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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1954-02-15PUMD M RGARD-ME2'ING Monday, Feb. 15, 1954 Present: Adams-, Hathaway, Irwin, Potter, Ripley. Meeting opened at 7:45 o'clock. Friel Mr. Friel presented his plan of lots on Waltham street for signa- ture by the Board. .This was left to be checked with Board of Appeals before signing. On plan of Dianne Associates., -land located off Revere street, plan by Miller & Nylander, Mr. Hathaway moved, Mr. Irwin seconded that the plan be given tentative preliminary approval. So voted. John Silvester Mr, John Silvester of Oak Ridge Drive., Clinton, appeared for in- formation re: a motel he would like to build on land at corner of Rt. 128 and Rt. 2, formerly of Reenstierna. Regular procedure of changing zone ex- plained and the -attitude of the citizens as a whole toward such a change. Lexington Construction Co. Mr. Newgent left plans showing conformation to conditions stipu- lated by the Board in a letter to him re: his plan of Robinson Hill. Asked for preliminary approval that he might start advertising as soon as possible. Due to a hearing scheduled at 8 p.m. the plans were left with the Board. PUELIC HEARING - BLACE4ELL Public hearing was held at 8:00 o'clock in Cary Memorial Hall on petition of Mr. John Blackwell and signatures of over 100 citizens for changes in zoning as outlined in Planning Board record of January 11, 1954. Mr. Adams opened the hearing by reading the notice as.published, stating that the Board was here to be informed, then introduced Mr. Austin Brodhurst of Win- chester, associate of Mr. Blackwell, who explained the purpose of the pro- posed changes and stating that he believed it would be not only for personal profit but for the benefit of the town as well. Mr. Nathaniel Hamlen of Wayland, a business investment broker, also spoke for the project, stating that there were several firms interested in - locating in Lexington where there would be sufficient space for landscaping, parking, etc. which would be an asset to the town as tax revenue and would cost the town very little since sewers and water mains are already available. Mr. Blackwell then showed slides of the area as now zoned for light manufac- turing, only a small portion of which is available for.building purposes due to land title complications and lack of access; also pictures of buildings of the type now largely being built. Mr. Blackwell spoke of the advantages of having a usable light manufacturing zone where utilities are already estab- lished which he believed would probably result in the lowering of taxes, and said that several firms were interested, not mentioning them by name, however. Mr. Blackwell was asked if he had options on any or all of this property, which was not answered. Mr. Blackwell was also questioned on the underground oi.l storage aspect and stated that he had nothing in mind at present for using such facilities but believed it wise for the town to have this feature under ' control before the government. moved in and did what they liked. When asked if he would withdraw the article since he had no immediate interest in it, Mr. Blackwell and Mr. 13rodhurst both replied that it could be withdrawn as far as they were concerned. Also questioned about the request for increase in height to 85 ft. limit for industrial storing or processing facilities, Mr. Blackwell stated that he knew from the specifications given by prospective manufac- turing concerns that the chances of getting desirable buyers are greatly im- proved if there could be an 85 ft, limit instead of 65 ft, When asked what type of manufacturing -would be expected, if it might be bakeries or spore other such type of business, Mr. Adams read the law governing light manufacturing, which would not be affected by the proposed change. Edward Rigny of Transonics, Inc. spoke for the petitioners. He stated that they were now operating at the Bedford Airport but as the airport was continually expanding they were being squeezed out and would like to find another place to locate, preferably in Lexington. It is difficult to find a place both economically and physically suitable, he said, altho they had been looking for a long time. Also speaking for the petition was Paul Wagner Jr., president of,, the Lexington Sand & Gravel Co. with a pit in this location. He stated that they are at present out of business due to a fire which destroyed the plant, but there is still some sand available. If this is excavated it will ruin the property and create an eyesore in Lexington. He has been approached by the largest sand and gravel company in Ma6sachusettsfor the purpose of buying ' sand for expanding runways at the Airport. Because of a drainage problem this area could never be used for residential purposes. This would be an opportunity to get rid of an eyesore and make it of practical benefit to the town. Fred Greer of Belmont also spoke for the petition. It was plain from the beginning that the citizens had come pre-. pared to oppose the change. The arguments presented were in essence the same as those given at the hearing for zoning change a year ago, which was,.at. that time sponsored by the Planning Board; namely, tax on transportation facilities, gradual encroachment of business along Bedford street, disturb- ing the rural atmosphere, and doubt as to relief on taxes. Those taking part in the regular discussion other than proponents were: George Kenney, 18 Calvin -St.; Mr. Outhet, Ivan St.; Arthur Slater, 5 Holton Rd., William Lyon Jr., 17 Manning St.;'Mr, Sherwin, Bates -Rd.; James Aker, Dexter Rd.; Charles Linnehan, Belmont;'Mr. Williams, Wood,St.; Raymond Borden, Reed St.; Mr. Simmons, North St.; Mr. Leahy, Blake Rd.; Arthur Ruge, Hill St:; Mr, Taisy, Crawford Rd.; Mr.Meehan; Robert Johnson, Wood St.; Frank Samuels, Grassland St.; Fred Tucker, Bedford St. On a show of hands there were 17,for, 70 against. About 15Q per- sons attended the hearing. Hearing adjourned at 10:30 o'clock. ' Following the hearing the Board adjourned to a meeting with the Appropriation Committee in which they went over the request for $7500 for consulting expert and explained why it was needed. 1 lmb 1 Meeting adjourned at 11:15 o'clock. Thomas S. Grindle, Clerk