HomeMy WebLinkAbout1952-11-06PLANNING BOARD MEETING
Thursday, November 6, 1952
Present: Adams, Hathaway, Irwin, Johnson, Potter, Ripley.
Meeting opened at 8 o'clock in Estabrook Hall.
HEARING - LESTER ANDRW AND GT ERS
Approximately 100 citizens were present on tearing of petition
of Lester Andrews and others to amend the Lexington Zoning By -Laws sa 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 Planning 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 more 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 scares and prices high - thinks it is un-
reasonable to suppose that people corse 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 mise 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 800' more in which to create business as there
would be 400' on either side -of the road already in that zone.
On a show of hands there were 3 in favor, 07 opposed. Those who
wished to be recorded as against were:
Fred Britton, 8 Bedford at.
Mro and Mrs, Fred Dyers, Hancock ave.
Mr. and Mrs. Whielden, 13 Bedford at,
Richard Rowse, Harrington rd.
Fred VanNorden, 8 Bedford at.
Mrs.Robert Schwab, 108 Pleasant at.
Mr. Meehan, Bernard at,, representing
45 families in Sunnyfield area
ice. Grosser, Golden ave.
Frank Tobin, 12 Bedford at.
Mrs,VanNorden, 8 Bedford at.
Miss Helen Ryan, Bedford at.
William Roger Greeley, representing
the First Parish Men's Club
Mr, Foskett, 59 No.Hancock at.
Milton Brown3 Hancock ave.
Mr. Swift, 34 Hancock at., represent.
ing Town Affairs Group
John Ewing, Normandy rd.
Mr. Cave, president of Woodhaven
Associates, representing 300 resi
dents in that area.
Letters from:
Mary & Annie Carroll, o7o Waltham at. Edith A. Tuttle and sister, 10 Hancock ST.
face P. French, 5 Audubon rd. Any P. Morse, 2-1 Hancock ave.
Evelyn H. Martin, 19 Bedford at*
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
Planning Board go on record as being opposed to the petition, Mr. Jobnson
not voting.
Meeting closed at 10:15,next meeting to be Tuesday, Nov.18.
�J
Donald D. Hathaway
Cle
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