HomeMy WebLinkAbout1948-10-14 PLANNING BOARD MEETING
October 14, 1948
Present: Cromwell, Johnson, Worthen, Burns, Blackwell
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted.
Ross Development
Mr.Tropeano appeared before the Board to discuss the recent corres-
pondence in reference to this development, stating that he is acting on be-
half of Mr.Ross. Mr.Tropeano recited the background of this property: at
time of Board of Survey approval it was owned by Ross Realty Corporation
which was later dissolved and the real estate transferred to Ross, individual.
Later circumstances forced liquidation, and it went to Battle Green Trust, Mr.
Wade, Trustee. Since that time Ross has bought back from the beneficiary.
The areas shown on 1937 and 1941 street plans are what he now intends to
develop.
Mr.Tropeano, referring to the Board's letter to his clientthat he
must comply with the present subdivision regulations, stated that he is not
in agreement with either the Board's or the Town Counsel's interpretation of
the statutes, that authority is given only to relocate streets, not to re-
quire surfacing them, provide drainage, etc., and again quoted letters and
minutes of the Board of Survey meetings of the 1941 date which gave approval
to Ross.
The Chairman explained the Board's interpretation - that it must go
through subdivision procedure, and Mr.Blackwell explained further that land
still held in single ownership is subject to the provisions of the statutes.
Mr.Tropeano stated that he had no knowledge of written agreements
(on the subdivision) between the town and Ross and said he thought the town's
approval was "before agreements were written".
The Chairman re-stated that there was nothing the Board could do but
require compliance with the subdivision regulations for the remainder. Mr.
Tropeano asked if this meant even for extension of existing streets, and
there was considerable discussion. He also said he had not discussed the
legal aspects with the Town Counsel, and the Board stated that more detailed
information would be required to ascertain how much of the land would be
affected in order for Ross to submit a new plan and go through the accepted
procedure.
Mr.Tropeano said, in conclusion, that he would so inform Mr.Ross.
Grandview Trust
The Board initiated discussion with Mr.Tropeano relative to recent
correspondence between the Selectmen and this Board. Re stated that the trust
does not own or control all of the lots, but only some 5 or 6 isolated acres
in the center which he described on the Board's lotting and ownership plan.
_ eee. ..
Representing the trust, he stated that it is their intention to combine
the present 50 foot lots (5000 sq.ft.) into lots of 10,000 sq.ft., and
that to re-lot into 12,500 sq.ft. lots, as requested by the Board, is
impossible because of the fact that most of the lots are in other owner-
ship. The Board stated that it would gladly cooperate on a re-plotting
if the trust can persuade the others to join them. The possibILity of re-
scinding the entire layout was also discussed, but no settlemen-z was
reached.
Mr.Tropeano retired at 10:15 p.m.
Gro—r Hearing
The Board discussed the question at some length. Cha' Cromwell
prepared the Board's report, assisted by Mr.Johnson. The Board will
recommend favorable action, stressing the factors of isolated s to and
the advantages controlled light manufacturing can offer in cing a
community's economy and helping its tax rate. The Chairman has consulted
with the Town Counsel, and will present the report under4rticl 1 and
offer the vote under Article 13.
Parlrine Meters
A1r.Johnson presented a draft of Board's report as authorized at
the last town meeting. There was general agreement, with sligh, modi-
fications,
and it was agreed to omit the specific recommendations for
meter locations. Mr.Johnson wt11 present the report under Argic1e 1.
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
E.B.worthen,Jr./
Clerk Pro-tem
PLANNING BOARD HEARING
October 14, 1948
Present: Cromwell, Johnson, Worthen, Burns
Hearing on Greer Petition
bay advertised hearing, under the provisions of Section 17 of the
Zoning By-law, was declared open at 8 p.m. by Chairman Cromwell, upon pe-
tition of J.1 .Greer to increase present M-1 zone by changing R-1 to M-1
as stated and described in notice.
The attendance was ten (10), of which seven were citizens of the
town and three representing the petitioner. Mr.Roland Greeley stated that
he was present to represent the petitioners, whom he introduced as Mr.J.w.
Greer, Mr.Don Greer, and also their attorney, Mr.Wadsworth.
Mr.D.Greer spoke on behalf of his father, the petitioner, stating
that they consider the site a desirable location because of its open, iso-
lated character, and the wish to remove their plant from its congested sur-
ronntlir,gs in Cambridge. A matter of looking to the future. They intend to
locate their own manufacturing plant here, and if possible interest other
firms in coming out. The railroad siding also would be utilized. In an-
swer to questions Mr.Greer stated that his firm has no specific layout as
yet for location or extent of buildings, and that about 250-300 people are
in their employ now. In answer to the Chairman he stated that when the
plant is relocated they would probably employ less than 300, and that they
have a,single floor plant in mind. Mr.Greer stated that his firm is con-
cerned with conveyors and continuous process machinery, which is electric-
ally operated and free of noise and smoke. It is their intention to fill
in the low land with frill from the hill.
In answer to Mr.Tropeano, Mr.Greer stated that the area requested to
be changed to M-1 zone comprised about 37 acres, of which approximately
one-half would be utilized by themselves and the remainder to interest
some other concern. The buildings would probably occupy some 2i acres,
set in about 10 acres.
W.Tropeano asked, in view of the foregoing, why the petitioner is
requesting more than 10 acres to be re-zoned. Mr.Greeley stated that their
plans are not definite as yet, and Mr.Tropeano said that he was not object-
ing to the firm but was concerned over the amount of the area, being of
the opinion that no more land than is actually needed should be re-zoned.
Mr.Greer stated that he does not know yet where or how drainage,
sewer, and other services will be located or provided for.
Mr.Hathaway, of Shade Street, asked if the petitioner has title to
all of the land in question, and Mr.Greer replied in the negative. Mr.
III Hathaway asked if they have options on the unowned portion, and Mr.Greer
explained by reference to the plan that there is one small triangular area
at the easterly end which they do not own or have an option on.
The Chairman asked if the petitioner intends to request additional
changes of zone in the future, and Mr.Greer said that their plans were in-
definite,
but probably not.
Mr.Blackwell stated that there was a danger of requesting; a zoning
change for only one owner in that discrimination could be shown, and that
it is more sound as drawn up in the petition. He felt that zon s should
be of sufficient depth and scope to permit suitable design and evelopment,
and that it might eventually be possible to zone as much as 200 acres in
this area if under careful restrictions. Mr.Greeley also styes ed Mr.
Blackwell's argument as to the isolation of this area on all si Bs: the
railroad, the air port and its runway glide-path, the swampy a, and
Meagher i le layout. He stated further that he could not conce !ve of any
residential growth nearby and that the airport probably will no stimulate
residential development. The petitioner has operated for 30 ye 0 in a
neighbothood partially residential, without complaints being raised.
Messrs.Hanson and Nickerson stated that they had no questions and
were attending the hearing to become better informed.
There being no further questions or statements to be made, Chairman
Cromwell declared the hearing closed at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
L.B.Worthen, J '
Clerk Pro-tem