HomeMy WebLinkAbout1933-03-27MEETING OF PLANNING BOARD
March 27, 1933
' A meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was held in the Town
Office Building on Monday evening, March 27, 1933, the following
being present: Messrs. Duffy, Glynn, Kimball, Milne, Scheibe,
and Robinson. Mr. Cosgrove, Town Engineer, and the secretary
were also present.
CURRAN DEVELOPMENT (BRICK VILLAGE)
Mr. Northrup, engineer engaged in the layout of the old Curran
property on Massachusetts Avenue in East Lexington, appeared before
the Board with a plan for the proposed layout and particularly the
approach from Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. Cosgrove also presented a
plan for the approach, stating that it is the best that can be worked
out in view of the difficult conditions prevailing. The new street
Will be constructed on a ten per-oent grade, the high banks at the
intersection being cut away and the resulting material being used for
filling in the interior of the plot.
It was suggested that a street intersection of this nature at
that point on Massachusetts Avenue is undesirable, and Mr. Northrup
was asked if an approach from Sylvia Street or Charles Street had been
considered, He replied that the land lying between the Curran plot
and Charles Street is not available for an approach from that direct-
ion; that if the entrance were to be from Sylvia Street, the character
of the latter is such that it would not be possible to carry out the
high-grade development intended. The proposed new houses are to be
of brick veneer, of attractive design, appealing to a good class of
occupants; and a dignified approach to the development is essential.
Mr. Duffy suggested that the Board approve the plan in principle,
subject to the presentation of a finished map showing contours and.
3/27/33 (2)
other essential details. Final approval of the layout was deferred.
' HOUSE BILL # 1240
Mr. Duffy read a letter from Mr. Crosby (Representative) with
regard to House Bill No. 1240, and stated that the Board had already
recorded itself as in favor of Part One, but opposed to Part Two of
the Bill.
VINE BROOK PROJECT
Mr. Cosgrove reported that he had not been able to prepare the
studies of the Vine Brook area, asked for by the Board, beasuse his
Department is still working on the survey of the meadow areas bounded
by Woburn Street, Maple Street, Lowell St*eet, and the railroad, an
important section of the Town Yap comprising about 300 acres.
SICKLE BROOK AND ARLINGTON MEADOW AREAS
In order to make proper study of the new road suggested by the
Selectmen from Watertown Street to Massachusetts Avenue along Sickle
Brook, and its possible extension across the meadows to Lowell Street
or elsewhere, a complete map of the areas is essential; and Mr, Duffy
recommended that such a map should include the whole meadow area from ie
the Arlington Town line to Maple Street and Woburn Street. The suggestdd
new road might be ex1rended to meet the Winchester High Street proj,ot;
or it might possibly be carried out to some point on Woburn Street,
thus creating a through way from Woburn to Belmont and points beyond.
Mr. Iffy further stressed the need for a.study of the Arlington mea-
dows, with a view toward the proper development of its marginal areas
and some practical utilisation of the low lands, by flooding or other
' treatment. A carefully -planned development of this section of the
Town is likely to prevent the intrusion of undesirable properties, and
tgus result in higher taxable values. Mr. Cosgrove said that he will
look into the expense of preparing such maps as are needed.
3/27/33 (3)
' BUTTERFIELD'S POND
NORTH STREET CULVERT
Mr, Cosgrove proposed that Butterfield's Pond be drained, since
it is no longer being used for cutting ice. It was agreed that the
Pond and lower Vine Brook are worthy of further study, in connection
with the general scheme of the brook layout. Probably a taking should
be made for the protection of the pond; or at least for the protection
of the drainage channel in ease the pond should be drained. Mr. Duffy
pointed out that the culvert under North Street must also be rebuilt,
The Planning Boardp however, cannot proceed with these matters until
a detailed survey is available.
0146NNELL PETITION
The Board's report on the D, J. O'Connell petition for a zoning
change, to be presented to the Town Meeting, was read and discussed
at considerable length. The secretary was instructed to send copies
of the report to the members of the Board, for further study,
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 O'clock.
Approved �d 33