HomeMy WebLinkAbout1948-11-09 PLANNING BOARD MEETING
November 9, 1948
Present: Cromwell, Richards, Worthen Johnson Adams, Burns, Blackwell.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Mr.A.L.Ripley sat with the Board as an unofficial member, pending
approval by the Board of Selectmen of his nomination.
Zoni g By-haw Revision
Mr.Blackwell discussed the subjects outlined for study at the
last meeting, toward the end of working out preliminary drafts of the
proposed articles. Subjects discussed as follows:
a. Corner Lots and Small Lots
Mr.Blackwell stated that examination of the Board's popu-
lation map indicates about 660 (maximum) corner lots not yet
built on, this including both paper and real streets. Further
check will indicate how many of these are under 12,500 where a
30' front yard would be a hardship and result in a Board of
Appeals case.
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"small reference to lotsn, bfr.Blackwell proposed a
rewording of this article as originally drafted last year. For
lots smaller than now required and legally recorded previous to
the adoption of the zoning by-law or its amendments, such lots
may be regulated as to change of use when built upon. The land
may be combined into units of certain specified sizes, to com-
ply with our present requirements, except for area. This attempts
to relieve the burden on the owner, Building Inspector and Board
of Appeals. For example, three 50' lots may be divided into two
75' lots. This article will not compel owners to combine lots;
it simply makes the procedure permissive instead of mandatory,
as last year.
b. Lot Sizes
Mr.Blackwell reviewed briefly the zoning of lot sizes in
Lexington, commencing with the 50'-5000 sq.ft.lot, and presented
tabulated data of lot sizes and areas zoned in 21 towns of the
Metropolitan area. Statistical data was also presented which
tabulated population growths in the same area, showing in final
analysis that the town is gaining more than its share of growth
and that proportionally more land is available. A map was also
presented indicating the present major built-up areas.
The Board referred to Mr.Blackwell's proposed re-zoning
map of the town, on which the residential lot areas are tenta-
tively proposed as 12,500 sq.ft.; 25,000 sq.ft.; and 40,000 sq.ft.
After lengthy discussion on lot sizes and zone limits,
betterment costs for large lots, streets, etc., the Board tenta-
tively was of the opinion that the town's patteris al-
ready definitely fixed, and that whereas the 40, 100 sq.ft
lot (150' frontage) is desirable, the actual at inable I
might be nearer 20,000 sq.ft. with a frontage of 120' or
125' . No final decision was reached.
c. R-2 Zones (Elimination of)
This was a portion of last year's recommen. =tions
not presented to the town. Except for the hous: s built
during the war (below Maple St.) very few two- Jy
houses have been erected in the past 25 years. here was
considerable discussion as to the small amount o buildable
land in the R-2 areas, whether it would be unrea.onable to
prevent such building on open lots where the s i •ending
property is so built, etc. If the R-2 zones ar:: elimin-
ated the present uses go on indefinitely, and t e is re-
course to the Board of Appeals. There was also 'ugh dis-
cussion on the desireability of providing for g. ,den-type
apartments as an alternate or substitute, withou a deci-
sion being reached.
d. C-1 Zones (Extensions of)
Further discussion on the question of keepening the
present business areas, especially in the center of the
town, with the Board agreeing in favor of incorporating I
mandatory off-street parking in the zoning revision.
Custom Built Home$
The Chairman read a letter from Mr.Moiaughlin requesting ap-
proval of change in grade of the following streetss Munroe Road, Wood-
cliffe Road and Normandy Road. To this the Planning Board has agreed.
Clerk was instructed to write Mr.Mclaughlin that his letter to the
Board and the Board's letter to him, together with the new profile
drawing (when received) will become a part of the agreement.
Antonriations Committee
The Clerk reported correspondence from the above committee,
that they wish the Planning Board to meet with them on December 6, for
the purpose of presenting and discussing our budget for next year.
Sherman Hardy
Mr.Worthen reported that Mr.Hardy, representing the Arts &
Crafts Society, wishes to make an appointment with the Board relative
to the recent music-teacher case before the Board of Appeals in an
effort to clarify in the revised zoning by-law certain business uses
now not permitted.
The Board was of the informal opinion that incorporation of
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the wording "customary home occupation" (as proposed last year) would
perhaps make these cases permissive, but full discussion would have to be
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postponed. The Clerk was instructed to write Mr.Hardy that the Board
will be unable to hear his group in the immediate future because of a frill
schedule, but will notify him as soon as it is possible.
John T.Blackwell - Bill
The Chairman read a letter from Tr.Blackwell re-stating his under-
standing of our agreement, and with a view to presenting a bill in part,
asked the Board's confirmation or correction.
General discussion and checking confirmed the fact that the special
appropriation of $3500 was to be expended as follows: $1000 for basic town
and neighborhood studies, and $2500 for complete redrafting of the zoning
by-law and map. $450 was expended by the Board toward the cost of the
aerial surveys (the remaining $500 by the Selectmen, who agreed that the
maps would be useful to all departments) this sum being paid out of the
Board's regular appropriation of $1200 rather than from the $1000 for
neighborhood planning. It was also brought out that Mr.Blackeell had been
commissioned by the Selectmen and paid for a comprehensive street plan lay-
out study. This work (approximately $300) would normally have come out of
the Board's appropriation for the neighborhood studies.
The Clerk stated that the Board's present balance ($1200 budget)
is approximately $362.
After much discussion of the matter the members of the Board were
of the opinion that it would be more profitable to discuss the complications
in person with Mr.Blackwell.
The meeting adjourned at 11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Edwin B.Ylorthen,Jr.
Clerk Pro-tem