HomeMy WebLinkAbout1960-05-31I
PLANNTNG BOARD .I.TFTTNG
May 31, 1960
A regular meeting of the Lexington Plan-
ning Board was held in the Board's office, Town
Office Building, on Tuesday, May 311 1960 at 7:30
p.m. Present were Chairman Burnell, Members
Grindle and Soule, and Planning Director Snow. Mr.
Mabee was present also from 8:35 p.m. until the end
of the meetin f-,.
Considered first was the draft of a letter
to the Board of Appeals with reference to the BOARD OF
Hamilton petition. The letter was approved by the APPEALS
Board and signed by the Chairman. (See addendum.) -
Mr. Soule was asked to represent.the Planning Board HAMILTON
at the Board of Anneals hearing in regard to Hamil-
ton petition and to present the T'lanning Board's views
and letter.
The Board approved the followin€ bills
which had been presented for payment: Wallace B. BILLS
Mitchell Co., white prints --X2.04; Samuel P.
Snow, May car allowance --25.00.
Considered also by the Board were the
following Form A applications for determination FORMS A
of Planning Board jurisdiction:
-4'60-36 (See minutes of previous
#60-37 planning Board meeting.)
#60-39, submitted May 26, 1960 by George
J. Bai leT*, b -T Mark Moore, Jr.; elan en-
titled "Plan of Land in Lexington, Mass.",
Scale: 1" = 401, dated April 27, 1960,
Miller & Nylander, C.r.'s & Survevors.
`60-40, submitted for Town of Lexington
by F.. L. Higgins, Engineer; plan entitled
"T'lan of Land in Lexington, Mass.", scale:
1" = 40', dated May 191 1960, Miller &.
Nylander, C.7. Is gr Surveyors.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it
was unanimously
' VOTED: that the Lexington Planning Board deter-
mines that the plans accompanying Form A
anplications #6O -36..#6o -37j- #60-39 and
#60-40 do not require approval under the
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At 8:00 p.m, the Board held a hearing rela-
OAK HILL tive to the annlication of Wvnwood Associates for
ESTATES approval of a definitive subdivision Dlan entitled
SEC. 3 "Oak Hill Estates Section Three Lexington, Mass.",
dated April 4, 1960. Present were Mr. and Mrs.
14171?WOOD Douglas J. 1ac om e and Mr. James E. Spellman of 9
ASSnCIATES and 19 Cooke Road, respectively. The Chairman
read the notice of the hearing as it had been sent '
to all property owners deemed to be affected and as
It had been published in the May 12, 1960 issue of
the Lexincton Minute -man. He then explained the
procedure in conducting the hearing and called upon
the petitioners to present the proposal.
Mr. Wacome said that as President of 147nwood
Associates, Inc, he w: ^s representing the petitioner
and explained the details of the plan. He pointed
out that the subdivision consisted of 22 lots front-
ing on an extension of Douglas Woad in a southerly
direction for a distance of about 1684 feet and on
an extension of Fulton Road in an easterly direction
to connect with Douglas Road.
Mr. Spellman stated that he believed he had a
valid objection to the plan, pointing out that the
grade of the proposed road would be above his lot and
would cause runoff from the road to drain on to said
lot. He said he believed the Beacon Oil Comnany pipe-
line running the nroposed location of Douglas Road
should be lowered so that the road grade could be
changed. It was stated that Mr. Carroll, Supt. of
Public '.forks had approved the road grade. Mr. Snow '
was asked to discuss the matter with the Superin-
tendent. It was suggested that Mr. Spellman do so
too.
Subdivision Control Law, and that said
plans be so endorsed.
'
Mr. Donald Jenkins Jr. met with the Board
BOARD OF
for a few minutes to request the Board's informal
APPEALS
opinion as to whether or not it would oppose the
-
granting of a petition, in which he was an interested
BLACK AND
party and which Mr. Walter M. Black was planning to
J:FNKTNS
seek, for a variance to resubdivide certain lots of
land bounded by Highland Avenue and Minola Road as
shown on a print of a plan entitled "Plan of Land in
Lexington, Mass.", dated May 25, 19601 and drawn at
the scale: 1" = 20' by Joseph W. Moore, Inc. Mr.
Jenkins left a print of said plan with the Board.
It was decided to take no action in regard to Mr.
Jenkins' request until all members of the Board were
present to consider the matter.
At 8:00 p.m, the Board held a hearing rela-
OAK HILL tive to the annlication of Wvnwood Associates for
ESTATES approval of a definitive subdivision Dlan entitled
SEC. 3 "Oak Hill Estates Section Three Lexington, Mass.",
dated April 4, 1960. Present were Mr. and Mrs.
14171?WOOD Douglas J. 1ac om e and Mr. James E. Spellman of 9
ASSnCIATES and 19 Cooke Road, respectively. The Chairman
read the notice of the hearing as it had been sent '
to all property owners deemed to be affected and as
It had been published in the May 12, 1960 issue of
the Lexincton Minute -man. He then explained the
procedure in conducting the hearing and called upon
the petitioners to present the proposal.
Mr. Wacome said that as President of 147nwood
Associates, Inc, he w: ^s representing the petitioner
and explained the details of the plan. He pointed
out that the subdivision consisted of 22 lots front-
ing on an extension of Douglas Woad in a southerly
direction for a distance of about 1684 feet and on
an extension of Fulton Road in an easterly direction
to connect with Douglas Road.
Mr. Spellman stated that he believed he had a
valid objection to the plan, pointing out that the
grade of the proposed road would be above his lot and
would cause runoff from the road to drain on to said
lot. He said he believed the Beacon Oil Comnany pipe-
line running the nroposed location of Douglas Road
should be lowered so that the road grade could be
changed. It was stated that Mr. Carroll, Supt. of
Public '.forks had approved the road grade. Mr. Snow '
was asked to discuss the matter with the Superin-
tendent. It was suggested that Mr. Spellman do so
too.
c�-31-6o
' There being no further questions the Chairman
asked for an expression of opinion in regard to
approving the plan. Mr. and Mrs. 'rTacome indicated
that they_ were in favor of the plan's approval, Mr.
Spellman indicating that he was not. Thereupon the
elan was taken under consideration and the hearing
declared closed at 8:30 p.m.
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Much later in the evening Messrs. '^lilliam P.
MacDonald and Harry Goldstein of 3 and 7 Cooke Road,
respectively, came to the meeting to attend the
hearing, previously having attended by mistake hear-
ings bar the Board of Appeals. They inquired if the
small pond about where lots 25 and 26 were located
-3-
EMERSON
GARDENS
MAPLE ST,
A 1 DISTRICT
on the plan was to be filled. It was stated that this
was a matter of direct concern to the Board of Health.
It was su7gested that they direct their inquiry to i
the Board. of Health. Mr. Snow was asked to discuss
the matter with Mr. Lurvey, Executive Health Officer.
At 8:35 Mr. Harry Berglund met with the Board
to present and discuss a print of a revised but un-
dated site plan of the Maple Street garden apartment
district to be known as T,Ynerson Gardens. The plan
was taken under consideration, Mr. Snow being asked
to make a study of it and to recommend action in re-
gard to it to the Board.
Read to the Board and discussed by it was a
letter, dated May 2!), 1960, from Mrs. Margaret Rees BTTCKMAN DRIVE
of 14 Bird Hill Road to the Board of Selectmen re-
questing that some action be taken in regard to
another outlet to the residential section having
Fern Street as the only means of access. It was
decided to inform the Selectmen that the Planning
Board still recommended that the Town acquire from
Mr. Pasquale Luongo lots numbered 11 and 12 and
fronting on Moreland Avenue for the purpose of ex-
tending Buckman Drive to Moreland Avenue and thereby
providing said residential sect4on a second means of
access. (See minutes of June 20, August 10 and Octo-
ber 13, 1959 Planning Board meetings.)
In regard to this matter Mr. Snow reported that
last August he had discussed with Mr. Luongo the
Board's recommendation that the Town acquire either
the whole of said lots or those portions of the lots
in which the Town had a water pipe easement. Mr. Snow
stated that Mr. Luongo did not wish at the time to
sell any part or all of these two lots for the reason
that he would have an inadequate area on which to grow
truck garden crops and without land of his own would
not be able to continue to operate his roadside stand
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on Pleasant Street. Mr. Snow said, however, that Mr.
Luongo was willing to enter into an arrangement
wherein he would exchange at least the portion of
his land within the water easement for an equal value
of tax title nronerty on which he could grow truck
garden crops provided said property was in one niece,
was on a street in which there was a town water pipe,
and was in the vicinity of Mr. Luongo's residence.
Mr. Snow reported that he had not been able to locate
any tax title nronerty which net these requirements.
Called to the Board's attention was the Town
LORTNG FILL Counsel's letter of May 26, 1960 to the planning
ESTATES Director enclosing a conformed copy of a grant of
SFC. 2 utilities in the Loring Hill Estates, Sec. 2 sub-
- division. The required work in said subdivision
CORRIGAN having been completed satisfactorily and all mat-
ters appearing to be in order, upon motion duly made
and seconded, it was unanimously
Next read to the Board and discussed by it was
ZONING a letter, dated May 31, 1060, from the Board of
ENFORC7N777\7 Selectmen stating that it was the latter's intention
of discussing with. the Building Inspector the matter
of zoning enforcement and stating; also that any com-
ments from the Planning 3oard in regard to the problem
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JOT,_D: to release the performance bond, dated March
31 1958, filed by Finest J. Corrigan, as
Principal, and Continental Casualty Co., as
Surety, in the sum of Fort? -five Thousand and
00/100 dollars--x"(!}5,000.00)--to secure the
performance by the subdivider of his agree-
ment in the form of an application for approval
of a definitive plan, Form C, dated Jan. 244
1958, to complete the work to be performed by
the subdivider as shown on the subdivision elan
entitled ''Loring Hill Estates Section Two Lex-
ington -Mass.", dated Dec. 17, 1959, revised
April 11, 1958.
With reference to the Board's request of the
MIDDLE
previous meeting that steps be taken to complete the
RTDGE
required work in the second section of the Middle
SEC. 2
Ridge development, Mr. Snow called the Board's atten-
tion to his letter of May 25 to the Town Counsel and
TECHBUILT
the latter's letter of May 26, 1960 to Techbuilt, Inc.
demanding that said corporation proceed immediately
to complete the items of work set forth in the Town
Counsel's letter and to nursue said work continuously
and have it all completed to the satisfaction of the
Superintendent of Public Works not later than August
1, 1960.
Next read to the Board and discussed by it was
ZONING a letter, dated May 31, 1060, from the Board of
ENFORC7N777\7 Selectmen stating that it was the latter's intention
of discussing with. the Building Inspector the matter
of zoning enforcement and stating; also that any com-
ments from the Planning 3oard in regard to the problem
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5-31-60 -r-
would be welcomed. From notes dictated by the
Board, Mr. Snow was asked to draft for its con-
sideration at its next meeting a reply to the
Selectmen's letter.
The Board likewise considered the notice of
a rearing to be held by the Historic Districts Com- HISTORIC
mission on June 1, 1960. It was decided to take DISTRICTS
no action on the ahnlication to be heard. COMMISSION
Mr. Snow read to the Board a letter from Mr.
Richard H. Lovell, representing Country -wide REZONING
Offices, Inc., a New Yor'...t firm which wished to PROPOSAL
locate a building in Lexington at the intersection
of Routes 2 and 128. (See minutes of January 25, COUNTRY -
1960 Planning Board meeting.) 1.111i_th reference to Mr. WIDE
Lovell's request to discuss the matter with the OFFICES
Board, it was decided to schedule an appointment
with him on June 13.
Concerning the Esco Builders land which it
was desired to acquire as an addition to the former HAWTHORNE
7.411lard property and for the location of Emerson ACRES LAND
Road, it was decided that more satisfactory results FOR PUBLIC
in acquiring the orooerty might be obtained if the RECREATION
Town Counsel negotiated directly with Mr. Donald N.
Sleeper, Jr., attorney representing Fsco Builders, ESCO BUILDERS
Inc. Mr. Snow was asked to discuss the matter with
Mr. Stevens and to .request that he undertake such
negotiations as might be necessary to acquire the
land at the most favorable price which can be ob-
tained for the Town.
Taken under consideration next was the
Board of Appeals May 16, 1960 letter with its LrXINGTON
attached petition signed by Artrur G. Manaselian INN A 1
I
and acconn_an71ng site and building plans, dated DISTRICT
April 12, 1960, in regard to erecting a shower SITE PLAN
and locker buildi.n^ and constructing a parking
A letter of May 23, 1960 from Mr. McQuillan,
Chairman of the Board of Health, was read to the
HOSPITAL
Planning Board. A draft of a renly to said letter
NEEDS STUDY
was annroved by the Board and signed by the chair-
COMMITTEE
man. (See addendum.)
The Board next reviewed its list of work
projects. ?�fith reference to the proposal of the
REZONING
Zaxners and Seth (see minutes of February* 29,
PROPOSAL
1960 Planning Board meeting), the Board approved
a draft of a letter addressed to them stating that
SETH AND
tre matter would be given consideration during the
MAXNFR
summer. (See addendum.)
Concerning the Esco Builders land which it
was desired to acquire as an addition to the former HAWTHORNE
7.411lard property and for the location of Emerson ACRES LAND
Road, it was decided that more satisfactory results FOR PUBLIC
in acquiring the orooerty might be obtained if the RECREATION
Town Counsel negotiated directly with Mr. Donald N.
Sleeper, Jr., attorney representing Fsco Builders, ESCO BUILDERS
Inc. Mr. Snow was asked to discuss the matter with
Mr. Stevens and to .request that he undertake such
negotiations as might be necessary to acquire the
land at the most favorable price which can be ob-
tained for the Town.
Taken under consideration next was the
Board of Appeals May 16, 1960 letter with its LrXINGTON
attached petition signed by Artrur G. Manaselian INN A 1
I
and acconn_an71ng site and building plans, dated DISTRICT
April 12, 1960, in regard to erecting a shower SITE PLAN
and locker buildi.n^ and constructing a parking
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area on the Lexi.n.qton Inn site located in the
Marrett Road garden apartment and hotel district.
Mr. Snow was asked to discuss the petition with the
Town Counsel and to prepare for Board's considera-
tion at its next meeting recommendations in regard
to the site plan which had been filed.
Mr. Snow next reported on the need, in his
OFFICE AIR opinion, of providing some means of dehumidifying
CONDTTION- the Planning Board office during the summer months
ING in order to make working conditions more comfort-
able and particularly to eliminate the problems of
drawings absorbing moisture and changing dimen-
sions from day to day. He stated that he had dis-
cussed the problem with Mr. Mabee and had asked him
to investigate dehumidifier rental and purchase
costs.
Mr. Mabee said that a dehumidifer could be
purchased for $95 or rented for $40 for four months
the rental charge being credited toward a purchase
price under this method of PUP. He said he would
have a representative of one of the dealers in this
kind of equipment visit the Planning Board office,
advise on installation, and make an estimation of
costs. Mr. Snow said he would welcome advice not ,
knowing whether a dehumidifer or air conditioner
was needed to solve the humidity problem in, the
office.
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
Irving H. Mabee, Clerk
ADD UM
31 May 1960
Boars of Appeals
Town Office Building Re: Richard D. Hamilton
Lexin?ton 731 Mass. L.C. A 'etition to sub -
di vide
Gentlemen:
he Lexint^ton Planning Board has considered the
petition of Richard D. Hamilton to subdivide the
parcel of land referred to above into five lots and
wishes to be placed on record as being opposed to
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Iva
the granting of said petition.. It is the Board's
opinion that a sutdi_vision of the land involved into
two lots, one of which would front on Ash Street,
would avoid the necessity of seeking a variance,
would prevent the overcrowding of land, would con-
serve the value of land and buildings in the vicinity
of said parcel, and would preserve and increase the
amenities of the area in general whereas the subdivi-
sion as proposed would be detrimental to the neighbor-
hood. Tt is recommended, therefore, that the petition
be denied.
Sincerely yours,
LEXT7GT071T PLANNING BOARD
Is/ Levi G. Burnell, Cheirman
June 1, 1Q60
Board of Health
'own Office Building
Lexington 73, Mass.
Gentlemen:
In reply to your letter of May 23, 1960 the Planning
Board has made no study regarding a location for a
hospital in Lexington and knows of no location having
been selected for a hospital by any other agency.
Tn the report of the Hospital Needs Study Committee, a
copy of which is attached, it will be noted that it was
not "recommended that a location be set aside for a
building place for a hospital in the future,' but that
in the last -paragraph of the report the committee sug-
g;ested "that a committee be appointed to work with the
"lanning Board in recommending a site for a hospital to
be used when the population of the town is of sufficient
size to warrant having its own rosnital."
It appears to the Board that if it is desired that a new
committee be appointed, the matter should be placed on
the warrant for the next town meeting.
Sincerely yours,
LEXINGTON PLANNTNG BOARD
/s/ Levi G. Burnell, Chairman
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May 31, 1960
Mr. and '_,Irs. Reuben F. Seth
Mr. and Mrs. James 0. Maxner
16 Audubon Road
Lexington 73, !,,,ass.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to ,your letter of April 14, 1960.
The Planning Board regrets that because of its heavy
schedule it was unable during the past few months to
give attention to the proposal which ,you presented at
the Board's meeting held on February 29, 1960. How-
ever, the matter has been placed on the Board's
schedule of projects and will be given consideration
this summer when a detail study of the area in the
vicinity of your Worthen Road property is made.
Sincerelsr yours,
LEXINGTON PLANNING BOARD
/s% Levi G. Burnell,
Chairman
In duplicate
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