HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Board Minutes, 1994-09-19 PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in Room G-15, Town Office Building, was called
to order at 7.43 p.m. by Chairman Domnitz, with members Canale, Davison, Planning Director
Bowyer, and Secretary Tap present. Mr. Grant arrived just before Item 188.
187 Review of Minutes: The Board reviewed the minutes for the meeting of September 8, 1994 On
the motion of Mr. Merrill, seconded by Mr. Canale, it was voted 4-0 to approve the minutes, as
written.
************ ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS *************
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
188. Denver Street subdivision. Sketch Plan: Gary Larson, landscape architect, of Larson
Associates, Rick Waitt, engineer, of Meridian Engineering Collaborative, Inc., and Robert Phelan, the
applicant were present. Mr. Larson presented three alternative plans for a one-lot subdivision on
Denver Street. Board members asked a number of questions and then informed the applicant they
would render a decision in a few weeks.
Later in the meeting, after some discussion of the issues involved in this subdivision application, the
Planning Board agreed to postpone a decision on the sketch plan until after they have met with the
Conservation Commission.
*************************** PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT **************************
189 Recent Activity.
a. Zee Street. Sketch Preliminary Subdivision Plan. Rollout: Mr. Bowyer rolled out a sketch
preliminary plan for the Zee Street development, off East Street, that was submitted by Zaroohy Seed
on September 13, 1994 The staff has not yet reviewed the plan in detail. The time for action on this
plan expires on October 29,1994.
b. Garfield Street Extension. Preliminary Subdivision Plan. Rollout: Mr. Bowyer rolled out a
preliminary plan for the Garfield Street Extension development that was submitted by Ronald and
Nancy Gold on September 19, 1994. The staff has not yet reviewed the plan in detail. The time for
action on this plan expires on November 3, 1994.
c. Inquiries about Renlacement Houses on Unaccented Streets: Mr. Bowyer reported on inquiries
about two recent proposed demolitions of homes on Kimball Road and Sheridan Street—both
unaccepted streets that trigger the Development Regulations' requirement to upgrade a portion of the
street.
d. Renort of the Ad Hoc Transportation Committee: Mr. Bowyer distributed copies of a recently
published report by the Ad Hoc Transportation Committee, of which he is a member. This detailed
description of the Town's varied transportation services has been well received and was characterized
by the Board of Selectmen as an excellent and revealing analysis of the interconnectedness of these
services.
Minutes for the Meeting of September 19, 1994 2
RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPLICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS
190. Auulications To Be Heard on Serotember 29. 1994: Mr. Grant gave an oral review of the
following applications:
130 Waltham Street, Lexington Arts and Crafts Society, special permit for continued use of a
temporary wall sign to announce annual events and to relocate another sign
After a poll of the Board, on a 4-1 vote, a majority of the Planning Board voted to convey to
the Board of Appeals its concern about the proliferation of signs, and the quality of those
signs, at the Arts and Crafts Society Building. The Society currently puts lettering in the
front window of the building to advertise exhibits. If a special permit for a freestanding sign
and a banner are to be issued, the Planning Board believes that in order to avoid clutter and
redundancy, these signs should be used only in lieu of the paper window signs. Mr. Grant
was opposed to the recommendation.
Maguire Road and Hartwell Avenue, Maguire Road Realty Trust, Special Permit with Site Plan
Review to construct an office building with on-site parking
The Board reviewed and amended a draft recommendation prepared by the staff. Mr.
Domnitz polled the Board and on a vote of 4-1, Mr. Grant opposed, the Board agreed to
approve the recommendation to the Board of Appeals, as amended.
The Planning Board agreed to make no comment on the following applications:
10 Maguire Road, Itek Optical Systems, renewal of special permit to reserve open space for
future parking
137 Massachusetts Avenue,, Chicken Express, renewal of special permit for fast food and takeout
service
************************ ARTICLES FOR 1994 TOWN MEETING ************************
191. Yard Setbacks (Jumbo Houses): The Board agreed to postpone further discussion of this
article until their meeting on October 3.
192. Special Permit to Waive Frontage: The Board reviewed a draft version of the proposed
article and agreed to continue its discussion at the October 3 meeting
*************** COORDINATION WITH OTHER BOARDS, COMMITTEES ****************
193. Joint Meeting with the Conservation Commission: The Board agreed to invite the Conserva-
tion Commission to the Board's next meeting to discuss matters of mutual concern.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:02 p.m.
Richard L. Canale, Clerk