Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1927 Planning Board Minutes 1927 PLANNING BOARD Frederick L. Emery J. Henry Duffy C. Edward Glynn William D. Milne Arthur W. Freeman Clarence H. Cutler M Y TT M January 10, 1927. .T,.. eery, Chairman, "iessrs . Duffy and Milne appeared before the selectmen to support and explain the views of the Planning board in regard to the matter of engineering facilities for the Town. Y . D. `lilne, Clerk, HEARING. January 14, 1927 . After due notice published in the Lexington Times and sent to some 33 individuals , a well attended hearing under the petition of Justus Shea for amendment of the zoning by-law to establish a business district at 115 Massachusetts Avenuw was held at the Town Offices at 8 P.M. , Friday, January 14, 1927 . Messrs . Emery, Duffy and Milne of the Planning Board were present. Mr. R. L. Ryder represented Mr. Shea in favor of the petition, and made the usual claims of benefits to the town. It appeared that Shea bought the front land in 1922, and the back land in 1924 and proposed to build a garage, 50 feet back from the Avenue, and use the back land as an oil depot with side track facilities . Mr. Wm. Murphy favored the petition. Mr. Leo Brean of the American Oil Co. of Cambridge spoke for Shea in regard to the oil business and facilities to be provided. Miss Mitchell favored the petition. Of those who were opposed to the petition, the following spoke : H. L. Coolidge, Mrs . Peavey, Mr.Perkins , Mr. Cummings , Mr. Hanson, Mr . Marshall, Mr. Joy, Mr. H.S.O. Nichols, Mr . Davin, On a call for hands of others than those who spoke, 27 were counted in opposition, and one in favor of the petition. No vote of the Planning Board was taken in the matter at the meeting, but there was strong evidence of the objection of the residents of the vicinity to the granting of the petition. W. D. Milne, Clerk. PLANNING BOARD MEETING. TFXINGTON, MASS. January 27, 1927 . Present: Mr . Emery, Chairman. Messrs . Worthen, Glynn, Duffy, Milne . Mr. Worthen presented plans for Robbins & Smith for a development off Locust St . and Pollen Road. More complete information as to topography and contiguous areas was asked of Robbins & Smith in collaboration with the town engineer. The constituency of the Board for 1927 was discussed at length. The matter of building line on Massachusetts Avenue from Town Hall to Hancock Street railroad crossing was discussed and the clerk was directed to inquire of the Selectmen as to their sentiments in the matter. The matter of building line on Massachusetts Avenue at East Lexington, particularly at the Robbins Cemetery was discussed. Mr. Worthen was asked to inquire of Miss Ellen Stone as to the ownership of the cemetery. Mr. Cosgrove reported that there were inter- ments within 12 feet of the present street line . On the petition of Justin Shea for amendment of the zoning by-law to create a business district at 115 Massachusetts Ave . (Fast* Lexington and rear, the Board unanimously voted not to recommend such a change to the Town. Adjourned 11 P.M. W. D. Milne, Clerk. For The Planning Board. PLANNING BOARD MEETING Lexington, Mass. February 15, 1927. Present: .Emery, Chairman. Messrs . Worthen, Duffy, Glynn, Freeman, Milne . The Board met Robbins and Smith and their engineer, Peters, on plans for development off Locust Avenue . The layout called for street with 15% grade, which was objectionable . Various suggestions were made, and the matter was left to Mr. Peters and Mr. Cosgrove to study in an effort to find a more favorable street location. Mr. Emery showed plan of the Arlington Gas Light Company for gas holder they wish to place off Woburn Street. The general necessity for the holder and possible location for it, were discussed. The matter was left for Mr. Emery to consult with Mr. A.B. Tenney. The legal status of the Robbins Cemetery was to be referred to the Town Council. Mr. Duffy offered a proposed vote covering the appointment of a committee to examine the several functions of the town government and proposed methods and arrangements by which economy and effectiveness could be improved. The Board met with the selectmen and discussed the matter of establishing a building line on Mass . Ave . through the center. No encouragement was received. The matter of building inspection was touched on. Adjourned 11 P.M. W. D. Milne, Clerk. Note: Messrs . Duffy,Glynn and Milne met with the Finance Committee on February 14, 1927 and offered the views of the Board on the matter of appropriations for the Engineer' s Department . W.D.M. PLANNING BOARD MEETING. Town Hall . Lexington, February 25,1927. Present: Messrs . Emery, Duffy, Worthen, Glynn. Robbins & Smith plans for development off Locust Street, which had been revised by the engineers were discusses , some further improve- ments being suggested. In general the plan appeared to be approaching satisfactory shape . Roger Ingalls was called and the plan for the Meady-Gorman-Ingalls tract was reviewed. Mr. Emery reviewed progress on the drainage and park plans . W. D. Milne, Clerk . PLANNING BOARD MEETING. Lexington Town Hall. March 7, 1927. Present: Messrs . Emery, Duffy, Glynn, Cutler, Milne . Mr. 0 . G. Gorman was present and stated his views in regard to the development of the Meady-Gorman- Ingalls tracts on Reed and Bedford Streets. He wished no change in the status of his property. After general discussion it was left that a plan might be sent to each of these owners showing how a layout might best be made, but with the feeling that if none were made there was little danger of unfavorable development . The matter of procedure in Board of Survey matters was discussed and it was agreed that in every case formal petition should be required and invitation of the Board of Survey recorded before developer' s plans were studied . The matter of procedure in town meeting in regard to appropriation for the Engineering Department was discussed, without definite plan for action being fixed. The matter of a committee for an inquiry into the broad phases of town administrative policies and economies was discussed and it was decided to approach the Selectmen before presenting any motion in regard to it to the town meeting. W. D. Milne, Clerk. PLANNING BOARD MEETING. LEXINGTON, MASS. March 18, 1927 . Present: Messrs . Emery, Duffy, Glynn, Cutter, Milne . The committee was organized, Mr. Emery, selected Chairman, i,M.r. Milne , Clerk. There was discussion of Mr. Duffy' s proposed vote for an advisory committee on general Town Policies . It was referred back to Messrs . Duffy and Milne with suggestions . The situation with respect to relations with the selectmen was discussed and reference was made to the status of the Robbins and Smith, and McPhee development plans . It was decided not to attend the hearings on these petitions, but Mr. Emery was left to inform Yr. Ballard of the Planning Board' s position. Adjourned at 11 P.M. until Friday March 25,1927 . W. D. Milne , Clerk. 3 N1':I,T r 177T117-1. ''arch 21, /527, t'essrs . "mery, int:ffy and A.lne met with P les of `7etcalf '"ddy at the office r, :.;hurtlefr and discussed plans of the Vine Brook drainape and sevelopment project. The field work h:-ving been completed a definite pro- cedure was agreed upon and the engineers were to prepare the data for fin:-.1 revision. The question as to the sewerage facilities for the lo:. ,- rea browht up by `,r. Duffy, and T!r. Fales vies left to check this up. line , Clerk, PLANNING BOARD MEETING LEXINGTON, MASS. April 9, 1927 . Present: Mr . Emery, Chairman. Messrs . Glynn, Duffy, Gutter, Milne . Mr. Custance of the Selectmen was present through most of the meeting as was Mr . Cosgrove, Engineer. Mr. Custance discussed with the Board the ways and means for the coordination of the Board of Survey and Planning Board. It was agreed to prepare forms for petitions and routing of these to the Board, etc. , this being left for Messrs . Duffy and Milne to work on with Mr. Chamberlain of the Selectmen. The matter of permits issued for new building on Massachusetts Avenue, East Lexington, within the 30 ft. building line being worked on by the Board was discussed. The Board was surprised that the Selectmen should have taken action in this matter without con- sulting or advising the Planning Board. The Board of Survey referred petitions of Robbins & Smith, Swan, and Perkins to the Planning Board for review and report. The matter of the Robbins and Smith procedure was discussed with Mr. Custance . The Shurtleff plan for street development in the Vine Brook Drainage area was shown and briefly discussed by the Board and Mr. Custance . Adjourned 11 .30 to Friday April 15, 1927 . W. D. Milne, Clerk. ..ezin€tcan, "ass. April 15, 1927*. resent: "r. ' it ry 41airman.air . ''"essra. Ilynno Cutler, 3ilne. lso ._, Cosgrove, rieneeri and ar, ialumberlain of the card of arleotsen. The bobbins P .t development was reviewed with Mr* t c bbians• und plans to € vo¢d excessive street grades were urged, It was armed to ret in tch with the Tower land r res+entative with a view to establishing a road on the bountry line to the benefit of both parcels* • %obbtns agreed to at once undertake to lay out a lotting; plan embodyin6 thp amoral ;rthoiples desired by the , oe:rd. The orkins Manor dswelont was disouased, It was shown to :fro Chamberlain that an intelligent reeommendation could not be %ode for this development without a plan of the very large area behind this property shoeing ot'hcz, developmsnts, some t .. aphy, etc. Cosgrove was given an outline of. +to required. 11 There was discussion with Jr* Cheaberlain of the need for review of sewer picas with mat oar* before T000ediri ; on construction, even that construotton in ' ast _:oacin of nowcontracted fam are was seussicct of t} action n o. the selectmen in regard to street lines on ' .blesao7`rucetts ;venue, `'aut Lexington* .4.djourned 11.15 "lines CleA!. I z aeztrijton, ass. =il 19, l:h7. ,resent r. :j, kihair—n. '`lsers. Minn, fMftt, tine and 'n sneer +;osgrov . he 21-n of the Atobbins & ;with dcvelonnent prepared by collaboration of the Torn Lngineer and Aobbins and r.,mith was reviewed and recd gsndad for approv :3 with certain minor suggestions. (aee letter of pri i 20, 19.'7 to the. o.:..rfi of ',urvey) . The clerk was instructed to t nforia the board of -urvey formally as to the statue of the t cr*ina petition, the Ilanning liaard being unable to proceed without engineering data. (:.;ee letter of 'pril 20,19 7) . `'fir. Duffy presented criticisms of the :.)hurtleff ark and etrec t cevelopnent plain and agreed to review these with "!r. Ahurt1eff. i.djourned 5.30 -linos Clerk. PLANNING BO htRD MEETING. April 29 , 1927 . Present: P. L. Emery, Chairman, Messrs . Duffy, Glynn, Cutler, Lilne, Engineer Cosgrove, and Engineer Raymond from Metcalf and Eddy. The :;ieeting was devoted to a further review and revision of the Shurtleff sketch of roads in the Vine Brook Drainage area, with the advice and assistance of the engineer. Mr. Charles and h. L. Ryder reviewed the plans and only offered the thought that the dray nage at Massachusetts Avenue be materially lowered beyond the engineer' s plan. It was asked that the engineer consider this sug,•'estion with a view to showing conclusively that it was or was not good economy. Otherwise, the Ryders were favorable to all features . Meeting adjourned at 12 .01 A.M. to Tuesday May 3, 1927. 4 W. D. Milne, Clerk. PLANNING BO.:RD ',EYTII G. Lexington, ':?ass . May 3, 1927, Present: Full Board and =7r. Raymond for Metcalf and Eddy. This was a joint meeting with the Selectmen at which the ::hole Vine Brook Drainage and Park de- velopment project was explained and discussed. : r. Ballard asked for a report from the engineer outlying the project and the physical features, limiting the design as developed by the engineer's study and survey. This was promised, Meeting adjourned at 11 ?.:^ . 1ilne, Clerk. PLANNING BOARD MEETING. Lexington, Mass . May 17, 1927. Present: Messrs . Emery, Glynn, Duffy, Cutler, Costrove,Milne . The matter of house location for Bridget Leary off Cottage Street for which the selectmen had refused permit pending review of possible street development in this area was discussed. It appeared that the widening of Cottage Street and its extension through the Leary site was not entirely feasible or necessary. A sketch was prepared showing possible development of the streets in the vicinity and it was felt that Mrs . Leary might proceed as she had planned without endangering the locality. Mr. Scofield renewed the plea for extension of the business zone on Vine Brook Road back from Waltham Street to the back of the lot and presented plans of a 3 story brick 24 apartment house to cost 0.90,000. After hearing, Mr. Scofield and his architect, the Board took up the general matter of apartment house development in connection with this project and that of W. j . S. Eaton and Lexington Trust Company for 2 apartment house between Clarke and Muzzey Streets . The weight of sentiment of the Board appeared to be opposed to encouraging in any way the apartment house type of development anywhere outside of existing established business areas, although there was some feeling that the apartment house might be more favorable to certain localities than the one story stores that might otherwise result . The Clarke-Muzzey development was left for Mr. Emery to talk over with Mr. Eaton in the light of the Board' s discussion. Mr. Custance brought in a partial plan of Locust Street extension and the Robbins & Smith development, approval of the entrances from Locust St. being asked. This approval was deemed in order if the Board of Survey records were complete . The meeting adjourned at 11.30 P.M. to Friday May 20, 1927 . W. D. Milne, Clerk. PLANNING BOARD MEETING May 20, 1927 Present : - Messrs. Emery, Glynn, Duffy, Cutler and Cosgrove . C . H. Cutler acting clerk. The following matters were voted: - Swan Development The Planning Board on May 20, 1927, considered the Swan development and referred the plans for further study in particular reference to the treatment of the extreme high tracts of the area. Perkins Lanor Development The Planning Board voted May 20, 1927 to submit the plan for this development prepared by Engineer Cosgrove to the Board of Selectmen and with the Board of Selectmen to seek the agreement of the owners of adjacent property in the working out of this plan. Griswold Petition The Planning Board voted November 20, 1927 in the matter of the Griswold petition, to request that the Town Engineer be requested to confer with Mr. Griswold ' s engineer and present at the next meeting of the Planning board, a plan, and data, showing the state of the present Griswold development in the vicinity, together with the section covered by the present petition, laid out in connection therewith. Further, that Mr. Gridwold be present with his engineer at said next meeting. Cottage St. leary Permit The Planning Board voted to recommend that Mrs. Leary be permitted to proceed with the cellar which she has already begun, it being inexpedient , in the opinion of the Board, to extend Cottage Street through the Leary property parallel to 'Woburn Street. (Note : The Planning Board felt that if complete data were in hand it would be feasible to arrange for extension of Cottage Street and lay out other streets for the favorable development of this general locality without disturbing the Leary property. W.D .M. ) . Schofield Request for Change in Zoning By-Law, area on Vine Brook The Planning Board voted that it would not on its own iniative recommend the modification of the Zoning Plan to accommodate the proposed apartment at the corner of altham Street and Vine Brook Road referred to in the communication of Charles H. Schofield, but that said Schofield be advised that if he desires to press his petition, he proceed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 24 of the Zoning Law, and then should he desire to so proceed, (the Board) considers the "property affected" to comprise both sides of -2- Waltham iam St�eeet fromi;`assachusetts Avenue to Forest Street an oth sides of ine Brook Road from ' altham Street to inthrop Road . PLANNING BOARD MEETING. Monday, June 6, 1927. Present: Mr. Emery, Chairman. Messrs . Duffy, Cutler (part) , Milne . Engineer Cosgrove . Mr. Griswold appeared at request in connection with his development plans, asking approval of an old plan which had previously been discussed and found un- suitable . He was charged with non-cooperation with the Board and urged to change his attitude. Old plans for a suitable road arrangement were brought out, and he finally agreed to work further with the town engineer and those to whom lots in a certain area had been sold, with a view to arranging by readjustment of lots if necessary to secure more favorable street arrangements . The matter was left for conference between Town Engineer and Griswold' s engineer . The Engineer's plan for Perkins Manor and adjacent street development was explained to Howard Nichols , Miss Jacobs, Mr. and Mrs . Perkins , and Mrs . Brander, owners of adjacent property. All were favorable to the genral scheme and ready to make the necessary exchanges and adjustments if fair proposals were made . Mr . Rowe representing Perkins was present and agreeable . The matter was left for the Engineer and Perkins to work out the details for the formal petition, etc. There was discussion of the Swan development and Messrs . Duffy and Milne were left to view the property and make a final recommendation. Adjourned at 11.10 P.M. W. D. Milne, Clerk. PLANN:CNG BOARD MEETING. Lexington, Mass . June 24, 1927 . Present: Messrs . Emery, Duffy, Glynn, Cutler and Milne of the Board. Mr. Chamberlain of the Selectmen and Engineer Cosgrive . A letter from the Selectmen asking views of the Doard on granting renewal of permits for bill boards of the Lexington Lumber Company on Marrett Street and Massachusetts Avenue was read, and it was voted to recommend that the permits be not granted. The recent activities of the Board were reviewed with Mr. Chamberlain. Mr. Emery reminded Mr. Chamberlain that the Board was now waiting on the Selectmen in the Vine Brook Drainage matter . Mr . Chamberlain reported in regard to the Robbins cemetery that the title searcher stated it would be a long and expensive task to run down all the records and even then conclusive proof as to the title being vested in the town or private interests would be lacking. The general sentiment was that it would be proper to proceed to lay down a building line on either side of the cemetery, and leave the final settlement to such time as it might be necessary to widen the avenue . Adjourned 10 .30 t'.M. W.�!. D. Milne, Clerk. oxin8ton* x-s_s• ;rid-tra e:steribcr 1:, 10f.."/• 'resent: • „ coJr.z..i• lv* 711Pnus t1.7.0 'ZOO oacToire• The c,),,pliciatian of 434, leo * relAtive to ii.ormor .;aoon land at Ass. venue etm, treat was revtewsc.-.. ;Ise engineer's sketch pl.in 0.' new armnip. cant of streets :vat; lots ,Ins resented to -Ia. i5ickerson* who WAS left to endeavor to coeure the agreement eeveral •-`koldere in this tract to t/o necessary exallenge of land so that the scheme ii ht Lc realised. 40 application of r• ..ithIn for layout of eterbee ark -00(Wor4 ...tweet was reviewed 4ams1 sumestions as to t offered, The petitioners were to iork out a further schwa in accordance with tbs suggestions tnd reastuAlit at next rseetirs;;• ?he oloctarnic letter to ro.yuod to the adlelet petition for Arnim:43n for too f oectiossro7 at G 1 gasacnusetts venue was rondo %Id utter discussion the , zorz,,C1 voted un.:.nirtously in ortnuition to 3uott !Ice* ort.-ressl,v Ls opinion 1.,-,ut it ii o pre3uilloir-1 to tl-e future of the large undovolo xh.; yes in the vielnity• The Natter° t uif tiee ouol.ness* finc.. or election of a member to fill -vec lncy oda:m(4 r• reericrios resignation* wore discussed* tottcr from • 2artm.n. tate .-oncultant, offoring to confer and ad;ize wi th the lenning ret‘Ct Jona tl'e clerk was instructed to qrtte to re. ' ort,x11 inviting his treater** to so )c ctinAt his convenionoe• isttjourned 11 •Zi . • • • '• llneg Cierk• ?, PLANNING BOARD MIEETING. Lexington, Mass . September 24, 1927 . Present: Chairman Emery. Messrs . Glynn, Duffy, Cutler, "iilne, Engineer Cosgrove and State Consultant Hartman. The evening was spent chiefly in a discussion with Mir. Hartman on Planning Board and zoning matters in general, Mr. Hartman emphasizing the matter of appeals and the importance of observing technicalities with re- gard to hearings , notices, and returns . He encouraged enforcement of the by-law in every respect, suggesting the use of the police power by administrative order . The Selectmen again requested a statement from the Planning Board in the Wadleigh matter, stating that what was wanted was an expression of general policy in regard to such petitions rather than the particular policy in the Wadleigh case . After discussion, the clerk was asked to draft a letter presenting this policy. Adjourned 11 P.-;i. W. D. Milne, Clerk. I eLANN114G BvARD METING October 7, 1927 Present Messrs. Emery, Duffy, Glynn, Cutler & Milne Engineer Cosgrove in attendance. 1. There was discussion of the Bacon property, Maple St. , and Mr. Cosgrove reported that Mr. Nickerson was on the way to a control of the property which would enable the land to be developed in accordance with the suggested plan. 2. A letter to the selectmen in reply to their request for a statement of policy on variations or exceptions from the Zoning Law was formulated, and ordered sent. 3. Petition of F. P. Whalen for business district at Bowker St. and Mass. Ave. was received and discussed. Hearing was set for October 28, 1927. 4. There was discussion of the Vine Brook drainage and development scheme, and stimates from Mr. Raymond of Metcalf and Eddy were read. Mr. Duffy was asked to make an outline for a clarified statement of the various steps in the program and the estimated cost of each part. The clerk was asked to prepare a memorandum of the various projects or subjects reviewed by the Board for the next meeting. Adjourned 11.10 p.m. till Oct. 14. W. D. Milne, Clerk a° "° `the PLANNING BOARD TT aq, 14 34 Lexington, Mass October 18, 1927. Planning Board Meeting October 14, 1927 Present Messrs. Emery, Duffy, Glynn, Cutler, Milne - also by invitation Messrs. Cosgrove & Chamberlain. There was a review of projects studied in the past three years, to determine their present status. The feasibility of controlling developments on unapproved layouts by means of holding back building permits was discussed. The status of the Griswold development was discussed and the clerk was instructed to write Mr. Griswold for a report of progress and invite him to meet with the Board. Messrs. Cutler and Glynn were elected a sub-committee to carry on the investigation of the matter of a school house site in the south easterly section of the town. The clerk was instructed to write to the selectmen for an opportunity to be heard before they are committed in the matter of appropriation for the engineering department. Adjourned 11. 10 p.m. till Friday Oct. 21. W. D. Milne, Clerk. PLANNING BOARD MEETING Oct. 21, 1927 Present Messrs. Emery, Duffy, Glynn, Cutler & Milne also Mr. Raymond of Metcalf & Eddy & Mr. Cosgrove. The meeting was devoted to a discussion of the Vine Brook drainage project and the estimates of costs of the various stages of the program. The drift of sentiment seemed to be to confine the participation of the town to those features which would simply allow the development of this area. tiv . D. Milne, Clerk. PLANNING BOARD MEETING Oct. 28, 1927 Present Messrs. Emery, Cutler, Milne, Cosgrove. This meeting was a Hearing on the petition of F. P. Whalen to change to a business district the land at Bowker St. and Mass. Ave. , East Lexington. Some 28 persons attended, Mr. Burke appeared for the petitioner, the chief plea being for charity to a disabled veteran. It appeared that the change was sought chiefly in view of a filling station location. Those appearing in favor, speaking, were, Mr. Keating, Mr. Theodore Sheffers, Mr. K. Walcott , Mr. H. F. Wheipley, Mrs. Ella Sheffers, Mr. Angelo Lewando. Those speaking in opposition were Mr. Dcoley, Mr . Anthony Sylvester, Mr. Meilick, Mrs. Travers, Mr. C. A. Cummings, Mr. Stephen Dolan and Mr. John A. Kenego, also hands of five who did not speak were shown in opposition. The opposition was based on rights under the zoning by law, protecting people who had bought or built with this assurance. Mr. Curran was opposed to any filling station proposition but not opposed to store occupancy of this area. It appeared also that some signers of the petition had had its intent misrepresented and asked the withdrawal of their names, including C. S. Marsolais and Mr. Curran. (After the hearing several women informed the Board that Whalen was not incapacitated for work) . Mr. Whalen expressed indefinitely a willingness to forego the filling station if he could have a small store. The hearing was closed and meeting adjourned without a vote being taken by the Board. W. D. Milne, Clerk. PLANNING BOARD MEETING Nov. 11, 1927 Present Messrs.Emery,Cutler,Du£fy,Glynn, 4ilne & Engineer Cosgrove The Board received a letter from J. H. Devine, -Eng-ineer �✓ in behalf of Justin Shea, relative to business zone establishment at 119 Mass. Ave. but voted to inform Mr. Shea & Mr. Devine that the status of the matter did not appear to have changed since hearing was held Jan. 14, 1926 on the matter, and that the Board did not care to consider the matter further unless a new petition was presented (See letter to Mr. Devine) . There was discussion of the Engineers figures on the Vine Brook drainage project and of the general status of the matter. PLANNING BOARDEETING Nov. 25, 1927 Present Messrs.Emery, Duffy,Outler,Rilne - Engineer Cosgrove. Mr. Nickerson appeared relative to the Bacon property and expressed satisfaction with a new plan prepared by Town Engineer, but after discussion it was left with the Engineer to consult with Miss Tower' s engineer relative to park development adjacent west and to allow for extension of street to Maple St. parallel to R.R. and submit further plan. Mr. Griswold and his engineer Bellamy appeared and after lengthy discussion finally agreed to work out a comprehensive plan for the whole property and adjacent property particularly the Lexington Park property, with the town Engineer, and reach a definite conclusion as promptly as possible so that the whole matter might be closed. PLANNING BOA:iD MEETING. Lexington, Mass . December 10, 1927 . Present: Messrs . Emery, Glynn, Duffy, Cutler and Milne . A suggestion for a street at the easterly end of the Tower ark property was made after a discussion of possible street along railroad in this area was dis- cussed, in connection with the Bacon property develop- ment . The meeting was otherwise devoted to a dis- cussion of Mr. Emery' s proposed letter to the selectmen in regard to the engineering force . The clerk was asked to draft a new letter on the subject . Engineer' s plan for extension of Clark Street over part of the Glass property was approved. "1. D. Milne, Clerk. PLANNING BOARD MEETING. December 20, 1927 . Present : Mr . Emery, Chairman. .Iessrs . Glynn, Milne, Duffy and Cosgrove . Mr . Chamberlain reviewed several matters pending with the selectmen, namely - building line on Mass. Ave . at Center St. , the Vine Brook Drainage project, the Town Engineering facilities , and Clark Street extension. Mr. Cosgrove was asked to furnish Mr . Shurtleff with a plan o the Bacon-Nickerson development and the street to be provided at the Tower Park property. The proposed letter to the selectmen in regard to engineering force was reviewed. D. Milne , Clerk. PLANNING BOARD REPORT FOR 1927 The Planning Board was conceived as an instrument by which this community might guide its development in such a manner as to preserve and enhance its economic and aesthetic values . Being an advisory board only, its success in such an endeavor is peculiarly dependent upon the understanding interest and the support of the citizens and their executive officers . The present acceleration of the growth of Lexington forces upon the Planning Board problems of large scope and the active support of the citizens is needed if the present community standards are to be protected and excessive future community costs avoided. Not only should the protection afforded by the zoning by-law be carefully preserved, but there should be provision made for comprehensive and constructive plans for the guidance of the future development . As a practical matter, the Town is at present to a con- siderable extent at the mercy of activities of out-of-town, speculative real estate developers. Their plans are drawn primarily to secure the maximum of saleable lots, and the streets are planned with little regard to contiguous areas, and with little respect to the costs of maintenance, drainage and public utilities which the town must later carry. Such plans receive the attention of the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board, and every effort is made to secure such changes as will result in a plan and layout favorable to the interest of the town. ."while such efforts are often successful, some are not, and there are now several developments of a type inimical to best interests and economies of the town, due to lack of cooperation on the part of developers and tardiness of action looking to their control . The Planning Board believes that a comprehensive plan should be developed, fixing the location of new through streets and important ways which will establish a favorable basis for future development in large areas at present unimproved, and otherwise benefit the town. Also, that the need, suitability availability of lands for park, schoolhouse , and drainage pur- oses be studied and fixed upon. It foresees the inevitable development of the town as a populous suburb and is convinced that plans for the future must be on broad and generous, as well as on sound economic lines . All planning work, whether on the immediate demand of some real estate developer, or of a broader and more anticipatory character, is based upon engineering data as to topography, soil conditions, property lines, street locations, etc . A com- plete and accurate large scale map of the town incorporating this data is a present essential need. -2- The i'lanning Board has been unable to give to the broader matters of town planning the attention that these require , be- cause its time has to so large extent been taken up by engineer- ing details . For the proper handling of the problems of immedi- ate and local real estate development, as well as for the formu- lation of comprehensive future plans, there is need for a compe- tent ,adequate engineering force for the town. Such a force is properly an essential arm of the town managment, and the service it renders to the Planning Board is secondary and incidental. The relation of the Town 's provision for engineering ser- vice to present costs and future tax burdens for public improve- ments has been studied by the Planning board in much the same manner that study was given to the matter of assessment of costs of sewer construction, and recommendation has been made to the Selectmen. As indicative of the character of the projects received by the Board , and as a matter of record , the following principal items appearing in the past year' s work, are noted :- Hearing on petition of Justice Shea for amendment to zon- ing by-law to permit business district for garage and oil depot at 115 Massachusetts Avenue , East Lexington. Consideration of street and lot development for Robbins & Smith off Locust Avenue , East Lexington. Consideration of Building line for Massachusetts Avenue , East Lexington, and in center. Consideration of Meady land development, heed and Bedford Streets, North Lexington. Conference with landscape Architect Shurtleff with regard to park development in the playground district . Extended study of the drainage situation and future de- velopment in the vine Brook basin south of Massachusetts Avenue . Study in regard to Cottage Street . Conferences in regard to suggested extension of business zone to permit apartments in two areas near the center . Study of development for J. P. Swan off woburn Street . Study for development of so-called Perkins Manor, off Massachusetts Avenue , East Lexington. Studies in regard to Griswold and Lexington Park Develop- ments, North Lexington. Consideration of policy in regard to billboards and on specific cases. Study for development of J. A . Nickerson off Maple Street, East Lexington. Study of development, '`detherbee Park, North Lexington. Hearing on petition of i''. P . Vihalen for amendment of zon- ing by-law to establish a business district at Massachusetts %venue , and Bowker Street, East Lexington. Studies for through streets to relieve Massachusetts -2- Avenue traffic . Respectfully submitted, William D. Milne , Clerk Frederick L. Emery, Chairman C . Edward Glynn, J. Henry Luffy, Clarence H. Cutler.