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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968-10-07PLANNING BOARD MEETING EXECUTIVE SESSION October 7, 1968 The Planning Board met with representatives of Bolt, Beranek & Newman and two members of the Conservation Commission to discuss Hayden Ave. Mr. Fish, of Bolt, Beranek & Newman, explained that their economics are such they have need of placing 600-750 people in the same location to make it worthwhile. Their architect had made a preliminary sketch of the Hinds land developed for 1000' back of Hayden Ave. The sketch was shown to the Board. Parking has been limited to 25% of the area. In order to have room for 750 people they would like to go back 11001 from Hayden Ave. to the sewer easement. There would be a number of feet between easement and parking area. A 400' setback from Hayden Ave. is proposed so that the rear of the building would be 700' from Hayden Ave. Mr. Worrell asked if they followed the sketch how much of the Hinds land would be left. It was estimated about 17 acres. The sewer easement breaks the property about in half and Belt`=Beranek & Newman believes that the land to the south of the easement is not usable for conservation purposes. A general discussion fol- lowed the showing of the sketch and map. Mr. Fish and Mr. Newman both explains that they will not have any signs I appearing anywhere, they want plenty of trees and to be able to spread the facilitiy with plenty of buffer space - they don't wish to be seen. Mrs. Riffin asked if there were any other questions or comments from the Board. She also remarked that the picture is changed now. Mr. Lund remarked that even if the Board said this was fine, and we would like to rezone for you, this would set a line and it is too far back by about 250'. He felt that town meeting would frown on rezoning to that depth, as it would feel that the same would have to be done for other parcels, if done for Bolt, Beranek & Newman. Mrs. Riffin explained the superblocks concept to the representatives. The lots in the vicinity are very small and this is the only major open area which it is highly desirable to preserve for residents of that superblock. The Conservation Commission also felt that Bolt, Beranek's plans do not meet the needs of the Conservation Commission. This will require a good deal more discussion. Everyone was in agreement that the sketch presented by Bolt, Beranek & Newman was an attractive one. Parking is a problem. They need 140,000 s.f. for parking, almost three times the size of the building. Mr. Fowle asked if the parking area was made bigger, would this help. He also wanted to know if there was a parking restriction in the by-laws. Mr. Zaleski said there was not. Mr. Fowle then wanted to know if they could get by with a smaller lot, if the parking area covered more of the lot. Bolt, Beranek & Newman representatives stood firm on their original idea. Since there were no other questions, Mrs. Riffin said the Board would have to discuss this further. A copy of the sketch was left with the Board for further perusal. -2 - The Recreation Committee met with the Planning Board at 9:00 p.m. Chairman Robert Bond, Ben Bertini, director, and Messrs. Gallagher, Sparrow, and Hayes were present. A total cost estimate prepared by planning director Zaleski was dis- tributed for study. The estimates were reviewed by Mrs. Riffin, with the Board. Mr. Zaleski reported that Mr. Corazzini is going to erect some greenhouses, but is willing to sell some of the back land on Blossom St. A map was shown indicating lands that people can now use for re- creation purposes. Mrs. Riffin asked if there was any other area which the Recreation Committee felt should be bought at this particular time. There was none. Harrington Playground was discussed. The Recreation Committee asked if all land in back has been transferred to the town. Mr. Zaleski stated that only one out of the two parcels authorized has been bought. It is now up to the Selectmen to complete the transaction. The Committee liked the Corazzini land as a recreation site. All they want is enough for a small baseball field, 200' x 200'. 2.5 acres are involved. It also fits into Metcalf & Eddy plan which the Recreation Committee is trying to follow. Planning director thinks it is the best available location in the area. Mrs. Riffin then asked the Committee to discuss their plans for tennis sites. They plan for two new courts next to the existing courts in the center. There is an estimated cost of $18,000 for both of these. These are wanted in 1969. The Committee is also interested in putting two tennis courts at the Harrington Playground and spending $5,000 to connect school and undeveloped land. They will need $41,850 for this access road, tennis courts and backstop at Estabrook. Mr. Zaleski had thought of a swimming pool at Harrington for $40,000. The Committee said a major pool would likely cost $250,000. This will be the last thing they will do at Harrington Play- ground as it will be a major undertaking, being an olympic size pool, with bath houses. A discussion ensued on Lincoln St. and what the Selectmen have done so far in landscaping the old dump area. Mr. Fowle wanted to know more about the Kennecott Copper land, which would be used as a ball field and recreation area by Kennecott people for their Twilight League. Planning director Zaleski told him that it is a level lot, surrounded by trees - 150' x 250'. There is a brook on one side. It is very nice in its present state. The Kennecott people were very co- operative. Mr. Zaleski said that the reason for a lease is so that the town would have the legal right to go in there and grade it. There was a general agreement for implementation of this idea. Lloyd's - at least $7,000 needed for grading because of uneven, slop- ing terrain. -3 - The Recreation Committee reported that the town had more teenis courts in 1929 than it does now. Following is the listing of monies needed: Harrington Playground $239000 Kennecott Copper 31000 Laconia school site 5,000 Tennis courts in center 18,000 Estabrook backstop 1,000 $50,000 The Recreation Committee will look over the guidelines prepared by Mr. Zaleski and let Board know of their decision. Selectman Greeley came in and offered strong support for the develop- ment of town land at the end of Valleyfield St. in lieu of the Kennecott land for a playground. The Board agreed with Mr. Greeley. The Conservation Commission joined the Planning Board at 10:15 p.m. Mrs. Frick, Messrs. Sussman, Totman, Mazerall, Smith and Brown were pre- sent. Juniper Hill was discussed at last meeting, nothing is ready for March meeting. Mrs. Frick reported that Mrs. Sadler did not wish to meet with the Conservation Commission. The Planning Board and the Conservation Commission looked at the map to study the 5 lots on the West land. Mr. Lund asked if the lot price would have had to be paid earlier. Mr. Sussman replied that when you buy frontage land, lot prices must be paid. Mr. Lund then wanted to know if there was any danger of losing these. They could easily be sold one or two at a time. The owner is now willing to sell them to the Conservation Commission. We should buy them now and not wait for the owner's death. Mr. Fowle mentioned that we have quite an investment here. The value of these lots is great as there is a lot of frontage land. The Board generally favored the idea of the Conservation Commission buying from two to five lots. Mr. Worrell suggested that we start with the lot farthest up and buy down. Eventually we would own all with one house. After some more discussion, Mr. Clarke suggested that it just wasn't worth buying just for a good view. After a final discussion, the Planning Board supported the buying of only two uphi-1 lots unanimously. Hayden Woods was discussed next. It was felt that after talking with the representatives from Bolt, Beranek b Newman there can be no decision at this time. Mr. Lund reported that he had no information on the Crawford land for the time being. It will be on the list. Hayden Woods will also be left on the list for now. -4 - It was felt by all that the Capital Expenditures Committee will want to know every single price on each lot. Planning director Zaleski said that individual figures are very rough estimates and shouldn't be given - total request will be $500,00 or $550,000. Carroll land was discussed next. Mr. Zaleski believes we should omit front lots if their purchase will mean much higher price. These front lots are almost unbuildable at the moment. There is a 15' to 20' drop. The estimate is based on 18 acres of back land. Caldwell - no access. There is a 70' right of way. It is usable and he could subdivide. It was decided to leave as a part of land to be pur- chased. The back lots at Grapevine Ave. were discussed next. The Conservation Commission feels that because of the land being swampy and split into many 50 ft. lots we should be able to get them for nothing. The Hatch Act could not be used for this land. The Worthen Rd. land, next to Tropeano apartments, wet in part. Mrs. Riffin thought a try should be made to exclude driveways on Worthen Rd. Vine St. - Mrs. Frick talked with owners of lots 47-44 and 47-45. She wanted to know if the planning board wants it to stay on the map. There was a general discussion of these lots. The final resolution was to buy 2 acres in that area for recreation, rest to be bought for conservation. The Planning Board favors the purchase of all three lots, including 48-225 as it is a high, hilly wooded area for conservation and flat for play field for people in the area. The Planning Board and Conservation Commission agree to purchase of the 8/10's of an acre along Vine Brook near Grant St. to connect up town lands. Morrow on East St. The Conservation Commission is interested in this. It was suggested that 4.5 acres should be acquired along Vine Brook from 50 ft. at East St. to 300 ft. width at Maureen Rd. subdivision, subject to lifetime use by Morrow. The Planning Board agreed with the Conservation Commission that the 1.5A of Mimno land is desirable to fill in Bowman Park. 1 PLANNING BOARD MEETING IOctober 7, 1968 The meeting of the Planning Board was held on Monday, October 7, 1968 in their office in the Town Office Building. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by the chair- man, Mrs. Riffin, with members Clarke, Fowle, Lund, Worrell, planning director Zaleski and Planning Board secretary, Mrs. Savet, present. The minutes of the meeting of September 20, 1968, were MINUTES reviewed and approved as corrected. Mrs. Riffin read a letter from Mr. Legro re Woodbridge WOODBRIDGE EST. - Estates Section II (Carmel Cir.). The Board unanimously SECTION II VOTED: CARMEL CIRCLE To approve the definitive subdivision plan of Carmel Circle, entitled "Woodbridge Estates, Section Two, Lexington, Mass.," dated March 14, 1968, by Miller & Nylander, Armen J. Esserian, applicant, satisfactory bond in the penal sum of $22,500 having been furnished to guarantee the construction of ways and the installation of municipal services. The chairman next read a letter from John McSweeney, SANDERSON RD. town engineer, advising that all construction of Sanderson Rd. extension has been completed and release of owner's bond is in order. The Board unanimously VOTED: The requirements of the Agreement dated October 28, 1967 relative to the construction of ways and utilities to serve Lot D Sanderson Rd., shown on the plan entitled "Subdivision of Land and Extension of Sanderson Rd., Lexington, Mass.," dated January 28, 1968, by Fred A. Joyce, having been ful- filled to the satisfaction of the Planning Board, the surety bond in the penal sum of $2500.48 posted to guarantee such construction may be released and the obligations of the de- veloper with respect thereto terminated upon the execution by the developer in the form satisfactory to the town counsel, of a grant of streets, easements and utilities therein to the town of Lexington. Minutes of the Selectmen's meeting of September 23, 1968 SELECTMEN'S were reviewed and placed on file. MINUTES Mrs. Riffin read a letter from Mrs. Eleanor McCurdy, EFFECTIVE DATE Executive Clerk, advising that the Zoning By -Laws were posted ZONING BY-LAW on September 16, 1968 and become effective October 7, 1968. Mrs. Riffin reported to the Board that Mr. Donald E. DRUMMER BOY Nickerson, chairman of the Board of Appeals, had telephoned B/A DECISION her to tell her of the decision of the Board on the Drummer October 7, 1968 Boy land. The special permit for P.U.D. was denied. A general discussion followed and it was decided to wait for the letter from the Board of Appeals to see what the specific reasons were for denying this petition. An ex- plicit reason must be given according to the Zoning By - Law for the denial of the petition for the approval of a P.U.D. It was also thought that a meeting with the Board of Appeals should be arranged. In response to a query from the Registry of Motor Vehicels, the use of land at #405 Concord Ave. was dis- cussed next. It was generally decided that #405 Concord Ave. is not carrying out the business of welding and automobile repair as a legal use. A repair garage li- cense is therefore not in order. The Planning Board next met with representatives of Bolt, Beranek & Newman, Messrs. Fish, Parker Hirtle, Newman and Bogen and two representatives of the Conserva- tion Commission, Messrs. Brown and Totman to discuss pur- chase of front land at Hayden Ave. Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was voted to ' go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters, the premature disclosure of which could adversely affect the financial interests of the Town, or the reputa- tion of any person.In executive session the Board met with Bolt, Beranek & Newman, then with the Recreation Commission and then with the Conservation Commission to discuss acqui- sition of land for the Town. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 p.m. -2- f.�c�t► 7' k�"''!� Francis T. Worrell Clerk #405 CONCORD AVE. HAYDEN AVE. EXECUTIVE SESSION