HomeMy WebLinkAbout1934-06-15PLANNING BOARD HEARING
Daniel J. Of 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 fir. 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 To wanted this
land for a public use, it had been carefully studied and this idea
had been abandoned. He 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 coning 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 Vr. Lamont, Mr. Brown, Mrs, Harrington, Dir.
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 lard 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
' made on the proposition and since that time he has heard the utter
of a trade discussed. He asked Mr. O'Connell to state whether the
Town had ever made a trade with him on this matter and Mr. OrGonnell
stated that he had made no trade with anyone and had not heard the
matter discussed.
Mr. Greeley asked fir. O'Connell if he contemplated building
to the line of the railroad property and ]fir. OtConnell 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 aloo. He also
stated that if the level of Fletcher Avenue is raised it would mean
more; grading for him.
As there were no further remarks, Mr. Duffy declared the
hearing closed at 8145 P. M., and informed Mr. O'Connell that the
matter would be taken under advisement.
Respectfully submitted,
Roland S. Greeley (Signed)
Clerk
1
PLANNING BOARD MMING
Jwe 18,1934
A meeting of the Planning Board was held in the Selectmen's
Room of the Town Office Building, Friday, June 150 1934s after
the Daniel J. O'Connell hearing. Messrs. Duffy, Glynn, Greeley,
Kimball and Robinson were present.
Mr. Duffy stated that a Mr. Cummings called his and com-
plained that a Mr. Smith is ruaning a trucking business on 0aille
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 evidenoe, and understood that it is
to be brought up again soon.
The matter of the Daniel J. O"Conna ll 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 ripen 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 tie D. J.
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
stantiallyy the same as previously prented and MrGlynn 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 wasr 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,
1934p at 7:30 P. M.
Respectfully submitted,
Roland Be Greeley (Signed)
Clerk