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Home My WebLink About1955-02-17PLANNING BOARD MEETIIJG Thursday, February 17, 1955 Present: Adams, Grindle, Hathaway, Irwin, Jaquith, Ripley, PUALIC HEARING - SEABURY A public hearing was held Thursday, February 17, 1955 at 8:00.o'clock in Estabrook Hall on petition of Frida Semler Seabury and others to amend the Lexington Zoning By-law by changing a certain area from an R-1 District to an A-1 District, land between Marrett Rd., Route 128, and Massachusetts Avenue. Approximately 120 citizens were present. Mr. John Groden, Attorney, 12 Summit Road, Lexington represented the pe- titioner. slides were shown of preliminary sketches which Mr. Eduard Full.er- jahn, Architect, explained. These showed the proposed site of the hotel, which would contain 24 double bedrooms and restaurant; parking space; and plan for a park surrounding the historical Haywood pump. Mr. John Harvey, 1 Constitution road, asked what would become of the re- mainder of the property. Mr. Groden stated that there were no immediate plans for the remainder of the territory, that the wooded area would remain as it is wherever possible. Maxfield Parrish Jr., 7 Paul Revere rd. asked if it were true that there would be some 30 acres rezoned to A-1 and no plans for it. The answer was that the primary purpose is for a hotel and they want nothing to interfere with the beauty or use of the land around it. Elmer Frey, 6 Holton ' rd, asked if there would be a sewer connection, and if not whatifthere were difficulty* with septic tanks. P"r. Groden stated that there was not a sewer available at present but that they had had tests made and found that septic tanks would be feasible. The land in itself is a watershed. Since the By-law calls for connection with a sewer in A-1 districts, Mr. Adams explained that he thought it might be possible to vary this if there were territorial diffi- culties and the situation could be satisfactorily taken care of. Mr. Coqui7lette, 235 Waltham st., asked how many acres there are at present zoned for A-1 and was answered about 8 acres. Robert Johnson, 60 Wood st, stated that he couldn't believe there would be 38 acres on which they would pay taxes and not do anything with. He also stated that the citizens in that area want to keep it a residential zone and he didn't think they should have to go down every once in a while and fight to keep it so; that there should be a more°valid reason for changing this zone. Felix Cutler, 4 Carley rd. stated that once an area is broken down it is very easy to change it to some other form. Mr. Adams reminded him that changes in zoning could only be done through the legal channels which means a 2/3 vote at a town meeting after a public hearing. Kenneth Pau, 55 Wood st. asked if these were to be sleeping quarters or living quarters. lair. Groden replied that it was planned as a country hotel or inn with bedrooms with bath and restroom facilities but no,cooking facilities. They plan for transients. Mr. Rau asked if having a place to house so many ' people would not defeat the purpose of the change in zoning which called for larger lot areas and was answered that it was not proposed to house Lexington residents and so would not increase the number of citizens or school -children. cc Q C Donald Lindsay, 47 Wood st. inquired as to the legal limit of signs, etc. Mr. Adams explained that signs come under the building laws to which they must ' conform. The law.does not allow a billboard type of thing. Mr. Frey asked if they plan to have a number of sem,-permanents., such as personnel from Bed- ford. Pir. Seabury replied that they would like to have large companies con- tract for rooms, but it would be in such a way that different persons would be using the rooms as they traveled through the area. Richard Battin, 15 Paul Revere Rd. asked if this were changed from R-1 to A-1 would it be up to the Planning Board as to what buildings would be put up on it. Mr. Adams replied that the Town votes to change a zone but after that the Planning Board makes .the decisions. Chester Hill, 319 Lincoln st. asked if the Board of Health decided that septic tanks would not be satisfactory and connection to a sewer should be made would the town have to pay for having the sewer put in. Haskell Reed, Select- man., stated that the town definitely would not pay for the sewer. Leslie Read, 2 Warren St. inquired as to how much the building would cost and was answered, between $250,000 and $300,000. Mrs. Van Norden of Waltham Ste asked if it were illegal to "spot" zone. Mr. Adams explained that it is hard to define spot zoning but that a small area in one ownership could be spot zonting while a large area might not be deemed so. James Carter, 7 Battlegreen rd, asked if the petitioner would still be interested if the area were reduced to 15 acres. Mr. Groden replied that it would have to be given some thought but he felt that with the present plans it would require the original proposed area to properly landscape and to reserve the rolling approach. Also that they have been work- ing with the Historical Society with regard to the park and they might need additional land for that. He stated that there certainly was no sini.stel ' purpose in mind, such as sticking up a gas station. Again he stated that the plans must core before the Planning Board who can impose conditions and re- strictions even after public hearings. Mr. Landau, Mass. ave. asked the Planning Board if they have any over-all policy or plan for the entire co=wnity. Mr. Adams stated that at the last annual town meeting it was voted to employ a staff man. He not only has to handle all future planning but all subdivision plans as well.. He ha$ several projects under consideration, among which is the study of future land use of all undeveloped land and it is hoped something definite can be offered in the near future. Mrs. Edith Rau, 55 Wood st. asked what would happen if persons from the Bedford Airport would like to make permanent residence in this hotel. She was answered that this would be unsound economically since the rates will be $56 per week per person for a -double room and it was doubted if anyone would want to do that. Martin Bogan, 9 Paul Revere rd. asked if there would be aim gas station. The reply was that gas stations cannot be erected except in com- mercial districts. Mrs. Andolina, 90 Middle st. wished to know if the hotel would be open to the public, and tire Groden replied that the facilities would be open for banquets, public meetings, etc., which he felt would fill a great need of the town. Lawrence Casey, 2660 Mass. ave. asked what effect this would have on the tax rate and the reply was that it would amount to about 15¢. Haskell Reed ' stated that while he was not speaking for the petitioner, it should be remem- bered that there could be a large number of houses built on that land which 1 1 1 .-2- would result in much more of a burden on the town. Others who asked questions were: Katherine Harvey, Constitution rd., Basil Maguire, 49 School st., Samuel Abbott, 2678 Mass. ave., Fred Wells, 58 Prospect Hill rd., Robert Trask, 217 Waltham st., J.J.McCue, 20 No. Hancock st., Richard Shaner, 763 Marrett rd., and Charles Lollazzo, 2360 Mass. Ave. Wishing to be recorded by name as being in favor was Mrs. Melissa Wil- liams, 341 Wood st. who stated that since the U.S. government had taken so much land in that area she was fearful that more might be taken and this present plan would be the lesser of two evils; also Samuel Abbott, 2678 Mass. ave, asked to be recorded as in favor. Those wishing to be recorded as against: Elmer Frey; Maxfield Parrish Jr. who stated he had a petition bearing 125 signatures; Murray Roberts, 2$ Wood st, with a petition bearing 69 signatures; John Harvey, petition with 66 sig- natures; Marion McCue; Richard Davis, petition with 31 names; Felix Cutler, Lawrence Casey. On a show of hands, excluding those already recorded or whose names appeared on petitions there were approximately 29 in favor and 34 against. 1mb Hearing adjourned at 9:30 o'clock. Wilbur M. Jaquith, Clerk