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Lexington Planning Board Meeting Minutes
December 11, 2024
Page 1 of 12
Minutes of the Lexington Planning Board
Held on Wednesday December 11, 2024, Virtual Meeting at 6:00 pm
Planning Board members present: Michael Schanbacher, Chair; Robert Creech, Vice-Chair; Melanie
Thompson, Clerk; Robert Peters; Charles Hornig; and Michael Leon, associate member.
Also present were: Abby McCabe, Planning Director; Meghan McNamara, Assistant Planning Director; and
Carol Kowalski, Assistant Town Manager for Development.
Michael Schanbacher, Chair of the Planning Board, called to order the meeting of the Lexington Planning
Board on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. For this meeting, the Planning Board is convening
by video conference via Zoom. LexMedia is filming this meeting and is recording it for future viewing here.
The Chair explained the process and the procedure of the meeting.
Mr. Schanbacher conducted a roll call to ensure all members of the Planning Board and members of staff
present could hear and be heard.
Mr. Schanbacher provided a summary of instructions for members of the public in attendance. It was
further noted that materials for this meeting are available on the Town's Novus Packet dashboard. The
Board will go through the agenda in order.
Development Administration
17 Hartwell Avenue – Continued public hearing for a major site plan review application for a
mixed-use multi-family development in the village high rise overlay district (continued from
9/11 & 10/23). Board will deliberate.
Mr. Schanbacher re-opened the public hearing for the major site plan review application for the proposal
at 17 Hartwell Avenue continued from the October 23rd meeting. The applicant team included: Rick
DeAngelis, Chris Carr and Tom Carleton from Boston Properties; Brian O’Connor, Andrea Hester, Sergio
Alfonso, and Chris Santoro from Cube 3; Sarah Morton and Nick Skoly from VHB; and Landscape Architect
Christian Lemon and Brooke Whiting-Cash from Lemon Brooke; and Geotechnical Engineers from Haley
and Aldrich.
Also present was the Board’s peer review consultant from Nitsch Engineering, Mr. William Maher.
Mr. DeAngelis represented the applicant and gave a brief overview of the project.
Mr. Carr shared the slides and went over the changes made to the plans since their last meeting with the
Planning Board. Mr. Carr explained that they are still working on the design development of the onsite
solar canopy on top of the garage, offsetting 25% of the electricity costs for inclusionary units. Mr. Carr
added that they have refined their bike parking plans based on the feedback received from the bicycle
advisory committee and shared the updated bike parking plans. Mr. Carr stated that they will be only
requiring one waiver related to the distance between the exterior bike parking spaces. Mr. Carr also went
over the revisions made to the vehicular parking spaces to address the comments received during their
last meeting with the Planning Board and added that the parking lots and the dwelling units were
Lexington Planning Board Meeting Minutes
December 11, 2024
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unbundled. Mr. Carr also shared the updated stormwater management plans that followed the
requirements of the Conservation Commission.
Mr. O’Connor went over the revisions made to the building design and added that the texture and concept
of the building facades were designed to provide a warm residential character to the project. Mr.
O’Connor shared the renderings to provide the scale and context in relation to the neighborhood.
Staff Comments
Ms. McCabe updated everyone that the applicant does not need a special permit any more for parking
setbacks, as they had stated earlier, and at present the application is only for site plan review. Ms. McCabe
added that staff have reviewed the plans submitted by the applicant and they believe that the plans meet
the requirements of the Zoning bylaw and the Zoning regulations and explained the waivers sought by the
applicant in detail. As the applicant had submitted the tree inventory plans and landscape plan detailing
the tree mitigation and planting plan, McCabe recommended waiving the jurisdiction of the tree bylaw
and consolidating that review with the Planning Board’s review. Ms. McCabe detailed the two waivers for
bicycle parking, related to the width between some bicycle racks and for some parking spaces to be in a
2-tiered lift system. Ms. Mccabe also shared details of the waiver requested for the stormwater harvesting
system and added that the applicant proposed all underground infiltration. Ms. McCabe welcomed the
applicant’s decision to unbundle the parking in response to the recommendation from the Transportation
Manager and the Transportation Advisory Committee. Ms. McCabe added that the applicant was also
proposing to build a bus shelter at a to be determined location as per the recommendations of the
Transportation Advisory Committee. Ms. McCabe asked the applicant to present a revised plan set with
some added electrical outlets near bike parking and asked the applicant to consider adding at least three
more trees along the front of the building. Ms. McCabe asked the applicant to work with the Fire
Department to make a few minor revisions for emergency access along Westview Street. Ms. McCabe
stated that the applicant had agreed to add a sidewalk on the North side of the garage entrance as
requested by the Bicycle Advisory Committee.
Susan Barrett, the Transportation Manager, thanked the applicant for unbundling the parking and
increasing the bike parking and for adding a bus shelter. Ms. Barrett also applauded the applicant for
working on the carpooling study and asked if there would be an onsite transportation coordinator to guide
residents with alternate transportation options. Ms. Barrett asked the applicant to clarify their
relationship with the 128 Business Council.
Peer Reviewer Comments
Mr. Maher stated that the applicant had provided the updated stormwater and drainage calculations and
added that the updated plans meet the intent of the bylaw for the Conservation Commission. Mr. Maher
added that the applicant had increased the size of the infiltration systems and added more infiltration
trenches and recommended the Planning Board approve the project based on the conditions specified in
the staff memo.
Lexington Planning Board Meeting Minutes
December 11, 2024
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Board Questions
Mr. Hornig asked the applicant if the conditions specified by staff were acceptable to them. Mr. Carr
responded that the conditions were acceptable to them.
Mr. Creech wanted to know the proposed plans for heating the swimming pool. Mr. Carr stated that the
swimming pool is currently designed to be heated by gas.
Ms. Thompson wanted to know if the applicant was making an annual contribution to the Town’s
Transportation Demand Management Fund. Mr. Carr stated that they will be making a $10,000 upfront
contribution and would consider annual donation. Mr. Carr added that they will continue to be members
of 128 Business Council and would conduct studies and incorporate a website for carpooling in
collaboration with the Transportation Management Committee.
Public Comments
Tom Shiple, on behalf of the Bicycle Advisory Committee, thanked the applicant for addressing their
concerns and for coming up with alternate plans.
Jay Luker, 26 Rindge Avenue, stated that he was not happy with the way the Bedford/Hartwell Complete
Streets Project was being implemented, stated that a few bike paths need to be added to get people to
shift their transportation modes, and steps have to be taken to create a pedestrian friendly neighborhood.
Sumitra Sujanani, 29 Ledgelawn Avenue, wanted clarification on a rendering shared by the applicant
regarding the safety of a balcony and also wanted details about the depth of the water table at the
proposed site.
Applicant’s Response
Mr. Carr responded to Ms. Barrett’s questions and stated that they will have an onsite transportation
coordinator and added that they are willing to work together with the 128 Business Council to address
the issues caused due to the increased traffic caused due to the construction. Mr. Carr added that they
will make sure the balconies are safely built and added that it was roughly two to seven feet of separation
between the proposed system and the water table.
Staff Response
Ms. McCabe added that the Bedford/Hartwell Complete Streets Project will consider all the proposed
developments and would be designed to promote multi modal transport.
Board Comments
Mr. Creech asked the applicant to explore the possibility of using fiber cement that is manufactured using
low-carbon cement from SubLime in Somerville, MA. He also encouraged a smoke-free environment in
the buildings and on the premises.
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December 11, 2024
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Mr. Peters appreciated the applicant’s efforts to come up with revised plans to address the comments of
the Board and welcomed the approach to unbundle parking from the units, which would encourage usage
of public transit. Mr. Peters asked the applicant to reconsider to eliminate the parking in front of the
building and also asked the applicant to promote a smoke free environment.
Mr. Hornig felt that with the draft conditions, the project was ready to go.
Mr. Schanbacher stated that he hoped that projects like the current one, would encourage the creation
of a more robust commercial presence in the Hartwell area. Mr. Schanbacher added that the focus should
be more on creating walkable neighborhoods and encouraging mass transit.
Mr. Creech moved to close the public hearing for the major site plan review application for 17 Hartwell
Avenue. Ms. Thompson seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0
(Roll call: Creech – yes; Peters- yes; Schanbacher – yes; Thompson – yes; Hornig – yes). MOTION PASSED
Mr. Creech moved to waive the jurisdiction of the Tree Bylaw to the Planning Board because the
project's tree removal is best mitigated with the proposed landscape planting plan that meets the Tree
Bylaw on this project site and through a condition of approval requiring a tree protection plan prepared
by a certified arborist. Ms. Thompson seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the
motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Creech – yes; Peters- yes; Schanbacher – yes; Thompson – yes; Hornig – yes).
MOTION PASSED
Mr. Creech moved to waive the strict requirements of §176-12.4.2.7 requiring each bicycle parking
space to be at least 6 ft. x 2 ft. The Board finds this proposal meets the intent and purposes of this
requirement by providing easy access. Ms. Thompson seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted
in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Creech – yes; Peters- yes; Schanbacher – yes; Thompson – yes;
Hornig – yes). MOTION PASSED
Mr. Creech moved to waive the strict requirements of §176-12.4.2.9 prohibiting bicycle parking from
being lifted off the floor. The Board finds this proposal is acceptable to meet the intent and purposes
of this requirement by providing easy access for bicycle storage. Ms. Thompson seconded the motion.
The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Creech – yes; Peters- yes; Schanbacher
– yes; Thompson – yes; Hornig – yes). MOTION PASSED
Mr. Creech moved to waive the strict requirements of §176-12.9.5.8 requiring the use of stormwater
harvesting systems, such as cisterns and ponds, for plant irrigation. The Board finds stormwater
collection below grade is more favorable to at grade ponds. Ms. Thompson seconded the motion. The
Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Creech – yes; Peters- yes; Schanbacher –
yes; Thompson – yes; Hornig – yes). MOTION PASSED
Mr. Creech moved to approve the draft decision for major site plan review with a stormwater permit
with the findings and the 70 conditions as may be modified this evening. Ms. Thompson seconded the
motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Creech – yes; Peters- yes;
Schanbacher – yes; Thompson – yes; Hornig – yes). MOTION PASSED
Mr. Creech moved to have the Chair sign the decision and correct any non-substantive changes such as
grammar, typos, and consistency errors. Ms. Thompson seconded the motion. The Planning Board
voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Creech – yes; Peters- yes; Schanbacher – yes; Thompson –
yes; Hornig – yes). MOTION PASSED
Lexington Planning Board Meeting Minutes
December 11, 2024
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185, 187-189 Bedford Street – Public hearing for a major site plan review and special permit
application for a multi-family residential development in the village overlay district.
Mr. Schanbacher opened the public hearing for the major site plan review application of 185 Bedford
Street LLC, for major site plan review under Zoning Bylaw §135-7.5. Mr. Schanbacher informed the Board
that, due to the likelihood of the hearing for this application to continue through the upcoming election
cycle and beyond election day, Mr. Peters will not be acting as a voting member for this application, and
that the Board will be calling the associate member Mr. Leon to act as a voting member for this
application.
The applicant was represented by attorney Frederick Gilgun. The applicant team included: Architects
Michael McKay and Robert McNeil from Mark McKay Architects, Landscape Architect Jeffrey Thoma of J.
Thoma Land Design Studios, and Engineer Michael Novak from Patriot Engineering.
Also present was the peer reviewer, Mike Gillardo from Eaglebrook Engineering.
Mr. Gilgun gave an overview of the project and added that the owners of the property, who also happen
to own properties across the street from the project, were willing to grant an easement for two additional
parking spots on the property across the street.
Mr. McKay shared renderings of the project and went over the various features of the proposed project.
Mr. McKay also shared the details of the parking and bike storage.
Mr. Thoma shared the landscape plans and shared details of access for trash enclosure and the
streetscape. Mr. Thoma shared details of the flexible green space that can be enjoyed by residents and
the proposed tree planting plan.
Mr. Novak summarized the details of the proposed stormwater management system.
Staff Comments
Ms. McNamara summarized the staff comments prepared by Ms. Eve Tapper from Planners in a Pinch and
by Ms. McNamara. Ms. McNamara informed everyone that the applicant would be required to satisfy the
inclusionary dwelling unit requirements for this project, which would be to provide 15% of the total units
as inclusionary dwelling units limited to 80% of the area median income. Ms. McNamara added that for
the current project that would be 3 inclusionary units and asked the applicant to consider allocating one
of the proposed three-bedroom units as an inclusionary dwelling unit. Ms. McNamara also asked the
applicant to revise the driveway plans to have a minimum width of eighteen feet instead of the currently
proposed 15-foot paved area and 5 foot of crushed stone. Ms. McNamara asked the applicant to provide
a turning diagram for vehicles the size of a box truck to show that they can enter and exit in the forward
moving direction as required by the bylaw. Ms. McNamara also asked the applicant to provide revised
plans showing the location of EV ready parking spaces and a preliminary signage package. Ms. McNamara
asked the applicant to provide the dimensions of the bicycle storage and e-bike charging stations. Ms.
McNamara asked the applicant to provide updated lighting plans to ensure that there was no light trespass
and also their proposed plans for removal of trash and recycling.
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December 11, 2024
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Ms. McNamara reminded the applicant of the Transportation Manager’s request for a contribution to the
Transportation Demand Management fund and to also provide the truck turning diagrams for both
entrances to the site to the staff from the Fire Department. Ms. McNamara asked the applicant to provide
narratives for the proposed water and sewer flows and asked the applicant to do an analysis of the
proposed utility connections and to come up with any mitigation plans as needed. Ms. McNamara stated
that the Bicycle Advisory Committee had asked for larger size bike spaces to accommodate cargo bikes.
Ms. McNamara also stated that the Building Commissioner was reviewing the average natural grade and
building height forms to confirm that the proposed building meets the height requirements of the Zoning
bylaw. Ms. McNamara added that the applicant had requested two waivers, one of which was to allow
the drive aisle within five feet of the principal building and the relief for the stormwater harvesting
systems.
Peer Reviewer Comments
Mr. Gillardo summarized the concerns he had and informed that the Stormwater Analysis was performed
using a hydraulic D soil and since the actual test pit on the property indicates A soil, Mr. Gillardo asked
the applicant to provide revised calculations to factor the type of soil and to clarify the accuracy of
groundwater elevations. Mr. Gillardo also asked the applicant to come up with revised plans for infiltration
system number 2, to address the flooding of the garage in the event of a major storm. Mr. Gillardo also
asked for more details on the infiltration system in the North of the property to determine the impact of
proximity of the infiltration system to the retaining wall.
Board Questions
Mr. Hornig asked the applicant if all the concerns raised by the peer reviewer and staff are addressable
by them before their next Planning Board Meeting. Mr. Novak responded that all the concerns raised by
the peer reviewer and staff can be addressed by them.
Mr. Leon wanted clarification on the access to the amenity space and trash handling. Mr. McNeil provided
the clarifications and added that they will reevaluate trash handling and come up with revisions if
necessary. Mr. Leon also asked the applicant to consider revising the stormwater management plan to
capture runoff and channelize it into the subsurface infiltration chamber. Mr. Leon also asked the
applicant to consider unbundling parking from units and come up with a parking management plan.
Mr. Creech asked the applicant to explain the proposed trash removal plan. Mr. Novak responded that
they will have to reevaluate the movement of the trash truck route keeping in mind the busy street the
project is situated in.
Since the applicant planned to have some parking across the street, Ms. Thompson asked the applicant if
there was a crosswalk to access the parking across the street, and stated that there could be a safety
concern, especially at night, if there was no crosswalk close by. Ms. McNamara responded that there was
a crosswalk about 200 feet from the property. Ms. Thompson also asked the applicant to share renderings
from the back of the building, to get a better idea of the orientation of the amenity space. Ms. Thompson
also asked the applicant if they proposed to have a walking or bike path from the property to the Public
Works building.
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December 11, 2024
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Mr. Peters asked the applicant if he considered doing any parking study to study the excess parking
situation in the parking across the street. Mr. Gilgun stated that the property across the street, 186
Bedford Street, is almost fully occupied with plenty of vacant parking.
Mr. Leon suggested alternatives to eliminating windows for preventing light trespass, by adding window
treatments. Mr. Leon also asked the applicant to widen the driveway and shrink the proposed strip of
crushed stone for vehicular safety. Mr. Novak said that he will explore other options.
Mr. Schanbacher asked the applicant to share the proposed trash handling plan. Mr. Novak said that he
will need to work with the trash collection company to come up with a plan. Mr. Schanbacher also wanted
clarification on the locations of the inclusionary units and the transformer. Mr. McNeil clarified the
locations of the inclusionary units and stated that the transformer location would be the one mentioned
in the civil and landscape plan.
The Board recessed at 8:10 p.m. and reconvened at 8:15 pm.
Public Comments
Lin Jensen, 133 Reed Street, asked the applicant to consider joining the Black Earth Compost Program that
services the Town and asked the applicant to improve connectivity and accessibility between the
proposed development and the bike path.
Amit Vashisht, 195 Bedford Street, expressed his concerns regarding traffic and parking and asked the
applicant to consider a façade that will not be a block of bricks.
Nancy Sofen, 3 Abernathy Road, asked the applicant to consider planting the red maple trees on the
ground instead of in the planters and asked the applicant to reconsider the plan to put a fire pit in the
amenity space.
Barbara Katzenberg, 37 Moon Hill Road, felt that a parking garage without windows would make the
building look more industrial and asked the applicant to explore options to place fake or tinted windows
instead.
Jay Luker, 26 Rindge Avenue, felt that since the applicant had also developed the mixed use across the
street, it would be ideal to have a bus shelter on one or both sides of Bedford Street near the
developments.
Sumitra Sujanani, 29 Ledgelawn Avenue, applauded the architecture and aesthetics of the building and
asked for details of the depth of the water table and the lower level of the garage and the snow removal
plans.
Robin Kutner, appreciated the architecture and asked the applicant to explore accessibility to the bike
path and to add more three-bedroom units to the proposal.
Lisa Newton, 15 Ledgelawn Avenue, expressed her concerns about residents parking on the DPW
property, especially during snow emergencies.
Mr. Luker responded to Ms. Kutner’s concerns and added that a balance of different sizes of bedrooms is
required for families of all sizes.
Lexington Planning Board Meeting Minutes
December 11, 2024
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Ms. Jensen asked the applicant to explore options to create a few guest parking spots by renting a few
parking spots in the neighborhood.
Applicant response to public comments
Mr. Gilgun stated that they will work on the concerns raised by the public and come back to the Board
with means to address them. Mr. Novak stated that he will review and provide the details of the water
table in the next set of plans. Mr. Novak also stated that since the site is small, snow would be removed
from the site and not stored on site and added that access to the rear of the DPW yard would not be
possible.
Additional Staff Comments
Ms. McCabe asked the applicant to share the estimated timeframe for construction. Mr. Novak responded
that they will give the time frame for the estimated construction at their next Planning Board meeting.
Additional Board Comments
Mr. Creech stated that electric grills are preferred and a plan should be established to monitor their
operations. Mr. Creech also asked the applicant to come up with solutions to accommodate guest parking
and to eliminate light trespass in the garage but to still keep the window “look
since it is a good esthetic detail. Mr. Creech also asked the applicant to encourage a smoke free
environment, at least in public spaces.
Mr. Schanbacher asked the applicant to make sure the second means of egress complies with the Building
Code. Mr. Schanbacher also asked the applicant to provide realistic renderings of the project detailing the
trash and transformer locations. Mr. Schanbacher also asked the applicant to come up with other ways to
access the amenity space instead of through the garage. Mr. Schanbacher asked the applicant to come up
with alternate ways to create a more durable solution for the stone walls at the street near the entrance.
Mr. Schanbacher reiterated with Mr. Creech and Mr. Leon about breaking up the façade and asked the
applicant to come up with an alternate color scheme that would be logical and blend with the whole
building.
Mr. Leon hoped that the applicant would consider doing a market analysis to determine the kind of
parking requirements for guests and family visitors.
Mr. Creech moved to continue the public hearing for the Site Plan Review and Special Permit for 185,
187-189 Bedford Street to Thursday January 30th, 2025 at or after 6 pm via Zoom. Ms. Thompson
seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Leon – yes;
Creech– yes; Schanbacher – yes; Thompson – yes; Hornig – yes). MOTION PASSED
114 Wood Street Approval Not Required (ANR) Plan
Ms. McCabe shared the ANR plan for 114 Wood Street and gave the details of the application.
Mr. Hornig explained that this approval would create a zoning violation. Ms. McCabe informed the Board
that they can vote to sign this ANR application and that staff would encourage the applicant to not record
Lexington Planning Board Meeting Minutes
December 11, 2024
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the plan. Ms. McCabe also added that the applicant was considering submission of a Special Residential
Development application at a later date.
Mr. Creech moved that the Planning Board sign the ANR Plan submitted this evening by Seaver
Constructions for 114 Wood Street to create Parcel A, to be a separate parcel from Lot 1 and considered
a non-buildable parcel. Ms. Thompson seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the
motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Peters – yes; Creech– yes; Schanbacher – yes; Thompson – yes; Hornig – yes).
MOTION PASSED
312 & 320 Waltham Street Approval Not Required (ANR) Plan
Ms. McCabe shared the ANR plan for 312 & 320 Waltham Street and gave the details of the application
and recommended the Board to approve the ANR application.
Mr. Creech moved that the Planning Board sign the ANR Plan submitted for 312 Waltham Street to be
combined with 320 Waltham Street. Ms. Thompson seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in
favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Peters – yes; Creech– yes; Schanbacher – yes; Thompson – yes;
Hornig – yes). MOTION PASSED
Board Administration
Board will discuss the zoning amendment warrant article request for the Annual Town
Meeting. Discussion will focus on, but is not limited to, the following sections of the Zoning
Bylaw:
Ms. McCabe explained that every year around this time, the Planning Board would submit a request to
the Select Board for article placeholders for amending sections of the Zoning Bylaw and went over each
proposed amendment in detail.
Sec. 5.1.8 to require bicycle parking facilities for new developments with commercial, office, and retail
uses
Ms. McCabe stated that based on the suggestion from the bicycle advisory committee, staff recommends
updating §5.1 of the Zoning Bylaw to at least require some short- term bike parking spaces.
Mr. Hornig added that he did not want the amendment to be restricted to just commercial, office and
retail uses and suggested that the Board should go through the use table and check which categories of
uses should be amended to require bicycle parking facilities.
Ms. McCabe said that she will prepare and circulate a revised draft of the proposed amendment.
§6.9 Special Residential Developments §6.9.8. a relative to the calculation for the required gross floor
area of inclusionary dwelling units in special residential developments and changes relative to
historically and architectural significant buildings
Ms. McCabe stated that the recommendation was to modify how the inclusionary housing requirements
were calculated to be based on a special residential development’s total proposed gross floor area (GFA)
rather than on the maximum buildout as shown on the proof plan.
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December 11, 2024
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Mr. Hornig felt that this amendment would make it possible for someone to scale back a development
that was not site appropriate, particularly for a site sensitive development. Mr. Schanbacher agreed with
Mr. Hornig.
§7.1 National Flood Insurance (NFI) District to amend the special flood hazard area maps to match
FEMA’s updated flood insurance maps
Ms. McCabe stated that the next amendment was to amend §7.1 to reference the most up to date maps
issued by FEMA for flood insurance and to comply with FEMA’s standards and regulations. Ms. McCabe
added that staff will work more closely with FEMA to review the Zoning Bylaws and to make any further
updates. The Board discussed and agreed to include a clause to update the requirements to conform to
FEMA standards.
§9.4.6 to modify the special permit timeframe from 2 to 3 years to match state law
Ms. McCabe stated that §9.4.6 of the Zoning bylaw has to be updated to say that Special Permits were
good for 36 months in order to match the amendments made to the State law to that effect.
Technical corrections to correct any non-substantive errors
Ms. McCabe recommended having the standard language to edit any typos or grammatical errors.
§6.2 Historic Preservation Incentives and the Historic Commissions authority
Ms. McCabe stated that the Historical Commission had requested the Planning Board to make some edits
to the language pertaining to §6.9 and §6.2 to remove ambiguities in the Zoning Bylaw. Mr. Robert
Rotberg, Chair of the Historic Commission put forth the proposed changes to the Board and gave
clarifications to Board Member’s questions. Mr. Hornig suggested some changes to the language and Mr.
Rotberg agreed to make the changes and present them directly to the Select Board.
Mr. Creech moved to submit five articles as discussed, this evening to the Select Board for inclusion in
the warrant for Annual Town Meeting. Ms. Thompson seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted
in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Creech – yes; Peters – yes; Schanbacher – yes; Thompson – yes;
Hornig – yes). MOTION PASSED
Board Member Updates
Mr. Creech updated the Board about the Minuteman Advisory Group on Inter-local Coordination (MAGIC)
meeting and shared the discussion on accessory dwelling units. Mr. Creech also gave updates from the
Community Preservation Committee regarding their funding requests.
Mr. Hornig summarized the happenings at the Housing Partnership Board and their work plan to create
working groups. Mr. Hornig also updated the Board about the discussions on accessory dwelling units in
the MAPC and EOHLC Webinars.
Mr. Schanbacher shared the happenings at the School Master Planning Committee and shared their
updated strategies on increased enrollment.
Staff Update
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December 11, 2024
Page 11 of 12
Ms. McCabe introduced the new Planning Coordinator, Carolyn Morrison, to the Board members. She will
start next week.
Review of Draft Meeting Minutes: 11.20.24
Mr. Creech moved that the Planning Board approve the draft November 20, 2024 meeting minutes as
presented. Ms. Thompson seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-
0 (Roll call: Creech – yes; Peters – yes; Schanbacher – yes; Thompson – yes; Hornig – yes). MOTION
PASSED
Upcoming Meetings: 1.15.25, Thursday 1.30.25, 2.12.25, 2.26.25
Ms. McCabe reminded the Board about the next Board meeting on January 15 th, 2025.
Adjournment
Mr. Creech moved that the Planning Board adjourn the meeting of December 11, 2024 at 9:57 pm. Ms.
Thompson seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Creech
– yes; Peters – yes; Schanbacher – yes; Thompson – yes; Hornig – yes). MOTION PASSED
Meeting adjourned at 9.57 p.m. Lex Media recorded the meeting.
Material from the meeting can be found in the Planning Board’s Novus Packet.
List of Documents
1. 17 Hartwell Avenue: Draft Planning Board Site Plan Review draft decision with findings and
conditions revised through December 11, 2024, Staff memo dated 12.04.2024, Peer Review
Memo dated 12.09.24, Plan Sets revised 12.03.24, Landscape Illustrative Plan and Section revised
12.05.24, Site Lighting Plan revised 11.20.24, Stormwater Memo revised 12.03.24, Response to
Peer Review Memo dated 10.31.24, preliminary construction management plan dated 11.20.24,
Geotechnical exploration results dated 11.20.24, Civil Plans revised 12.03.24, Response to Staff
Comments dated 11.20.24, Snow Storage Calculations dated 11.20.24, Waiver Request dated
11.20.24, Letter detailing Video inspection of Catch Basin dated 11.01.2024, Architectural
renderings dated 11.20.24, Civil Drawings dated 11.20.24, Landscape Plan dated 11.20.24,
Photometric Plan dated 11.20.24, Stormwater memo dated 12.03.24, Rendering dated 12.05.24,
Pipe Capacity Calculation dated 11.01.24, Response to Bicycle Advisory Committee comments
dated 12.05.24, Civil Plan Sheets dated 11.25.24, Revised Stormwater Memo dated 11.25.24,
Revised Stormwater Memo dated 12.03.24
Public Comments
1. Electronic Mail from Kunal Botla, Chair Transportation Advisory Committee, to Planning
Board Chair and Planning Director, Subject 17 Hartwell Avenue Comments-
Transportation Advisory Committee, dated December 11, 2024
2. Electronic Mail from Tom Shiple to Planning Staff and Planning Board, Subject: LBAC
Feedback on 17 Hartwell for 12/11/24 public hearing, dated December 5, 2024
Lexington Planning Board Meeting Minutes
December 11, 2024
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2. 185, 187-189 Bedford Street: Staff Memo dated 12.04.24, Peer Review Memo dated 12.04.24,
Average Natural Grade Worksheet dated 10.29.24, Town Clerk Stamped Application dated
10.25.24, Architectural Plans dated 09.27.24, Major Site Plan Review Checklist submitted on
10.06.24, Construction management Plan dated 10.06.24, Applicant’s response to DRT Notes
dated 10.06.24, Solar and Energy Efficiency Narrative dated 10.22.24, Site Plan Review Design
Regulation Checklist submitted on 10.06.24, Floor plans with Inclusionary Dwelling Unit
designation dated 10.22.24, LEED Checklist dated 10.22.24, Neighborhood Meeting summary
dated 10.11.24, Project Overview Statement dated 10.06.24, Civil Plans dated 10.05.24, SITES
Checklist dated 10.22.24, Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan dated 10.05.24, Erosion and
Sedimentation Control Plan revised 11.08.24, Zoning Narrative dated 10.11.24
Public Comments
1. Electronic Mail from Kunal Botla, Chair Transportation Advisory Committee, to Planning
Board Chair and Planning Director, Subject 185,187-189 Bedford Street Comments-
Transportation Advisory Committee, dated December 11, 2024
2. Electronic Mail from Tom Shiple to Planning Staff and Planning Board, Subject: LBAC
Feedback on 185 Bedford for 12/11/24 public hearing, dated November 22, 2024
3. Electronic Mail from Amit Kumar, Subject: Concerns regarding development on 185,187-
189 Bedford St, dated November 25 ,2024
4. Electronic Mail from Design Advisory Committee dated November 19, 2024
5. Electronic Mail from Nancy Sofen, Tree Committee dated November 13, 2024
3. Draft Meeting Minutes of 11.20.24 Planning Board Meeting