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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-11-16-CONCOM-min.pdf TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES of Commission meeting November 16 , 1970 The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Mr Brown, at 8 05 p m. , with Mrs Frick, Dr Kassler and Messrs Mazerall and Smith present . A large group of residents of Allen Street , Blossomcrest and Clematis Roads and Meadow Brook and Welling- ton Lane Avenues attended. They were Charlotte Sanderson, Glenda R. Goldberg, Helen Schlaich, William E. Spinney , Her- bert R. Drury, Lloyd Polhamus, Everett Colburn, Laurence Covert , Shirley a Byrne and her son Michael . Also visiting were Don Deilly of Citizens for Lexington Conservation and Josette Carter of the League of Women Voters, and Mrs. Doreen Plasse. Before arrival of a quorum, Commission members discussed with the visitors what they thought the Commission should do in the face of present economic conditions One visitor felt strongly that there should be increased emphasis on recreation at home. Residents have more leisure through either layoff or shorter work week. With less money available , some have given up summer homes and trips and are looking for local enjoyment The Commission, visitflrs recommended, should make the lands it has more available and put morer¢straints on the development of open land. Clematis Brook Village Mrs. Glenda Goldberg showed the Com- mission two large topographical maps (old) which she had ob- tained from the Planning Board. She pointed out where the proposed apartment development would be built on the side of a hill sloping down to a peaty area near the Clematis Brook. She said that 200 apartments would be built on elevations from 245 to 200 feet (into the peat ) . The peat is very deep; in some places the bottom of it has not been found. Residents expressed great concern about what the effect of parking lots (one of then near the top of the hill for 161 cars) ,removal of greenery and excavation would have on the brook. A water sample obtained by the residents was tested by the Board of Health, who found 10,000 coliform count. They(6e Heo.H ) are requesting the State to test the water. It was speculated that some of the pollution could be coming from a sewer pipe which sank in the nearby peat and cannot be repaired until the ground freezes , or from nearby farms. All the muscrat found this year were floating dead on the brook; fish have died The brook already presents problems in terms of water flow Dam work has been done in BJ mont to prevent flooding, one resident reported. The Bowman School parking lot and play- ground are frequently flooded. The building of the new junior high school will also affect the brook. All visitors were in agreement that a drainage study should be made before the land is rezoned. The Conservation Commission owns a strip of land along the brook. Conditions of the 1967 purchase allowed easements for the sewer and relocation of the brook (already accomplished) . Visitors recommended that the area be kept open as an im- portant water storage basin. Conservation Commission Minutes 11/16/70 Page 2 The traffic patterns which would be created by the proposed apartment development were severely criticized by the visitors. The Commission asked if the group had talked with the Planning Board. Yes they had, but they were not happy with the Plan- ning Board' s response Dr. Kassler suggested that the group should bring up their suggestions at precinct meetings Mrs Plasse , a Cedar Street resident , said she thinks the Planning Board is not planning for the whole town but trying to satisfy State laws She favored having the Town acquire modest-priced single family homes and renting them to poor people, with an opportunity to purchase Commission member replied that this was a matter for discussion by the Planning Board or at upcoming precinct meetings Mr Smith pointed out that rezoning merely permits certain land uses This does not necessarily mean that buildings will be built Hatch Act. Mr Brown said he received a copy of the Cease and Desist order for land on Woburn Street The owner, who says he did not do the filling, is being located Minutes Correction. Second paragraph of Nov 10 minutes , 3rd line from bottom should read "an article in the special January Town Warrant " etc Budget - Signs Mr Brown suggested that the 1971 budget should include something for signs , particularly in the Whipple Hill area Dr Kassler suggested that the Design Advisory Committee design a standard one to be used on all Conservation land henceforth Mr. Brown said he has an appointment with a mem- ber of that committee and will discuss it Mr Mazerall re- commendeu that materials for the signs be purchased in 1970, since some money remains There was no expense for the Swenson Farm signs because they were donated Scout groups, EWOL or CLC were recommended groups to execute the work The Commission went into executive session at 9 15 p m and adjourned their meeting at 11 05 Respectfully submitted, Mrs Erna S Greene Secretary to the Commission NOV 201 70