HomeMy WebLinkAbout1953-03-05 1
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PLANNING BOARD MEETING
IIIThursday, March 5, 1953
Present: Adams, Hathaway, Irwin, Potter, Ripley.
meting opened at 7:30 o'clock. It being in order to elect a chair-
man for the coming year, Mr. Potter moved, Mr, Irwin seconded that Mr. Adams
continue as chairman. Unanimously voted. Mr. Hathaway moved, Mr. Potter
seconded that Mr. Thomas Grindle serve as Clerk for the coming year. Unan-
imously voted. Meeting adjourned to Estabrook Hall.
PRE-TOWN MEETING HEARINGS
Mr. Adams called the meeting to order at 8 o'clock. He explained
that when zoningamendments appear on the town warrant, public hearings must
be held prior to the meeting. These hearings are to provide information and
to allow citizens to register their opinions, either for or against. No
decisions are made at the hearing but the Board forms an opinion as to
whether or not to recommend to town meeting.
ROSS
Hearing was held on petition of Mrs. A. A. Ross to change her prop-
erty on Merrett road from H-1 to -C-1. This property had been business zone
for many years but was changed to residential in 1950 when general revision
of by-laws took place. She did not know of change at time so did not pro-
test. Feels since it faces business and was formerly business, is less
valuable as residential, that it should be changed back. Mr. Daniel Curtin,
in business zone in that area, stated he had no objection. The following
citizens were opposed, principally because any extension of business proper-
ty is an encroachment upon residential, depreciation of residential property,
increased traffic hazard, sufficient business zone to take care of present
needs: Wesley Taylor, 415 Marrett rd; Edward Harrison, 111 Marrett rd; Glen
Andrews, 4Spring st; Preston Maxwell, 22 Downing rd; Merrill Starts, 1
Grassland st; Oscar White, 26 Downing rd; Charles Esterberg, 240 Lincoln st;
Patrick Zapponi, 1439 Marrett rd; Vincent Loja, 445 Narrett; Ralph MacLean,
9 Spring st. Also petition against presented containing leg signatures (above
signatures included.)
ABBOTT SPRAY - JOHN BAST
Hearing was held on petition of John Baskin to change certain land on
corner of Waltham st. and Concord ave. from R-1. to C-1. There was strenuous
objection to this petition. Mr. Haroian alleged that the petition which had
been circulated for signatures asked for addition to building and not for
change in zoning as it appeared on the warrant, therefore the signers felt
there had been a misrepresentation since they did not wish to inereaae the
business zone. Those who registered as opposed to this petition were: Mrs.
Robert Townsend, Charles Ramsay (by telephone); Mrs. Charles Ramsay; Celia
Johnson; Nishan Haroian; Mr. and Mrs. James Reggie, 310 Concord ave; Mr. and
Mrs. Meyers, 324 Concord ave; Mr. Hamlin; John Burke, 311 Concord ave;
Chester Johnson, 352 Concord ave; John Meehan, Bernard st. Also petition
against presented containing 36 names.
CCD
CD
There being approximately 350 people now assembled, the meeting was
adjourned to Cary Hall.
ANDREWS 111
A public hearing was held on petition of Lester L. Andrews to change
his property at 30 Bedford at,, formerly known as Boyd property, from R-1
to C-1. Ronald Andrews spoke for the petitioner stating that the property
was so close to the adjacent garage that it was of no value as a residence,
that it was directly across from business, and that they desired to make an
attractive show room and office on the property. Mr. Copp, Mr. Garfield,
and Murray Dearborn registered as not opposed. Mr. Roger Greeley spoke to
the effect that the zoning laws should be kept stable, if being constantly
changed it was worse than no law at all, that this property is no nearer the
garage now than it was when purchased, and that a change in the zoning abs
be for the good of the citizens as a whole and not for individuals. Also
felt there were many residences in business center which should be available
for business and by restricting the zone, pressure will eventually cause them
to revert to business. Wished to be recorded as opposed. Also speaking in
opposition were Mrs. Morrison, 13 Bedford st; Mrs. Van Norden, 8 Bedford st;
Fred Britton, 8 Bedford st; Timothy Corbett, 26 Bedford st; Mr. Fenn stating
that First Parish Men's Club had voted 17-3 against; Helen Ryan, 10 Bedford
st; Mr. Grosser, 44Golden ave., representing Town Affairs Group; Mr. Geller,
57 Dexter rd; Carroll Ryan, 10 Bedford at. Also petition against presented
containing 55 nes.
ZITSO
Public hearing held on petition of Peter Zitso and sponsored berths
Planning Board to change property on Waltham St. from R-1 to C-1 district.
Mr. Adams explained that this was an attempt at long range planning, that
the Board felt it wiser to extend the business zone down Waltham st. rather
than to have Mass. ave. a continuous line of business, and expansion will
have to be made sooner or later in some direction. One thousand people a
year are now moving in, in spite of the strict restrictions - in 5 years Lex-
ington will be a town of 25,000 people. When a town is growing so rapidly
it is arbitrary to say "make no changes". It is hoped to soon take the
whole block between Waltham, Forest andlMuzzey streets to use for business
and parking. The present request is what is believed to be the first step
in a logical plan. Mr. David Pierce of !}l Locust ave. representing the
Chamber of Commerce stated that in a recent survey of towns the size of
Lexington, we were found to be far under the average in services and retail
stores, and that suoh a move would be of benefit to the citizens. The
Chamber of Commerce wished to be recorded as in favor of the change. Mr.
Coquillette spoke in opposition. Thinks the large influx is because people
wish to live in a residential area, but will plan to take their business
elsewhere. The question was asked why the residential spots in business
zone were not bought and used for business instead of increasing the sone.
Was answered that as an e'mple the "Diner" lot was on the Market at the
asking price of i,c5,000. Others speaking in opposition were John Rudd Jr.,
Vine Brook rd; Robert Prescott, 6 Forest st; Robert Shrock, 200 Waltham st;
Wilbur Durfee, 172 Waltham st; H.K.MaoBechnie, 12 Winthrop rd; Robert
Trask, 217 Waltham st; Mrs. Lewis, 2 Forest st; Mr. Nelson, Vine Brook rd;
Mr. Reed, Vine Brook rd; Mr. Mayo, 7 Field rd.
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RAFFERTY & FARLEY
A public hearing was held on petition of J.B.Rafferty to change
land on Weston st. and Route 2 from R_1 to C-1. Mr. Louis W. Farley
represented the petitioner. His client desired to build a restaurant
there, which would also have an assembly room for banquets, club meetings,
etc. which would supply a need of Lexington people. Stated it was on a
dead end street which would not be good for anything else. Speaking in
opposition were Mr. B.A.Greene, 750 Concord Highway; Mr. Gallagher, 151
Spring st; Corm. Miller, Paul Revere rd; Mr. Robert George, 164 Spring st.
Also wishing to be recorded as opposed were Mr. May, Barrymeade dr; Mr.
Cowles, 187 Spring st; Miss Pilkington, Mr. Lynch, Mr.. and Mrs. J. Willard
Hayden. Principal reasons against were "additional traffic hazards; travel
congestion, litter caused by restaurants, and the fact that there would be
two other restaurants in that neighborhood soon." A petition in favor was
presented containing 5 signatures.
M-1 (3)
An article appearing an town warrant sponsored by the Planning
Board requesting extension of certain M-1 zones and creating new area was
presented. Mr. Adams explained that the Planning Board believed it wise
planning to enlarge M-i districts to encourage some light manufacturing in
order to bring in heavy taxes with less outlay. The land chosen is mostly
swamp and undesirable for residential building as well as being harmed
by the proximity of the air port, laboratory and Edison line. Mr. Pierce
speaking for the Chamber of Commerce stated they wished to be recorded as
being in favor. Mr. Sidney Williams speaking for Transonics was in favor.
Mr. Worthen spoke in favor stating that the future cost in high taxes
would prevent people staying here unless offset by something of this wart.
Miss Marcia Dane registered as in favor. Mr. Hathaway stated that some of
our neighbors are skimming the cream of the manufacturing plants; a large
Boston insurance company has made arrangements to acquire land in Waltham,
a good example of the type of thing we would like to have here and might
get if our zoning laws were in order. Mr. Donald Winsor, 162 Wood st;
spoke against stating income derived would be about 1/4 of what would be
realized if land used for residential purposes. Mr. Boutell, 16 Calvin st.
speaking for the proposed new Methodist Church objected stating that an M-1
would certainly not make it desirable for a church. Also registering against
were John Meehan, Bernard St; Mr. Miller, Mr. Gallagher, Mr. Houdlette, Mr.
Davenport, 482 Bedford st; Mr. Williams, 34.0 Wood st; Mr. Ward, 237 Wood at;
E. Cries, 6 Holton rd; George Priest; 21 Wood st; Mr. Harvey, 77 Wood st;
Robert Kent, Middle st; Mr. Donovan, Ivan st; Mr. Crossen7 Bates rd; Mr.
Sherman, 3 Bates rd; Mr. Sullivan, 18 Bates rd; Mrs. Williams.. On a show
of hands at the late hour of 1 o'clock three were in favor, 70 opposed.
Meeting adjourned at 1 a.m.
D. D. Hathaway
Clerk
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