HomeMy WebLinkAbout1941-10-21PLANNING BOARD MEETING
' October 21, 1940.
A meeting of the Planning Board was held on Monday
evening, October 21, at 7:30 P. M.,, -in the Town Office
Building. Messrs. Greeley, Kimball, Ellis, Ferguson and
Worthen were present.
Old business
Mr. Ellis presented, for the Board's consideration,
a final revised report analyzing the study of the proposed
public parking area bounded by Massachusetts Avenue, Waltham
Street, and Muzzey Street. This report comprises the following
parts:
(1) Map showing present property lines, with assessed
valuations, On this is outlined the proposed park-
ing area and approaches. Computations of costs of
taking of property are shown for two possible methods
of procedure.
Scheme A. Property to be acquired by eminent domain
to build parking area and four approaches.
Scheme B, Property owners shall donate to the Town
' an easement for parking only, on the property enclosed
by lines as shown on the map, with the entrances
through the Leary and Rose properties omitted and
the other two entrances widened as shown, to allow
2 -way traffic.
Discussion indicated that a considerable saving
in cost might be realized by a slight reduction in
area in certain parts (reducing cars parked from
108 to 100) and by omitting the paving item.
(2) Map showing parking plan, present and new business
areas, and area suitable for new stores. Cost of
J project, Scheme A. developed: net cost of land,
sidewalks and paving and storm sewer; water service;
sewer service; total cost of project.
(3) Map showing utilities to serve new business area,
parking area, and estimated costs.
After further discussion, the report was tabled for
later meeting with the Selectmen.
New Business
Mr. Greeley in speaking of the study being made by the
architects' Defense Committee, again brought out another phase
of the two-family house probelm. This is the possible menace
of abandoned, untenantable houses, barns, or similar structures,
from the standpoint of espionage activities, and particularly
the danger of fires being set, such buildings might be con-
demned by the Board of Health.
The -meeting adjourned at 9;15 to sit in session with '
the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Kimball reviewed the conclusions of the 1935 traffic
study in Lexington (E.R.A.) and Planning Board) he suggested
that thought should be given to the desirability of another
survey,. The Board suggested that further experimentation
should be directly toward encouraging people to park in the
rear of Cary Hall as an aid to parking conjection. It was
also pointed out that in the case of a new public parking
space,.as set forth in the report, the loss to the town in-
curred by taking now idle land out of taxation could be made
up in time by the growth of a new business shopping center.
It was felt that action on the proposed parking area
was not essential or imperative at the moment. Both Boards
agreed that further study should precede any expenditure of
money. This should take the form of traffic and parking en-
forcement, further investigation of existing facilities (includ-
ing Cary, and the rears of the stores) .and last, a traffic
Gurney. After this period, a decision might more wisely
be made. The Board of Selectmen reported that a State count
(<Dept. of Public Works) was to begin here soon, and Mr. Kim-
ball will talk with Supt. Paxton, representing this Board.
The Clerk was instructed to write the Board of Selectmen
and Mr. Paxton this Board's understanding. ,
The meeting adjourned at 10:05 P.M.
The next meeting will be held Monday, October 28, 1940
at .7;30 P. M.
Respectfully submitted,
Clerk
J