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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Board Minutes, 1993-05-10 PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF MAY 10, 1993 The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in Room G-15, Town Office Building, was called to order at 8 10 p.m by Chairman Williams, with members Canale, Davison, Domnitz, Grant, Planning Director Bowyer, and Secretary Tap present. **************************** PUBLIC PARTICIPATION *************************** 71. Locke Village Michael Schroeder, a Town Meeting Member from Precinct 9, was present and inquired about the next steps after Town Meeting's approval of the apartment development on Lowell Street and the provision of sewer service. Mr. Bowyer explained that the procedure calls for a series of reviews — with the Town Meeting reviewing a preliminary plan followed by the Board of Appeals acting on a special permit and finally a building permit. Each step requires more detailed information. **************************** EXECUTIVE SESSION ****************************** 72 Litigation against the Planning Board Mr. Canale moved and Mr. Grant seconded that the Board go into Executive Session to discuss litigation against the Planning Board. Mr. Williams polled the members and the Board voted unanimously to go into Executive Session at 8 20 p.m. The Board returned to open session at 9 37 p m. ***************** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ************ REPETITIVE PETITION 73 Carroll Brothers. Driving Range On the motions of Mr. Domnitz, seconded by Mr. Grant, the Board voted 4-0-1, with Mrs. Davison abstaining, to reconsider their vote taken on February 22 on whether to consent to a rehear- ing by the Board of Appeals of the repetitive petition of Carroll Brothers to operate a driving range in an RO zone on land between 673 and 753 Waltham Street, and 1. The Planning Board consents to the request of the carroll Brothers to allow the resubmission to the Board of Appeals of the petition for a special permit to operate a recreational golf facility on the vacant lot in the RO district between 673 and 753 Waltham Street. 2. This consent is not to be interpreted as a vote or recommendation on the merits of the proposal; and the Board notes that compliance with the Zoning By-Law, impact of traffic and appropriateness for the neighbor- hood remain critical issues for the proposal 3 The Planning Board finds there are specific and material changes in the lighting, but does not find specific and material changes in the traffic impact and the use. Mrs. Davison said it is important for the hearing to occur at a time when abutters to the site of the proposed driving range are likely to be in town, Minutes for the Meeting of May 10, 1993 2 and not on vacation. The neighbors should have their views heard. She favored September. Mr Canale stressed that he wants to see a full traffic study that complies with Section 12 of the Zoning By-Law when the application is reheard by the Board of Appeals. RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPLICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS 74. Aonlications To Be Heard on Mav 27. 1993 Mrs. Davison gave an oral review of the following applications 149 Old Snrin¢ Street, Chinese Bible Church, special permit for a sign which exceeds the area limitation of the Zoning By-Law. The Planning Board voted to recommend that the color of the sign's lettering be disclosed and that some landscaping be included to soften the lines of the sign. 199 Massachusetts Avenue, Nicholas Houvordas (Nick's Place) , special permit to operate a pizza and sandwich shop On the motion of Mrs. Davison, seconded by Mr. Canale, the Board voted unanimously to recom- mend that the Building Commissioner's suggestion to add landscaping should he followed, with attention to the recommendations of the Design Advisory Committee and the East Lexington Civic Association. The Board will also recommend that container plants be used as an interim measure until landscape plans are implemented. Since there will be three eating establishments in this area, the Board asks that the adequacy of available parking be verified. 150 East Street Doran Greenhouses, Inc. , modification of a special permit to expand the area and allow the use of the back section of the property to grow plants. On the motion of Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr Grant, the Board voted 3-1-1, Mr Domnitz opposed and Mr. Canale abstaining, to recommend support of the plan. Mr. Domnitz said he thought it would not comply to the Zoning By-Law because of insufficient area. 21 Ledeelawn Avenue, Susan and Don Amsel, special permit to add a shed dormer and a cover over the front entryway. On the motion of Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Grant, the Board voted unanimously to make no comment on this application. SUBDIVISION OF LAND 75. Denver Street. Sketch Plan The Board discussed the sketch plan showing the construction of a house on one lot that was presented to the Board on March 31, 1993. On the motion of Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Canale, the Board voted 4-1, Mrs. Davison opposed, to advise the applicant the Board is disposed to approve the plan for the through street that connects to Bellflower Street and that the Board prefers the street be 20 feet wide, not 24 feet. A 20 foot wide street will comply with the design standards in the revised Subdivision Regulations. The Board agreed to arrange to walk the site with the Conservation Commission prior to their meeting on Monday, May 24. ***t****************************** REPORTS ********************************** 76. Planning Board. Subcommittees 3 Minutes for the meeting of May 10, 1993 a. Center Committee Mr Williams reported there will be a dedication of the new sidewalk benches on Sunday June 13 at 4 00 p.m. He also reported the Center Committee has endorsed the Board of Selectmen's recommendation to close Harrington Road, where it passes the Battlegreen, to cars b Cambridge Reservoir Watershed Advisory Committee Mr Canale reporter the committee will meet on May 20 He asked for guidance relative to the Tracer Lane litigation. c. Met State Mrs. Davison reported on the 100 year anniversary celebra- tion of the Metropolitan District Commission She also informed the Board there is a new State Coordinator in the Met State Hospital disposition process As a result, new issues are now being raised. The meeting was adjourned at 10 34 p m. Edmund C. Grant, Clerk L