HomeMy WebLinkAbout1934-01-18El
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PLANNING 30ARD I"IMETING
January 18, 1934
A meeting of the Planning Board was held at the Town Office
Building; on Thursday evening, January 18, 1934, the following
members being present.- Messrs. Duffy, Kimball, Scheibe and
Robinson. fur. Trask and I�ir. Cosgrove were also present.
The immediate purpose of the meeting was to discuss with
Lir. Trask and IL -r. Cosgrove the proposed plan for the development
of Pleasant Street in East Lexington, to accommodate the increase
of traffic expected as a result of the construction of the new
Concord highway. Iwr. Cosgrove presented a plan upon which the
proposed widening of Pleasant Street was indicated, showing also
its connections with Watertown Street and possible intersections
with the new highway. It was agreed that a minimum width of 50
feet is necessary for the layout of Pleasant Street, with parti-
cular study of the intersection with Massachusetts Avenue. A
route following a portion of Vatertown Street as far as the east
end of the pond on the Hatch property was sketched, and proceed-
ing thence to an intersection with the new Concord Highway, The
Planning Board expressed its approval of this route as far as
the pond; and of the remaining section subject to a conference
between Iv1r. Cosgrove and the Town Engineer of Belmont, together
with the Belmont Planning Board if possible. It was suggested
that, later, a joint meeting of the Selectmen and the Planning
Boards and Town Engineers of Lexington and Belmont might be
arranged to fix the details of the plan.
Upon inquiry, the Board was informed that at present,
under the Civil `,forks Administration allowance, two crews of
engineers are working on the Topographical Map of the Town, and
one crew on drainage studies. Mr. Trask explained that he is
avoiding the hiring of more engineers, who as skilled workers,
are paid ;1.20 per hour, because that would reduce the amount
of money available for hiring unskilled men who are paid 50
cents per hour, and of whom there are large numbers who need
employment badly. Mr. Duffy stressed the importance of com-
pleting; the Tomographical Lap an promptly as possible; and it
was suggested that the engineers from the Town Department might
be sent into the field with C. t"f. A. helpers, and that they
could later work up their notes in course of their regular em-
ployment at Town expense. Mr. Cosgrove stated that it is highly
desirable for the engineers who are temporarily employed, to
plot their own notes before the C. IV. A. is terminated, or to
have a draftsman working concurrently, so that the department
would not be left with a mass of field notes which it would be
difficult for others to interpret.
The ultimate disposition of the Fast Lexington meadow
area was discussed, Mr. Duffy pointing out that it will be a
question of either flooding the low land in that section, or
the gradual development of parts of it for real estate purposes,
perhaps of an undesirable character. 14r. Trask and Mr. Cosgrove
Pleasant
Street
Topographical
Map
•January 18, 1934 -2-
stated that some decision should be arrived at immediately be-
cause a scheme of drainage for the "Liberty Heights" section of
East Lexington is being worked out, and certain phases of it
depend upon future water levels in the meadow area. This drain-
age project will probably take precedence over the Pleasant St.
construction, in order to enable Metcalf and Eddy to include it
in their report to the Town Meeting in March. The fact was
brought out that the Town of Arlington holds water rights in the
Meadow and has objected to the drainage of storm water into it Great
through Sickle Brook. Mr. Duffy expressed his opinion that the Meadows
flooding of the meadow would provide important recreational
facilities in the way of boating, skating, etc., which are now
lacking in Lexington. Mr. Cosgrove said that the Town of Arl-
ington has a plan of the Meadow, which he can probably obtain
In course of the next week, and which will doubtless be of
assistance in reaching a decision.
5'uith reference to proposed amendments to the Zoning By -Law,
particularly that with respect to the regulation of "tourist houses",
Nr. Trask stated that he is not in favor of unrestricted permits
for the conduct of such activities. He does favor the allowing
of tourist overnight accommodations, without the serving of meals,
In R-1 Districts, subject to suitable regulation; but feels that
tea-rooms and road -houses are distinctly another matter and should
not be permitted. He suggested that provision for tea-rooms and
overnight -houses (tourist houses) be incorporated in Section 4, Tourists
R-1 Districts, Article 6 (b). Mr. Trask also called attention
to certain liabilities existing in the same article in paragraphs
(c) and (d), expressing the opinion that all projects involving
the location of public buildings and other public-service features,
should be subject to the approval of the Planning Board.
A general discussion of other proposed amendments to the
Zoning 3y -Law followed; also the probable outcome of the intended
enforcement of the provisions of the By -Law against prevalent
non -conforming uses.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 P. M.
Respectfully submitted,
C lerk
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