HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Board Minutes, 1999-01-13 PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF JANUARY 13, 1999
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in the Selectmen's Room Town Office Building,was called
to order at 7:33 p.m. by Chairman Merrill with members Colman,Davies, Galaitsis, Bridge-Denzak,Planning
Director Bowyer,and Assistant Planner Garber present.
************************ ARTICLES FOR 1999 TOWN MEETING ************************
7 Review of Planning Board's Pronosed Amendments to the Zoning By-Law
The Board reviewed and revised drafts of the following proposed amendments and discussed ways they could
publicize their public hearings on the proposed amendments to the Zoning By-Law Using the Town's web
page, the Town Meeting members' e-mail network and notifying neighborhood groups were mentioned, in
addition to the usual methods, including a legal notice in the newspaper
a. Article A. Historic Preservation Incentives.First draft dated 1/11/99• Various edits were discussed.
Mr. Garber will make them for the next draft and prepare a draft report.
b. Article C. Technical Corrections, Third Draft, dated 1/11/99• Discussion centered on the amendment
to Section 7.5.5 and the definitions of crawl space,cellar,basement and story Mr.Bowyer agreed to conduct
additional research into the concept of average interior grade.
_ c. Public Hearings on Zoning Articles: It was agreed that public hearings for Articles 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, and
13 would be on February 10. Public hearings on Articles 4, 5, 9, and 10 would be on February 24.
The staff rolled out two citizens' petitions:
d. 903 Waltham Street Rezoning.James H.McManus.III, Roll-out: Mr Bowyer reported that the
submission is not complete.Mr. Garber will do a detailed analysis of the material submitted so far.
e. 16 Hayden Avenue. CD8.Hayden medical Center. Amendment to PSDUP Roll-out: Mr Colman
pointed out that a commitment for traffic control was made a part of the special permit at the time of the
rezoning of 16 Hayden Avenue in 1997 It requires the applicant to pay for needed improvements.
************** ADMINIS I RATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS **************
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
8. Connersmvth Way Accent Covenant. Endorse Subdivision Plan: Mr Garber reported that Harry Wight,
developer of the Coppersmyth Way cluster subdivision off Marrett Road,has satisfied the conditions that were
to be met prior to the endorsement of the plans. He said the Board could now accept the covenant and endorse
the subdivision plan for Coppersmyth Way On the motion of Mr. Colman, seconded by Mr.Davies,the Board
voted unanimously,5-0,to accept the covenant executed by Harry D.Wight,Chestnut Green,LLC, dated January
13, 1999, and to endorse the subdivision plans entitled "Coppersmyth Way, 577-581 Marrett Road,Lexington,
MA", dated October 6, 1998.
*************************** PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT ***************************
9 Recent Activity
a. Earl Street.Mark Barons.Revised Landscape Plan.Rollout: Mr Garber rolled out a revised landscape plan
for a previously filed street improvement plan for an unaccepted portion of Earl Street, submitted by Mark
Barons, New England Construction Company Unauthorized/premature tree cutting at the site triggered the
submission of the new plan and review The staff has not yet reviewed the plan in detail. Ms.Bridge-Denzak will
provide detailed comments as well.
b. Mansionization Legislation: Mr.Bowyer reported that he attended a meeting of residents in the Woodhaven
neighborhood who are concerned about "tear downs." They are interested in the proposed mansionization
legislation, sponsored by Representative Jay Kaufman, to amend Chapter 40A, the Zoning Act, to allow
municipalities to control the FAR in residential districts.
2 Minutes for the Meeting of January 13, 1999
Mr. Bowyer distributed a copy of an explanation of the proposed amendments to the State Zoning Act.
Representative Jay Kaufman was also at the meeting in Woodhaven and he recommended that the Town file a
Home Rule Bill to allow the Town to regulate residential floor area ratios in the event the legislation is not passed.
That would be in addition to the bill filed in December 1998 and, if passed,would only apply to Lexington.
******************* PLANNING BOARD ORGANIZATION, SCHEDULE ********************
10. Siunature Sheets for Reuistry of Deeds and Land Court: As required by State statute, the Board and staff
endorsed signature sheets, required to be on file with the Registry of Deeds and the Land Court, reflecting the
current membership of the Board and staff members authorized to sign for the Board.
************************************* REPORTS ***************************************
Plannine Board. Subcommittees
11. Hennessy Field Ad Hoc Committee: Mr.Colman reported that the Hennessy Field Committee has decided
to recommend that Hennessy Field be put under the control of the Conservation Commission.The Board agreed
to wait until the full report is drafted before voting its position on the recommendation.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:32 p.m.
Steven L. Colman,Clerk
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