HomeMy WebLinkAbout1964-09-211
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PLANNING BOARD MEETING
September 21, 1964
A regular meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was
held in its office on September 21, 1961. The meeting was
called to order at 8:00 p.m. by chairman Meyer with members
Bryson, Campbell, Greeley, Riffin, and planning director
Zaleski present.
Minutes of the Planning Board meeting of September 14,
1964 were read and approved with corrections (Jackson Estates MINUTES
preliminary plan approved subject to stipulated modifica-
tions.)
Planning director's memo on special uses in R 1 dis-
trict was discussed and it was agreed to bring suggested
changes to the next meeting.
Other articles for town meeting were discussed briefly
as follows:
Spring St. rezoning
Castoldi land exchange
Warehousing
Renaming streets
Mr. Kolovson, Mr. Tarbox:, Mr. Trani of the Chamber of
Commerce committee, and Mr. Philip Herr of Economic Develop-
ment Associates met with the Board regarding the revitaliza-
tion of Lexington central business district. Mr. Kolovson
made introductory remarks and Mr. Herr explained the scope of
the study his company had undertaken and a synopsis of their
findings, and asked for planning board wishes and comments.
Mr. Meyer replied that the board favored 50% expansion of.
Center business district area without extending along Mass.
Ave. or establishing a competingdistrict_and..that the board
was in favor of physical improvements but did not wish to im-
pose requirements unless supported by majority of merchants.
In reply to Mr. Greeley's question, Mr. Herr explained
that present value of sales ($55.00/ft.) is quite high but
that his study did not include projection of expansion of
trade within the existing business districts. Mr. Labovitz
suggested that internal changes of one store taking over space
formerly occupied by others may affect volume of trade without
adding land to business district. Importance of tourist trade
was stressed, up to 75,000 this year, who could and do buy all
sorts of things in Concord. There are only 6-8 building owners
in center business district along Mass. Ave. and their views on
revitalization have not been explored. Mr. Kolovson offered
his view that the center should be designed for looks in series
of small specialty stores, but that compliance would be volun-
tary if and when store changes occur.
R 1 DISTRICT
ARTICLES FOR
TOWN MEETING
LEXINGTON CENTER
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Mr. Meyer and Mr. Greeley mentioned the possibility of in-
cluding the center business district in Historic District instead '
of zoning requirement changes. If appearance of buildings is im-
proved, better uses may follow with more rental and retail income.
Mr. Meyer and Mr. Campbell asked what the board can do to help.
Mr. Herr suggested that the board could offer ideas and support
whatever plans are worked out, although the question remains who
should do what to continue the planning. Mr. Meyer suggested
that the board ought to stay away from visual design and that help
of civic groups, such as the League of Women Voters, could be used.
The decisions of the Board of Appeals on the following
BOARD OF petitions were read:
APPEALS
James Lima - denied James Farmer - denied
James P. Wright - granted Mrs. Broussard - withdrawn
William and Iris Howard - granted
A short discussion followed whether the Planning Board
should take a more definite position on Mr. Farmer's petition
for division of two wide lots into three non -conforming square
lots. The Board decided not to take any action at this time.
At 10:15 the Planning Board met with the Selectmen in
ARTICLES FOR their office to discuss rezoning of Spring St. and other articles
TOWN MEETING for November 16, 1964 special town meeting as listed above in the
minutes. Mr. Meyer suggested that Spring St. rezoning was voted '
down and should not be included in the warrant for the next town
meeting. Mr. Meyer also mentioned the possibility of rezoning
and land acquisition on Muzzey St4 and abandonment of easements
on Juniper Place.
The need for Spring St. rezoning as a source of revenue
Spring St. to offset pending town expenses was stressed by Mr. Cataldo. Mr.
Meyer explained the status of long range studies and the time
needed for ultimate population and other studies on which to base
rezoning recommendations. The need for such factual statistical
data to justify rezoning was supported by Messrs. Greeley and
Sheldon.
Upon return to the Planning Board office, Mr. Zaleski re-
ported on inadequate records of town -owned lands. Neither the
Town Clerk and Treasurer nor the Assessors carry a complete in-
ventory thereof.
Mr. Zaleski also pointed out a discrepancy in the location
of the easterly boundary of C 2 district which is located at
Grant St. according to the by-law, but is shown at Edison Way on
the zoning map.
Minutes of the August 24th Conservation Commission meeting .
were read and noted.
Mr. Legro submitted a partial release of Covenant for
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Lot 21-A Carriage Drive (Camarano) whereupon it was unanimously
VOTED: to release Lot #21-A, shown on plan entitled "Plan of
Land in Lexington, Mass.", dated July 9, 1964, Joseph W.
Moore, Inc., Reg. Land Surveyor, from the restrictions
relative to building and sale contained in a Covenant,
dated June 25, 1962, recorded in said Deeds, Book 10096,
P• 157.
Letter from Wilbur M. Jaquith requesting the release of
Lot 42 Dewey Rd. (Shirley developer) was referred to the plan-
ning director.
The meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Roland B. Greeley
Clerk
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CARRIAGE DRIVE
CAMARANO