HomeMy WebLinkAbout1933-10-06D
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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
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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.
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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
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