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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1934-06-15 PLANNING BOARD HEARING IDaniel J. 0' Connell June 15, 1934 A hearing was held in the Selectmen's Room of the Town Office Building Friday, June 15, 1934, "For consideration of the proposal to change from an R.1 District to a C.1 District the zoning of the triangular lot of land bounded on the north by the Boston & Maine Railroad, on the south by Woburn Street, and on the west by Fletcher Avenue," upon petition of Mr. Daniel J. O'Connell. Messrs, Duffy, Glynn, Greeley, Kimball and Robinson were present. The secretary was also present. Mr. Duffy took charge and read the petition of Mr. O'Connell, the article which appeared in the paper and which was sent to 89 property owners, the petition signed by the owners of 50% in valua- tion of the property in the designated area, and a letter from the Assessors' Department stating that signatures had been obtained of the owners of 50% in valuation. Mr. O'Connell, the petitioner, was the only person present and stated that the petition was the same as previously filed, and while it was felt at previous hearings that the Town wanted this I land for a public use, it had been carefully studied and this idea had been abandoned. Ae stated that he had received signatures of people who did not appear on previous lists. By changing the zon- ing, the appearance of the land Will be improved and brightened and it will be used for nothing else . The buildings will be taxed bring- ing in revenue which is much needed, and it was his thought that anything that could come in that is taxable without injuring anything will be a good thing for the Town. He stated that he did not know what the Town would do regarding the zoning of Mass. Avenue but thinks it will be a good thing for the Town if we don't have business between the Town Office Building and Fletcher Avenue. He remarked that he had talked with Mr. Lamont, Mr. Brown, Mrs. Harrington, Mr. Mills of Winthrop Road and they all favor the change. He also stated that the Town could have anything they can ever make use of in the line of setback and he is willing to deed land to the Town at the north of the triangle in order to give Fletcher Avenue a better corner, the Town Counsel drawing the agreement. Mr. Duffy asked Mr. O 'Connell if it was still his intention to put a filling station on the corner nearest Mass. Avenue and stores from that point on, on Woburn Street. Mr. O 'Connell replied that he intended to put three stores near the railroad crossing and the filling station nearest Mass. Avenue. He also said he would like to deed a piece of land to widen Hayes Lane at the further end of the triangle. D JO'C -2- June 15, 1934 Mr. Duffy stated that Mr. Ryder asked if any trade had been I made on the proposition and since that time he has heard the matter a of trade discussed. He asked Mr. O'Connell to state whether the Town had ever made a trade with him on this matter and Mr. O'Connell stated that he had made no trade with anyone and had not heard the matter discussed. Mr. Greeley asked Mr. O'Connell if he contemplated building to the line of the railroad property and Mr. O 'Connell stated that until the Town changes the back areas he would like to shut it out with a high hedge within eight or ten feet of the railroad. Mr. Duffy stated that Mr. Viano and Mr. Warren Russell had called by telephone and asked to be recorded as opposed to the change. Mr. O'Connell informed the Board that Mr. Russell had signed every petition until the Russell House had become a residence, Mr. Lamont was in favor of the change and was willing to speak at the Town Meeting, and Mr. Worthen was in favor of it aleo. He also stated that if the level of Fletcher Avenue is raised it would Basan more grading for him. As there were no further remarks, Mr. Duffy declared the hearing closed at 8:45 P. M., and informed Mr. O 'Connell that the matter would be taken under advisement. Respectfully submitted, Roland B. Greeley (Signed) Clerk PLANNING BOARD MEETING June 15,1934 A meeting of the Planning Board was held in the Selectmen's Room of the Town Office Building, Friday, June 15, 1934, after the -Daniel 3. O'Connell hearing. Messrs. Duffy, Glynn, Greeley, Kimball and Robinson were present. Mr. Duffy Stated that a Mr. Cummings called him and com- plained that a Mr. Smith is running a trucking business on vaille Avenue . He informed the Board that he had talked with Mr. Trask regarding the matter and found that the subject had been brought up but there was not enough evidence, and understood that it is to be brought up again soon. The matter of the Daniel J. O'Connell hearing was discussed. Mr. Duffy stated that he had not changed his opinion and felt that the Board could not ask the Town to change the areas in question on Mass. Avenue from business to residence zones and then advocate changing the triangle from a residence district to a business district. He also expressed the thought that in the future it can be used for a fire station and it would be well for the Town to keep it open as a park. Mr. Glynn felt that there should be no business allowed between the Town Buildings and the school, but if the Town voted to change the area between Fletcher Avenue and Vine Brook, does not see why the triangular lot should not be included in the D. 34 business area. Mr. Kimball felt that while the property was purchased O'Connell when it was in a residence area, it should remain residence. He also suggested that the Chairman present the report sub- Hearing stantially the same as previously presented and Mr. Glynn present arguments from the floor. Mr. Greeley stated that he would not sign the petition opposing the change for zoning reasons but would approve it if it was stated that the Town should buy it at some future date for a fire station or park area. If the property can be used for nothing else, the Town has no right to deny use of property. He also stated that he would like to have some mention made to civic centers and thinks that to hold the property would be good planning but not good zoning and would not vote to oppose it on plans of zoning. Motion wae made and seconded that the Planning Board vote not to approve the petition. It was a unanimous vote. The meeting was adjourned at10:30 until Tuesday, June 19, 1934, at 7:30 P. M. Respectfully submitted, Roland B. Greeley (Signed) Clerk