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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1933-10-06D n 1 MEETING OF PLANNING .BOARD October 6, 1933 A meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was held at the Town Office Building on Friday evening, October 6, 1933, these members being present: Messrs. Duffy, Glynn, Kimball, Milne, Scheibe, and Robinson; also the secretary. Mr. Trask and Mr. Wrightington also attended at the request of the Board. NON -CONFORMING AND ILLEGAL USES Mr. Trask reported that the prevalence of business occupations in residence districts had been discussed by the Board of Selectmen, and that he had been authorized to appoint a committee of five citizens, one of whom was to be from the Planning Board, which will make a survey of all businesses being conducted in residence districts, then turning the list over to the building inspector for him to investigate. The whole matter was discussed at some length; and it was generally agreed that most of the minor violations are due to ignorance of the law as well as lack of strict supervision. It was admitted that many such have occurred through the effort of citizens to add to their incomes, just now do depleted by business conditions, and that they are in a sanse justifiable from that viewpoint. Mr. Milne suggested that one distinct- ion between a regular business and a perhaps justifiable activity lies in whether or not special equipment has been installed, say for the pro- duction of food -stuffs in wholesale quantities; also, whether or not the project is objectionable to neighbors. Mr. Wrightington remarked that such businesses are not likely to grow without advertising, which may be another means of determining their importance. It was thought that one result of the proposed survey may be a revision of the list of businesses now specified for 0-1 Districts. SIGNS AND TOURIST HOUSES Mr. Wrightington stated that he had conferred with Mr. Hartman and 1016133 (2� also with an official in the State Department of Public Works relative to signs displayed by overnight houses, and had learned that signs which are of a size to come under bill -board regulations are subject to only State control; but others can be regulated by Town laws. It was Mr. Hartman's opinion that the sign is an important feature of the tourist and tea-room situation, through which a Town may gain some control. CONCORD HIGHWAY; ROADSIDE STANDS The matter of restricting business enterprises along the new Conoord Highway was discussed, particularly with respect to roadside stands which may be operated under yearly permits in R-1 Districts. Mr. Milne advanced the idea that the Town might take some area and establish a Public market, where Lexington residents may take space for the sale of Lexington products. Such a market should be far enough off the road to eliminate traffic hazards. Mr. Wrightington admitted that under special provisions the Town might be allowed to do that; but it would probably not be possible to take land for use by other business concessions such Mr. Trask was requested to instruct as filling -stations or restaurants. the Town Engineer to plot the new road on a plan; and also prepare a tentative layout of new connecting streets, etc. for P1. Bd. use. LIMITED BUSINESS ZONES Z Mr. Milne made the suggestion that it might be advisable to create a new type of zone, in which any specific business may be permitted by the Board of Appeals and subject to their control. This would allow cer- tain business uses without opening an area to unlimited commercial use as is possible under a C-1 Zone. Mr. Wrightington said that the Town could have a different type of business district, a 0-3 District for instance, limited to filling -stations, etc. D 10/6/33 (3) PLEASANT STREET RECONSTRUCTION Mr. Trask inquired if the Planning Board had come to any decision with respect to the proposed layout of a new road parallel to Pleasant Street. Mr. Duffy replied that no plan had been received which the Board could study; but that he personally thought that the new road should follow the brook valley and then meet Watertown Street near the old Bowman house. Mr. Trask stated that the Town had made application for State and County approval of the project, but had no definite reply up to the present. DRAINAGE SURVEY A proposal to employ the firm of Metcalf & Eddy to make a complete drainage survey of the Town, is to be presented at the Town Meeting on October 16. This firm has agreed to make such a survey for the sum of $6000.00, beginning with the brook situation on Massachusetts Avenue in East Lexington, where sewer and drainage work is to be done presently. The Twon Engineer has expressed the opinion that if a survey of that extent could be obtained for even $5000.00, it would be a desirable investment for the Town. The Board agreed that in a matter of the importance of drainage, expert advice is essential, and can often be the means of avoiding costly errors. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 oiclook. Clerk 1