HomeMy WebLinkAbout1952-11-06 PLANNING BOARD MEETING
Thursday, November 6, 1952
Present: Adams, Hathaway, Irwin, Johnson, Potter, Ripley.
Meeting opened at 8 o'clock in Estabrook Hall.
HEARING - LESTER ANDREWS AND OTHERS
Approximately 100 citizens were present an hearing of petition
of Lester Andrews and others to amend the Lexington Zoning B..Laws se) as
to add to C-1 district a new section on both sides of Bedford street to
a point approximately 268 ft. south. Chairman Adams explained that this
was a hearing in which citizens might express their opinions so as to
aid the Plnnnirg Board in it's decision as to whether or not to recommend
adoption of the petition; that the petition would appear on the warrant
and be voted upon at the November 17th .special town meeting. He also ex-
plained a map showing the proposed changed area.
Mr. Andrews as proponent explained that he was primarily interested
in his own property as a location for a store and showroom, and that if
changed it would merely "square off" the area already in business, but
that some of the abuttors had also wished to join in the petition, and
that he had been informed that it was unsatisfactory to change one lot at
a time. Mr. Swan also spoke for the change, mentioning that most of the
land was low, non-productive, and of no use to anyone; that the town was
in dire need of mare business area; and he doubted if it would devaluate
any property; also that it is impossible to buy property now in business
zone because of the high prices. Dr. Foley spoke from the angle of the
small business man, mentioning that it is very hard for one to make a
living here, business areas are scarce and prices high - thinks it is un-
reasonable to suppose that people came here to live and yet expect to go
out of town to shop. Thinks if the need for business is there he would
like to see it, but did not know the answer now.
A great many people spoke against the petition, the main opinions
being: to hold the present business line from nearer approach to the
Battle Green; that it would mean the widening of Bedford street which
would ruin residential properties there; that it would increase traffic
hazards; that this Bedford street business area was defined two years ago
and it is now wise to make changes too often; unlikely that there is any
public necessity for increased business area in this section at this time;
that business should be extended away from the Common rather than toward
it; that if business increases the desirability of Lexington .as a residen-
tial town is seriously decreased.
Mr. Rowse of Harrington Road brought out the fact that a new road
is proposed opposite the fire station going across the meadow, and that
if built it would create 8001 more in which to create business as there
would be 4001 on either side of the road already in that zone.
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41111
On a show of hands there were 3 in favor, 07 opposed. Those who IIIwished to be recorded as against were:
Fred Britton, 8 Bedford st. Mrs.VanNorden, 8 Bedford st.
Nh'. and Mrs. Fred Myers, Hancock ave. Miss Helen Ryan, Bedford st.
Mr. and Mrs. Whielden, 13 Bedford st. William Roger Greeley, representing
Richard Rowse, Harrington rd. the First Parish Men's Club
Fred VanNorden, 8 Bedford st. Mr. Foskett, 59 No.Hancock st.
Mrs.Robert Schwab, 108 Pleasant st. Milton Brown, 3 Hancock ave.
Mr. Meehan, Bernard st., representing Mr. Swift, 34 Hancock st., represent-
45 families in Sunnyfield area ing Town Affairs Group
Mr. Grosser, Golden ave. John Ewing, Normandy rd.
Frank Tobin, 12 Bedford st. Mr. Cave, president of Woodhaven
Associates, representing 300 resi-
dents in that area.
Letters from:
Mary & Annie Carroll, o7o Waltham st. Edith A. Tuttle and sister, 10 Hancock ST.
(race P. French, 5 Audubon rd. Amy P. Morse, 11 Hancock ave.
Evelyn H. Martin, 19 Bedford st.
Hearing closed at 9:30 o'clock.
Meeting reopened in the Engineer's Room.
On motion of Mr. Hathaway, seconded by Mr. Ripley, it was voted that
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Planning Board go on record as being opposed to the petition, Mr. Johnson
not voting.
Meeting closed at 10:15,next meeting to be Tuesday, Nov.18.
Donald D. Hathaway
Cle
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