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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968-05-06Planning Board Meeting May 6, 1968 A regular meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was held in its office, Town Office Building, on Monday, May 6, 1968. The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Mrs. Riffin at 7:40 p.m. with members Clarke, Fowle, Lund and Worrell present; also the secretary, Mrs. Macomber. The minutes of April 29, and April 15 as amended by MINUTES Mr. Worrell were approved. The chairman read a letter by Town Counsel Legro in TOWN MEETING reference to the advertising of the recodified zoning by-law, ARTICLE - which stated that he felt the entire contents of the by-law RECODIFICATION should be advertised, and also that the article for the war- rant as presented was inadequate. Mrs. Riffin explained that due to the time element the ad had to be submitted as of this date, and that Mr. Adams has planned to set it up as an insert for the paper. The hearing will be held on May 27 at 7:30 p.m. in Estabiook Hall. At this time Mr. Legro came to the meeting. He spoke MORRIS MOTOR ' about the form A submitted by Morris Motors which the Board FORM A had refused to endorse, and which had subsequently been taken to court. He -approved the Board's action in refusing to sign. When asked why he felt it necessary to publish the RECODIFICATION entire wording of the recodification, Mr. Legro explained that he felt it very important that the full text be published in order that anyone will be able to know what it is about and can find the answers to their questions by reading it. He felt there was no point in taking chanches which might result in the entire proposal being thrown out and having to come be - for the Town Meeting another time, with additional expense. He didn't think the money which would be saved by not printing the proposal was wroth the risk involved. Mr. Worrell asked why it would not be sufficient to have copies available in public places and Mr. Legro replied thit the law requires it to be published in a newspaper if one is available. This would involve four newspaper pages; Brook- line had eight pages and didn't hesitate to publish. In our 1950 revision the newspaper publication was used. Mrs. Riffin asked Mr. Legro if he would prepare the article for the warrant and he agreed to do so. He said this also would have to in- clude the entire text. Mr. Legro left at 8:10 p.m. ' Mrs. Riffin stated that the Conservation Commission CONSERVATION meeting has been postponed until next Monday when the Planning COMMITTEE Director can be present. 5-16-68 -2- ' At this time Mr. and Mrs. Glasser of Wyman Rd. came in to discuss a plan showing contemplated division of land at Wyman Rd. whereby they could build a house in back of their present one. It was explained that this would be a subdivi- sion because there was no frontage on a street, which is re- quired. They left the plan for Mr. Zaleski to look at to see if something can be worked out. Next Paul Nelson, owner of Drummer Boy land; Joseph Moore, Surveyor; Mr. Harrigan, Attorney; Harmon White abuttor; and Norman Fletcher of the Design Advisory Group, appeared for discussion of plans. Shown were several plans showing use of lots in the conventional manner and also in "cluster" zoning. The Board said they though it would be better not to have a "through" street from Bedford St. to Grove St. Mr. Harrigan stated that there seemed to be some questions as to whether or not the land could be utilized within the Edison easement. He said he presumed the Edison Co. had easement rights only and did not own the strip. Mr. Worrell said what the Board was concerned about was whether or not the land in the easement could be used in the computation of the number of lots which could be used in the conventional subdivision, or if it would have to be ' excluded. This would govern the number of lots which could be used in the "cluster" since they could only have the same number of buildable lots. Mr. Harrigan stated that there was no difference be- tween this easement and the easements the town holds, and that the land could be used for any purpose within the limits of that use. He cited as examples the buildings built right over the high pressure line in Boston with manholes on either side of a building; the Boston Edison maintain two substations' under the highway; also there are parking facilities under the highway. However the lots must be developed so that the Edison people can get in to preserve their line and not inter- fere with their rights. He said, however, that he thought this was to be green area. Mr. Lund explained that in com- puting the number of lots that could be used in a cluster subdivision you first have to compute without green area the number which could be put in in the conventional manner, and then use the same number of lots within the cluster zone. Mr. Harrigan said they could prepare a plan including any part of the 250 ft. easement provided only there is enough in the balance of the lot to provide for the requirement. Mr. Fowle said there had been several discussions about ' this and that the Board would like to purchase the land under the Edison easement - would they be willing to consider sell- ing it. Mr. Harrigan indicated that the land would be far too expensive for the town to be interested in acquiring for open DRUMMER BOY SUBDIVISION 5-6-68 ' space purposes. -3- Mr. White stated that the abutting owner had no imme- diate plans but is interested in eventually developing the area. They are taking a serious interest in what is happening because the two areas are connected and what happens to Drummer Boy will affect their parcel. Mr. Harrigan said his group was interested in knowing whether the last plan submitted is something the Board would consider; if not to tell them what to do to bring this to a head as they have been coming back with plans for over two years and it is getting to the point where it must be resolved. Mr. Lund asked if they would bring in a price on a per acre basis, so that the Board might consider the implications of recom- mending that the Town purchase some of the desirable land for open space. Mr. Harrigan said they would entertain the idea of selling. The group left the meeting at 10:00 p.m. The Board then voted to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing, deliverating or voting on matters which, if made public might adversely affect the ' public security, the financial interest of the Town, or the reputation of any person. Following a discussion concerning the Napoli property, the Board resumed open meeting. Next discussed was the Covenant Church land and the problem as to whether the option should be retained to extend Worthen Rd. or to eliminate the option and make a cul-de-sac at the end of the street. After some discussion Mr. Lund moved that the Board encourage the development of the subdivision with Worthen Road included with a 30 ft. pavement. After being seconded, the motion was unanimously voted. It was decided that the Board would encourage Mr. Zaleski to see what he can do with the layout of the proposed pedestrian walk between Nickerson and Estabrook Roads. Mr. Lund said he though Mr. Jenkins had a proposal, and it was decided to ask Mr. Jenkins to submit any suggestion he might have to provide a sidewalk from Nickerson Rd. to Estabrook Rd., sending a copy to the Selectmen. Mr. Worrell and Mr. Lund left at 11:00 p.m. Discussed was the petition of Richard Hamilton to the Board of Appeals for permission to conduct a real estate business from a proposed addition to his home at 2 Taft Ave. ' The Planning Board was generally opposed to the idea because insufficient parking area would force cars to overflow onto NAPOLI FARM COVENANT CRURCH WORTHEN RD. NICKERSON RD. EASEMENT BD. OF APPEALS Hamilton 5-6-68 -4- the sidewalk. A petition from Owen Lafley fon a car wash at 27 Mass. Ave. was also discussed. Mr. Fowle and Mr. Clarke agreed that sufficient driveway had been provided. so that it was unlikely that waiting lines would overflow onto the street. It was decided to continue discussion on these two petitions at the next meeting for full Board consideration. A notice was read of Historic Districts Commission H.D.C. hearing to be held on May 8, 1968 with respect to the erection of a single family dwelling with two -car attached garage on the premises at 1460 Mass. Ave. The meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m. Francis T. Worrell Clerk 1 L