HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Board Minutes, 1999-08-12 PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF AUGUST 12, 1999
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in Room 111,Town Office Building, was called to order
at 7:05 p.m. by Chairman Davies with members Colman, Galaitsis, Merrill,Planning Director Bowyer, and
Assistant Planner Garber present. Ms. Bridge-Denzak was absent.
************ ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS *************
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
121 Old Spring Street 7 4.5 Subdivision.Ronald Lopez.Release of Surety Mr Garber reported that he
received a memorandum from the Engineering Division dated July 30, 1999 indicating that the
improvements to Old Spring Street are acceptable to them and comply with town standards. After a brief
discussion, on the motion of Mr. Galaitsis, seconded by Mr. Colman,the Board voted unanimously, 4-0,to:
1 Release the applicant/developer from and remove the covenant encumbering the land at the Old
Spring Street subdivision; and
2. Release passbook#2201005881, in the amount of$8855,plus interest, and return to Ronald Lopez
of North Shore Construction Company,Medford, MA.
122. Connersmvth Way Harry Wight.Request to Install Fencing: Mr Garber reported that Harry Wight,
developer of the Coppersmyth Way cluster subdivision on Marrett Road,has requested a minor field change
in the form of adding a three-foot high ornate wooden fence along the front property line.After a brief
discussion,the Board agreed to authorize the staff to approve the field change.
*************************** PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT **************************
123 Recent Activity
a. Met. State Hospital Reuse Committee: Mr Bowyer reported that there will be a tri-community task
force meeting on Thursday,August 26. The reuse process has been declared at an impasse due to the
Trapelo Road access issue.
b. Citizen Planner Training Collaborative.Historic Preservation Incentives: Mr Bowyer reported on
his participation on panels at a recent CPTC session.
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124. Old Smith Farm Cluster Subdivision. 160/170 Wood Street.James Gaklis. Continuance of Public
Hearing: Mr Davies opened the hearing at approximately 8:00 p.m.Messrs. Davies, Colman, Galaitsis and
Merrill were present. Ms. Bridge-Denzak was absent.
Mr James Gaklis represented the development team.Mr Davies complimented the applicant's team on a
highly responsive submission.Mr. Gaklis reiterated that die extensive discussions with the planning staff
and Conservation Commission made it clear that the frequently debated alternative of filling the Isolated
Land Subject To Flooding--the old irrigation pond--and redesigning cluster'A'was simply not feasible and
that the stormwater could not be accommodated without use of the area occupied by the required access
easement. This constraint dictated that the design for cluster'A'would remain as submitted. He also clarified
that the public benefit would be for the two affordable housing units,the one going to LexHAB and the one
attached to it on Lots 14 and 15 (as per his August 10, 1999 letter to the Board), and that the anticipated
sales price was currently estimated at under$275,000. Mr. Gaklis went on to state that he would continue to
work with the Lexington Historical Commission on the restoration of the Schumacher Barn and that he
would place conservation restrictions on the open space on the site.
Marshall Derby, chair of LexHAB, asked for a number of clarifications on the affordable housing benefit.
Mr. Gaklis replied that the units would have 1297 SF of living area each and that they would be two
Minutes for the Meeting of August 12, 1999 2
bedroom units. The staff responded to his question about the obligation to provide the benefit housing units
by stating that the commitment was specified in the special permit approval documents and that the
obligation ran with the property Mr Galaitsis also expressed similar concerns. Derby also reiterated his
wish that additional units could be provided,with at least one more residence going to LexHAB. Mr. Gaklis
replied that the original intent was to sell,not donate, a unit to LexHAB and that his economics could not
allow the provision of more units.
Charles Petty of Woodpark Circle asked for an explanation of the access easement through the property and
Mr. Bowyer once again described the purpose of providing access to existing houses in lieu of their having
access from Route 2A in the Minuteman Park. Elsie Petty said she preferred that the affordable units have
three,not two,bedrooms. Sunglin Shin and Mary Megson had questions about the physical pattern and
timing of the project construction. They were generally referred to Mr Gaklis.
The hearing was adjourned at approximately 8:45 p.m.
125. Haves Lane. Sketch Conventional Subdivision. Peter Johnson.Presentation by the Developer.
Present for this item were Peter Johnson,the applicant, and Gary Larson, landscape architect, of Larson
Associates.Mr Larson presented a proposal for a conventional two-lot subdivision on property at 35 Hayes
Lane. After the presentation,the Board discussed the proposed plan and four alternatives, including whether
or not an interpretation of the 7 4.5 subdivision process could be applied to Hayes Lane, an unaccepted
street,which could not be done.
Mr. Galaitsis said he favors a two-lot variation of the study Mr. Davies asked what points the Board
members agree on. The agreed upon points were: 1)keep the existing house; 2)two lots with two houses; 3)
minimize intrusion into the interior of the site; and, 4)be sensitive to the existing street trees along the
Hayes Lane frontage. Mr. Garber commented that a variation on Study#1 could achieve all these goals.Mr
Larson stated that if Section 7 4.5 does not apply,they will take the Board's advice.
************ ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS *************
RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPLICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS
126. Applications To Be Heard on August 26. 1999• Mr Merrill gave an oral review of the following
applications:
283 Concord Avenue.variance to build dwelling
The Planning Board is unanimous in its strong opinion that the proposed action at 283 Concord
Avenue is not allowed by the Zoning By-Law under Section 7 1 4 Moreover, the concept of two
separate structures clearly does not meet the definition of accessory apartment in Section 2 of the
Zoning By-Law The lot also lacks sufficient frontage to create two lots, either in a conventional
or Section 7 4.5, Frontage Reduction, scenario. Finally the Planning Board sees no grounds
whatsoever for hardship in terms of the requested variance.
The Board had no comment on the following applications, also to be heard on August 26.
5 Candlewick Close, special permit to enclose deck
4 Homestead Street. special permit to add second floor to dwelling
4 Homestead Street.variance for same
137 Mass. Avenue, Domino's Pizza,renewal of special permit
3 Minutes for the Meeting of August 12, 1999
******************************* EXECUTIVE SESSION **********************************
On the motion of Mr. Colman, seconded by Mr.Merrill,the Board voted unanimously to go into Executive
Session to discuss potential litigation against the Town and personnel matters. The Rowland Avenue and
Dunham Street cases were discussed, as was the departmental transition in its latest form. The Board agreed
to reconvene in open session only for the purpose of adjourning.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
cf2
Anthony G. Galaitsis,Clerk