from abutters.
Hearing was closed at 7:27 (a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes, Norman P.
Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, James A. Osten – Yes and Nyles N. Barnert – Yes)
Board agreed on a 5-year permit renewal process all standard conditions
No further comments from the Board.
The Board of appeals voted five (5) in favor, zero (0) opposed, and zero (0) in abstention to
waive the plot plan requirement. (a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes, Norman P.
Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, James A. Osten – Yes and Nyles N. Barnert – Yes)
The Board of appeals voted five (5) in favor, zero (0) opposed, and zero (0) in abstention to
grant a SPECIAL PERMIT RENEWAL in accordance with the Zoning By-Law (Chapter 135 of
the Code of Lexington) section(s) 135-9.4 and 135-3.4 Table 1 (Permitted Uses and
Development Standards), Lines C.1.03 and P.1.02 to operate a nursery and retail garden
center, to allow the seasonal sale of Christmas trees and wreaths, and to extend regular
business hours during Spring and Christmas seasons(a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D.
Clifford– Yes, Norman P. Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, James A. Osten – Yes and
Nyles N. Barnert – Yes).
Minutes of the Lexington Zoning Board of Appeals
Virtual, Via Zoom
December 14, 2023
Board Members: Chair – Ralph D. Clifford, Nyles N. Barnert, Norman P. Cohen, James A.
Osten, and Martha C. Wood
Alternate Member: Kathryn Roy
Administrative Staff: Julie Krakauer Moore, Zoning Administrator and Sharon Coffey,
Administrative Clerk
Address: 301 Massachusetts Avenue
The petitioner is requesting a SPECIAL PERMIT RENEWAL in accordance with the Zoning By-
Law (Chapter 135 of the Code of Lexington) section(s) 135-9.4 and 135-3.4, Table 1 (Permitted
Uses and Development Standards) section L.1.01 to allow operation of a motor vehicle rental
business including hand washing, related office and administrative use and parking for no more
of 13 vehicles.
The petitioner submitted the following information with the application: plans and a plot plan
waiver.
Prior to the meeting, the petitions and supporting data were reviewed by the Building
Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Board of Selectmen, the Planning
Director, the Historic District Commission Clerk, Historical Commission, Economic
Development, and the Zoning Administrator. Comments were received from the Zoning
Administrator and Conservation Director.
The Hearing was opened at 7:30pm.
Petitioner: Stephen Keough
Mr. Keough presented the petition on behalf of Enterprise Rent-a-Car. He asked to the granted
the renewal to continue doing business in town renting cars, washing them in their one wash
bay and utilizing their 13 parking spaces as stated on the lease. He clarified that the one car
wash bay utilizes an oil and water separator that helps prevent environmental issues along with
the bay being pitched to allow water to flow directly into the drain to reduce environmental
effects. Mr. Keough stated the business fulfills approximately 600 transactions monthly and they
hope to continue to service the residents and businesses of Lexington for years to come. They
have installed a new camera system, altered the lightbulbs utilized, and changed the pitch of
lighting following complaints of the lighting. This will reduce the brightness of the lights after
hours. They have not received complaints that they are aware of since the changes were made.
Board Member, Nyles N. Barnert, asked if they have solved the issue of cars from the business
being parked on the street (Yes, there are driving teams that work after hours to remove cars
from incorrect parking spots. Unaware of new complaints regarding this matter.)
Chair, Ralph D. Clifford, questioned if the changes to the lighting have been reviewed and
inspected by the town (No)
Mr. Clifford, questioned if the Petitioner was seeking renewal with the same conditions (Yes)
Mr. Clifford, questioned if a condition to get the lighting inspected by the town to ensure it is to
Code would be agreeable. (Yes)
No further questions from Board.
No comments or questions from audience
Mr. Keough stated Enterprise Rent-a-Car does not plan on leaving the town and would like to
continue to provide services to Lexington for many years to come.
Hearing was closed at 7:35. (a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes, Norman P.
Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, James A. Osten – Yes and Nyles N. Barnert – Yes)
Mr. Clifford, suggested the Board keep all the standard conditions and add a condition for the
lighting to be inspected by the town and brought up to Code if necessary.
The Board agreed to the conditions.
The Board of appeals voted five (5) in favor, zero (0) opposed, and zero (0) in abstention to
waive the plot plan requirement. (a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes, Norman P.
Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, James A. Osten – Yes and Nyles N. Barnert – Yes)
The Board of appeals voted five (5) in favor, zero (0) opposed, and zero (0) in abstention to
grant a SPECIAL PERMIT RENEWAL in accordance with the Zoning By-Law (Chapter 135 of
the Code of Lexington) section(s) 135-9.4 and 135-3.4, Table 1 (Permitted Uses and
Development Standards) section L.1.01 to allow operation of a motor vehicle rental business
including hand washing, related office and administrative use and parking for no more of 13
vehicles with conditions on a five year renewal.
Minutes of the Lexington Zoning Board of Appeals
Virtual, Via Zoom
December 14, 2023
Board Members: Chair – Ralph D. Clifford, Nyles N. Barnert, Norman P. Cohen, James A.
Osten, and Martha C. Wood
Alternate Member: Kathryn Roy
Administrative Staff: Julie Krakauer Moore, Zoning Administrator and Sharon Coffey,
Administrative Clerk
Address: 333 Woburn Street
The petitioner is requesting a SPECIAL PERMIT in accordance with the Zoning By-Law
(Chapter 135 of the Code of Lexington) section(s) 135-9.4 and 135-3.4 Table 1 (Permitted Uses
and Development Standards) line I.1.04 to allow a package liquor store, with no consumption on
the premises
The petitioner submitted the following information with the application: Nature and Justification,
Floor Plans, Plot Plan, and photographs.
Prior to the meeting, the petitions and supporting data were reviewed by the Building
Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Board of Selectmen, the Planning
Director, the Historic District Commission Clerk, Historical Commission, Economic
Development, and the Zoning Administrator. Comments were received from the Zoning
Administrator, Planning Department, and Select Board.
The Hearing was opened at 7:38 pm
Presenter: Frederick Gilgun
Mr. Gilgun presented the petition on behalf of ANR Realty. He described how the 2-Unit property
in a commercial zone has been owned by ANR Realty since 2015 and there used to an
additional beneficiary whom did not wish to make improvements to the property. Since
becoming the sole beneficiary, Mr. Patel wishes to utilize funds to rehabilitate the property. They
plan on painting, constructing a new awning, and installing new signage. All noncompliant
current signs on the structure will be removed along with two (2) dumpsters on the property that
are not owned by the property owner. A new dumpster will be utilized and placed in the rear of
the building in a fenced area. Additional fencing on the property will be repaired. They believe
there only beneficial effects and no adverse effects. Beneficial effects were outlined to be
upgrades to the property, providing the service of a liquor store where there is not one currently,
employment opportunities, and an expected decrease in foot traffic to the building. They
estimate the convenience store that was in this location saw approximately 175 visits per day
while the proposed liquor store is estimated to have approximately 85-100 visits daily.
Board Member, Nyles N. Barnert, asked to view the parking plan.
Mr. Barnert stated issue with the parking plan, highlighting that 2 spots in the bottom corner of
the property would be unusable without crossing onto neighboring properties.
Mr. Gilgun, stated the parking plan is not the best design but does contain more parking spots
than the property requires because the requirement is only 9 spots and therefore restructuring
of the plan can be done to address the parking spots of concern.
Mr. Barnert, asked to confirm that there are 9 spots required for the property and who did the
calculation (yes, 9 spots. Zoning Administrator, Julie Moore, calculated the need for 9 parking
spots based on the lot).
Board Member, Norman P. Cohen, asked to confirm that a liquor license is need to operate the
proposed liquor store (Yes, the application has been made)
Chair – Ralph D. Clifford stated he believes the location should possibly be brought up to ADA
standards prior to approval.
Mr. Gilgun stated that section 9.4.1. does not trigger that review and therefore is outside the
scope of the Board and the permit shall be granted as long as any adverse effects do not
outweigh the benefits.
Mr. Clifford stated the involvement of citizens in wheelchairs is part of the purview of the Board
and therefore ADA accommodations and compliance can be considered during the special
permitting process.
Mahvir Patel, 42 Stillman Road, Lynnfield, stated he believes an ADA compliant door has to be
36 inches wide and states if the current door is not compliant changes will be made to make it
so if granted the permit.
Board Member, Martha C. Wood, questioned if there is a way to make the it required that the
property meet ADA standards.
Mr. Clifford stated conditions can be added to the permit.
No further comments or questions from the Board.
Members of the Audience, whom are abutters (Sohail Mahboobi, 337 Woburn Street, Suresh
Bobba, 2 Ralph Road, Akmal Sarwar 347 Woburn Street, Ewan Cameron, 12 Scotland Road,
Paula Karim, 37 Justin Street, and Asma Sadef, 116 Emerson Gardens Road) shared
arguments for their opposition to the Special Permit. They expressed they believe the proposed
liquor store in the commercial zone is too close to their residential neighborhood and would
negatively affect the neighborhood and the children within it. They believe additional trash would
come from this permit being granted and would have potential to increase other things like
violence, accidents and homicide. They also believe there are plenty of liquor stores in the
proximity and stated they believe there are six (6) in existence in a 2-mile radius from the
location, four (4) of which are in Town. They are extremely concerned about the adverse effects
a liquor store at 333 Woburn street could have on their nearby residential neighborhood.
Mr. Gilgun, stated the issues raised by the audience will be addressed if the permit is granted.
They believe there are many benefits such as convenience to a liquor store, less daily foot
traffic to the property, and a more beneficial use of the space as compared to the previously
existing convenience store at the property.
No further comments or questions from audience.
No further comments from Board.
Mr. Gilgun, summarized that Zoning By-Law (Chapter 135 of the Code of Lexington) section
135-9.4.1 requires the Board to approve the SPECIAL PERMIT if no adverse effects exist or if
they do not outweigh the benefits. They have presented plenty of evidence to prove the
beneficial effects of the SPECIAL PERMIT and would be open to accepting special conditions
set out by the Board.
Hearing closed at 8:12 PM, (a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes, Norman P.
Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, James A. Osten – Yes and Nyles N. Barnert – Yes)
Mr. Cohen, stated the property has been in a commercial zone that has existed for many years.
Alternate Board member, Kathryn Roy, asked to clarify that a liquor license has to be approved
first
Mr. Clifford stated that the Select Board needs to approve a Liquor License.
Ms. Wood, stated there is a liquor store on Bedford Street which is in a similar small commercial
area surrounded by a residential neighborhood that exists without issue.
Mr. Clifford, stated he is in favor with the overall proposal, and believes upgrades to the property
are needed and will be a gain to the commercial neighborhood that this is in. If a person
purchases a house near a commercial zone, there is nothing really, they can do about what
goes on.
Mr. Cohen, stated he is leaning toward approving as there are many existing commercial
businesses in the area and asked the Board if the renewal process would be two (2) year if
granted (Yes)
Mr. Clifford, suggested the conditions as follows: Hours of operation will be Monday- Saturday,
8am to 10pm and Sundays, 10am to 8pm. A parking plan is to be developed to the reasonable
satisfaction of the Building Department. Trash will be picked up and dumpsters maintained to
the satisfaction of the Health Department. A lighting plan will be developed to the reasonable
satisfaction of the Building Department. The fence around the property will be repaired. All
noncompliant signs will be removed. The front door will be ADA accessible. The Special Permit
will expire if no liquor license is obtained from the select board. All will be renewable on the two-
year basis with the understanding that longer renewals will be available thereafter.
The Board agreed on the proposed conditions.
Ms. Wood, questioned what the hours of the business would be. (Unsure.)
Hearing reopened at 8:24 PM, (a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes, Norman P.
Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, James A. Osten – Yes and Nyles N. Barnert – Yes)
Mr. Clifford, asked what the proposed hours of the liquor store are. (Monday-Saturday 8am-
10pm, Sunday 10am-8pm, which falls within ABCC regulations)
Board member, James A. Osten, asked what the name of the liquor store would be. (No name
yet)
Hearing closed at 8:26 PM, (a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes, Norman P.
Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, James A. Osten – Yes and Nyles N. Barnert – Yes)
No further discussion from Board.
The Board of appeals voted five (5) in favor, zero (0) opposed, and zero (0) in abstention to
grant a SPECIAL PERMIT in accordance with the Zoning By-Law (Chapter 135 of the Code of
Lexington) section(s) 135-9.4 and 135-3.4 Table 1 (Permitted Uses and Development
Standards) line I.1.04 to allow a package liquor store, with no consumption on the premises with
conditions aforementioned.
Minutes of the Lexington Zoning Board of Appeals
Virtual, Via Zoom
December 14, 2023
Board Members: Chair – Ralph D. Clifford, Nyles N. Barnert, Norman P. Cohen, James A.
Osten, and Martha C. Wood
Alternate Member: Kathryn Roy
Administrative Staff: Julie Krakauer Moore, Zoning Administrator and Sharon Coffey,
Administrative Clerk
Address: 987 Waltham Street
The petitioner is requesting a COMPREHENSIVE PERMIT MODIFICATION in accordance with
the Zoning By-Law (Chapter 135 of the Code of Lexington) section(s)MGL.c.40B Sections 20-
23 to further modify a Comprehensive Permit granted December 14, 1990, modified February
18,1993.
The petitioner submitted the following information with the application: Nature and Justification,
Plot Plan, elevation, floor plans, attorney’s letter to the Board, letter from Lexington Ridge,
Avalon Inc. to the Board, the previously granted SPECIAL PERMIT dated December 14, 1990,
th
modifications to the previously granted comprehensive permit dated February 18 1993, a site
plan (existing and proposed), plot plan waiver request, and gross floor area calculations.
Prior to the meeting, the petitions and supporting data were reviewed by the Building
Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Board of Selectmen, the Planning
Director, the Historic District Commission Clerk, Historical Commission, Economic
Development, and the Zoning Administrator. Comments were received from the Planning
Department, Zoning Administrator, Building Commissioner and the Conservation Director.
The Hearing was opened at 8:31 pm.
Presenters: Ed Grant, Ed Bradford, 50 Commandants Way, Chelsea (Architect), Phil Henry, 21
High St. North Andover (Engineer) on behalf of Lexington Ridge, Avalon Inc Justin Cameron,
208 Wrentham Rd. Bellingham (Operations Director)
Ed Grant presented the petition on behalf of Lexington Ridge, Avalon Inc. He stated the
application is for a modification to a comprehensive plan that was granted in 1990 and modified
in 1993. The proposal is for two (2) additional parking garages which include electric vehicle
chargers for the residents of Lexington Ridge. He highlighted that permit modifications are
permitted per Section 30 of the Comprehensive Permit. Appreciation of The Building
Commissioner was expressed. He stated the only comments from the Town came from the
Planning Department and the Conservation Director which have been analyzed by an engineer
with supporting documents and will be addressed and mitigated.
Ed Bradford shared the site plan and highlighted existing conditions. He stated there are
currently seven (7) detached garages on the property and there will be an increase of two (2)
more, one with 5 bays and the other with 6. All bays will include an electric vehicle charger in
addition to more chargers located on the outside of the structures for utilization by the outdoor
surface parking spots.
Phil Henry presented the grading plan and thanked the Town for comments that were provided.
The garage depths cause an increase in impervious surfaces by approximately 470 square feet.
He acknowledged both structures will allow storm water to drain into preexisting storm drains
which ultimately drain into existing stormwater management systems which lead into wetlands.
He stated pitched roofs will allow storm water to be managed by gutters and drain pipes. The
mitigation efforts directly respond to comments received by the Conservation Director and
Planning Department.
Board Member, Nyles N. Barnert, stated his concern over the effects on snow removal and
questioned where the snow would go. (Mr. Henry stated there will still be ample landscaping
areas for the snow to be piled.)
Chair, Ralph D. Clifford, questioned if the drainage system has ever experienced a failure or
flooding due to large amounts of rainwater. (Mr. Cameron stated no)
Mr. Clifford, questioned if the parking structures will have an affect on moderate and low-income
apartment pricing. (Mr. Cameron stated no, surface level parking is included with all apartments)
There were no further questions from the Board.
There were no further questions or comments from the audience.
Mr. Grant expressed appreciation to the Board for all assistance and consideration. He
summarized the project is beneficial for the residents and has no adverse effects associated
with the modest modification
The Hearing was closed at 8:49 pm (a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes, Norman
P. Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, James A. Osten – Yes and Nyles N. Barnert – Yes).
No further discussion from the Board.
The Board of appeals voted five (5) in favor, zero (0) opposed, and zero (0) in abstention to
waive the requirement for a certified plot plan (a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes,
Norman P. Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, James A. Osten – Yes and Nyles N. Barnert –
Yes).
The Board of appeals voted five (5) in favor, zero (0) opposed, and zero (0) in abstention to
grant COMPREHENSIVE PERMIT MODIFICATION in accordance with the Zoning By-Law
(Chapter 135 of the Code of Lexington) section(s)MGL .c.40B Sections 20- 23 to further modify
a Comprehensive Permit granted December 14, 1990, modified February 18,1993 (a roll call
vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes, Norman P. Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, James
A. Osten – Yes and Nyles N. Barnert – Yes).
Minutes of the Lexington Zoning Board of Appeals
Virtual, Via Zoom
December 14, 2023
Board Members: Chair – Ralph D. Clifford, Nyles N. Barnert, Norman P. Cohen, James A.
Osten, and Martha C. Wood
Alternate Member: Kathryn Roy
Administrative Staff: Julie Krakauer Moore, Zoning Administrator and Sharon Maguire,
Administrative Clerk
Other Business:
1. A minor modification determination to modify a Special Permit dated September 28,
2022 at 143 Follen Road
Mr. Hubbner presented the petition. He stated that following a favorable hearing for SPECIAL
PERMIT ZBA -23-46, the proposed building drawings were altered after analysis of the original
plans for a covered porch area and deck. Analysis of the original proposed size of the covered
porch and deck in relation to the size of preexisting furniture of the owner that will be utilized in
the proposed space indicated a need for a larger covered porch and deck in the building
proposal. This increases the porch by 140 square feet, increasing the percentage of allowable
GFA from 74% to 76.6% (a 2.6% increase in percentage of the allowable GFA) but still keeping
it within the setbacks. Minor request they would lie the board to consider so that permitting
process may move forward to allow for the construction process to follow after.
A Board member, Nyles N. Barnert, stated that his only question pertained to whether the new
plans for the covered porch and deck were still within the setbacks. Acknowledged that his
question was answered by Mr. Hubber.
Chair, Ralph D. Clifford, asked if there were wetlands of any kind. (No, there are not)
There were no further questions or comments from the Board.
The hearing was closed at 7:10pm (a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes, Norman P.
Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, James A. Osten – Yes and Nyles N. Barnert – Yes)
The Board of Appeals voted five (5) in favor, zero (0) opposed, and zero (0) abstention to accept
this application as a MINOR MODIFICATION (a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes,
Norman P. Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, James A. Osten – Yes and Nyles N. Barnert –
Yes).
The Board of appeals voted five (5) in favor, zero (0) opposed, and zero (0) in abstention to
grant a MINOR MODIFICATION in accordance with the Zoning By-Law (Chapter 135 of the
Code of Lexington) section 135-9.2.2(5) to allow for a minor modification to a previously issued
Special Permit (a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes, Norman P. Cohen– Yes,
Martha C. Wood – Yes, James A. Osten – Yes and Nyles N. Barnert – Yes).
The Board voted to Adjourn at 8:51 pm (a roll call vote was taken: Ralph D. Clifford– Yes,
Norman P. Cohen– Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, James A. Osten – Yes and Nyles N. Barnert –
Yes).