HomeMy WebLinkAbout1954-04-27PLANNING BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, April 27, 1951
' Present: Adams, Grindle, Hathaway, Irwin, Jaquith, Ripley.
Meeting opened at 7:45 o'clock.
Benjamin
Mr. Allen Benjamin present for discussion. Mr. Adams explained
to Mr. Benjamin that the Board has talked with several other Planners, and
they also lean towards having a permanent employee with emphasis on planning
rather than engineering. Mr. Benjamin was asked if he were to work with a
permanent man, would engineering help in view of the large amount of clerical
work involved. Mr. Benjamin replied that he would prefer a Planner for the
following reasons: to project for long range development would require more
than one man's time and there would be a lot of work in getting together .
pertinent information. A Planner would better know what was needed but the
Board should not have to pay a high rate for it; if Mr. Benjamin were to do
the whole job it would cost more. No Planner should object to the routine
clerical work. An engineer might be competent as an individual but would
not have had the education for planning. Just as important to know what
not to get as what to get. Whole purpose of planning is to be sure sub-
divisions are well laid out and fit into the general plan. Engineers are
apt to get bogged down in thinking grades, etc. Mr. Benjamin suggests con-
tacting the American Institute of Planners which acts as clearing house; also
to advertise in Newsletter, published by American Society of Planning
Officials, and to specify as first choice a man with both planning and en-
gineering background in municipality. The pay should be attrantive but low
enough so that it could be raised occasionally so turnover would not be too
great. Having worked in large city is not as valuable as experience in small
town. Personality is also important, should be able to work well with town
employees. Title should not be long - might use Planning Director, Town
Planner, Executive Planner, etc.
When Mr. Benjamin was asked if he would consider acting as Consult-
ant, replied he would enjoy working with the Board. Would have available -7-8
hours a week but didn't think that much time would be _necessary if the right
assistant was procured. Will write a letter giving detailed proposal. Would
appreciate being able to interview applicants for permanent employee. Would
like to start by end of May.
Bill
Bill presented by Louise M. Baker, secretarial service April 5, 12,
20, 27, $20.00, postage and onion skin, $3.88. Unanimously voted the bill
be paid.,
Mr. Adams read list of Board of Appeals hearings scheduled for April
29th, none of which were of interest to the Board.
Mr. Adams announced a meeting had been held of available members of
Selectmen and Planning Board to hear a proposal of Mr. Hussey, representing an
insurance company who wished to build an office building on the Bashi.an
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property. Would buy the whole tract, and would put up a building accept-
able to the Town with attractive landscaping. The company has plenty of ,
financial backing and it was deemed a desirable project.
A letter was received from Mr. Newgent stating his bounds would be
completed by April 30th.
Form A -Submitted in proper form were the following applications- on Form A:
Lexington Construction Co., Lot C, Hill Street, plan of Miller
Nyfander dated April 26, 1954. Application submitted April 27..
Dr. Smith, Bedford street, bounded by land of Russell and Beulah
Davenport and Hm�eGuardian Co. Plan of Miller & Nylander dated Sept. 14,
1953. Application submitted April 12, 1954.
Land on Massachusetts avenue and Percy road formerly known as'
Shepard Estate plan of Miller & Nylander dated April 16, 1954. Application
;ubmitted Aprf 27, 1954.
Charles A. Linehan plan of easements of land of Lexington Sand &
Gravel Co. and Charles A. Linehan. Plan of Miller & Nylander dated April
17, 1951. Application submitted April 27, 1954.
First National Stores., Lot 1 only, bounded by Bedford street, Piano
Properties, and Beth and Illaxner. Plan of Miller & Nylander dated April 2, '
1954. Submitted April 26, 1951.
Mr. Grind -le moved, Mr. Ripley seconded and the Board voted that the
plans be signed bearing the endorsement "Planning Board approval not required
under subdivision control law."
Meeting admourned at 10:45 o'clock.
ice..
Wilbur M. Jaquii_&_��
Clerk
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