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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-08-30-PB-min PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF AUGUST 30, 2017 A meeting of the Lexington Planning Board, held in Selectmen’s Meeting Room, was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair, Richard Canale, with members Charles Hornig, Ginna Johnson, and Bob Creech, and planning staff Aaron Henry and David Kucharsky were present. Nancy Corcoran-Ronchetti was absent. *******************************STAFF REPORTS******************************** General Updates: Mr. Henry noted the discussion of street names for the approved Cedar Street Conventional th Subdivision has been scheduled to occur on September 13 at the request of the developer. Planning Office received sketch plans for a site sensitive development on Mass Avenue. Staff are th currently reviewing the submission and the applicant will come before the Board on October 4. A street determination for 10 Rangeway is also scheduled for the fourth. Mr. Henry explained that the Board of Selectmen are planning on proposing a general bylaw to the Special Fall Town Meeting that will prohibit recreational marijuana. If that article does not pass then the Planning Board will propose a moratorium on recreational marijuana. If the prohibition passes then the moratorium will be indefinitely postponed. Mr. Canale noted the prohibition requires a majority vote while the moratorium requires 2/3 vote. Mr. Hornig disagreed with the approach suggesting the zoning bylaw replicate what the current medical marijuana bylaw states. Mr. Henry asked two Board members to participate in a meeting about commercial properties near the intersection of Marrett & Spring. Mr. Hornig and Mr. Creech volunteered. The name of the new hire will be announced during the next meeting. Staff still need to go through Human Resources to formalize the offer. Mr. Kucharsky noted the Town’s statutory speed has been lowered from 30 MPH to 25 MPH and will be effective this Friday. An education campaign has been developed working with the Police Department. Comprehensive Plan Update: Mr. Henry provided a status update on the Comprehensive plan and the creation of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee. Staff are looking through a list of candidates now. Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of August 30, 2017 ***************UPCOMING MEETINGS, EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS************* Anticipated Meetings: Staff reviewed the upcoming meeting dates which included meeting prior to Special Town Meeting. *********************DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION************************ Updates on Potential NCDs: Conservation Diane Pursley (21 Turning Mill Rd), chair of the Turning Mill Neighborhood District (NCD) Study Committee, gave a presentation outlining the activities of the study committee including their anticipated timeline for submission to Spring Town Meeting. After the presentation Board members provided their feedback which included language edits to the draft bylaw as well as guidance with the overall schedule moving forward. Mr. Canale indicated that 2 joint meetings with the Historical Commission will need to be coordinated. Mr. Henry for opportunity to review the revised bylaw before it is sent to Town Counsel. Beth Zonis (4 Gould Rd) – voiced appreciation to the Board for reviewing the documents and ensuring it is as inclusive as possible to make residents feel comfortable about opting into this. She asked if it were possible to include photos of the homes and the types of tree species recommended for screening and asked if that is something that can be placed in the bylaw. Mr. Canale noted the committee is putting together a report which documents the district and should include photos of the neighborhood. The purpose of the bylaw is to explain how the NCD regulations will be executed. Mr. Hornig asked about the status of the Byron-Lockwood NCD and when would the Board have an opportunity to meet with them. Mr. Canale noted they have a draft report. Their area is smaller than Turning Mill and are seeking less regulations. Many of the properties in that NCD are also in the Historic District. That study committee hope to have their hearing soon. Amend Subdivision & Zoning Regulations: The public hearing has been closed. Staff reviewed amendments to the regulations based on Board member feedback. Mr. Hornig moved to adopt the changes to the Subdivision and Zoning nd Regulations, Mr. Creech 2. The Board voted 4-0 to adopt. Ms. Corcoran-Ronchetti was absent. *************************BOARD ADMINISTRATION**************************** Board Member reports: Minutes for the Meeting of August 30, 2017 Page 3 Mr. Canale indicated the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) organized a site visit to a senior housing facility in Carlisle which included affordable units. Perhaps this is something Lexington should consider looking into. Mr. Canale noted the Planning Board recently met with the Board of Selectmen to discuss a potential work plan for Spring Town Meeting related to economic development. The Selectmen identified two members to participate and our Board will do the same. Mr. Canale asked if this effort should be considered part of Comprehensive Plan or something else. Mr. Hornig stated that he does not see this as part of Comprehensive Plan but a continuation of the work that has been occurring over the last several years. Where it is feasible we should coordinate the data gathering to inform both efforts. Ms. Johnson asked if we do proceed with this effort should we postpone moving forward with the Comprehensive Plan. Do we have enough staff to do both of these initiatives? If an article is brought to Town Meeting, they will want as much data as possible to make an informed decision. Mr. Creech noted that the Board of Selectmen are intent on looking at ways to bring additional revenue into the Town. Some members agreed that moving forward we should understand how much of an effort this will entail while considering the Comprehensive Plan schedule as well as other statutory responsibilities. Mr. Canale proposed Mr. Hornig and Ms. Johnson represent the Board on this effort. Both members agreed. Minutes Review and Approval: On a motion of Mr. Hornig, seconded by Ms. Johnson, it was voted 4-0 (Ms. Corcoran-Ronchetti thth was absent) to approve the minutes of July 12 and July 26, 2017. th The minutes of August 16 still need additional edits before approval. On a motion, duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. The meeting was recorded by LexMedia. Bob Creech, Clerk