HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-09-11PLANNING BOARD MEETING
September 11, 1972
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
by the chairman Mrs. Brown with members Costello, Clarke, S. Brown, interim
planning director Downe and secretary Mrs. Snow present. Mr. Graham joined
the meeting later in the evening.
The members immediately adjourned to Room G-15, Town Office Building, to con-
duct a public hearing on the "Hartwell Park" subdivision at Hartwell Ave. PUBLIC HEARING
HARTWELL PARR
Following the public hearing, the members joined the Board of Selectmen at
9:10 p.m. for discussion of the need for additional parking areas in the CBD PARKING
Central Business District and possible solutionsto the problem. An out-
line, Notes on Parking in the Central Business District", prepared by
Mrs. Brown and Dr. Clarke, which had been distributed to members of both
Boards, was reviewed. A map of the Central Business District was displayed
and Dr. Clarke pointed out lost parking spaces in the district amounting to
approximately 10% (since 1966). Reference was made to requests from the
Library Committee, tenants of the Carleton House on Muzzey St. and others
for reserved spaces in Town parking lots. Following description of existing
uses and requirements, future needs resulting from current and forthcoming
construction in the center and the 1975-76 Bicentennial celebration were
noted. Planning Board suggestions for parking areas located on land (most of
which might be constributed to the Town by landowners) between Clarke and
Muzzey streets, extension of the Meriam St./RR lot with either meters or an
attendant and a parking structure as proposed in the EDA report of 1966 were
outlined. Mention was made of the 1971 A.T.M. rejection of extension of the
Meriam St. lot. In the case of an attended lot, check-ups on residential
streets to determine increase in parking which which may occur was suggested.
Parking areas on the perimeter of the Town with busing facilities to histori-
cal sites for Bicentennial visitors was proposed by Mr. O'Connell.
Mrs. Brown requested Selectmen/Planning Board interaction and cooperation in
developing policies regarding requests for reservation of Town owned parking
spaces, use of meters and, if used, which types, attended parking lots, possibly
to be subsidized by merchants, commercial management of parking lots, extension
of commercial zoning and extent, transitional zoning in the form of two- or
multi -family residence district, and designation of zoning boundaries between
backyards of houses rather than on streets. Need for circulation studies re-
garding increased need for parking areas during the Bicentennial years was
stated and Mrs. Brown suggested request to the 1973 A.T.M. for such study.
Mr. McSweeney informed the Boards that a parking structure study could be made
under TOPICS or TAMS program and it was agreed that the Selectmen's office will
look into this possibility. Mr. Michelson, Chamber of Commerce, noted full use
of the rough graded extension (23-30 spaces) of the Meriam St. lot and suggested
installation of short term meters behind the Adams Bldg. as well as all -day meters
near the RR track.
Mrs. Riffin asked about progress in the atection of a new Planning Director and
Dr. Clarke reported on current activities regarding interviewing of candidates.
The Board returned to its office at 10:10 p.m.
A spacial meeting of the Planning Board was scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 13,
1972, in view of the numerous agenda items to be considered.
Page 2
9.11.72
The Board reviewed the minutes of Planning Board meeting of September 5, 1972.
Following discussion of revisions and clarification of a portion of the
minutes , it was decided to table action until the Sept. 13th meeting of the
Board.
The Board voted to authorize Mr. Downe, assisted by Mrs. Snow, to proceed with
revision and arrangements for reprinting of the Zoning By -Law to include ZONING BY-LAW
Articles 81 and 84 as voted by the 1972 A.T.M. and approved by the Atty. Gen'l.
Mrs. Brown noted the request of Mr. Perry, Comptroller, that all bills from BILLING PRO -
Eco -Systems submitted totim for payment should be accompanied by written CEDURE, ECO -
evidence of Planning Board approval of work in the form of a specific vote SYSTEMS
so as to comply with the July 24, 1972 Eco-Systems/Planning Board contract.
It was decided that a copy of the abovementioned contract will be for-
warded, with a cover letter, to "Green & White" (B. Franklin Homes, Inc.), GREEN & WHITE
principal land owners in the area now being studied under Art. 82, 1972 ATM.
The Board discussed the preliminary plan for "Centre Estates" and considered
action to be taken before expiration of the 60 day period after submission CENTRE ESTATE£
on July 24, 1972. A draft of a letter by Mr. Downe to Spaulding & Slye,
developers, prepared in the event of Planning Board vote to disapprove the
preliminary plan, was reviewed and will be prepared in final form for signa-
tures of the members, if so decided at the next meeting.
Definitive plans for "Hartwell Park" subject of the public hearing earlier in
the evening were discussed. Lack of information regarding the air approach HARTWELL PARK
to abutting Hanscom Field, as yet unspecified locations of future roads, and
opposition which had been expressed as to development of wetland at the site
were among the topics reviewed.
Mr. Downe was requested to lay out a plan of the parcel showing maximum
development. The elevations and contours as shown on the Hartwell Park plan
were compared with those on the Lexington photogrammetric map of the area.
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
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Donald M. Graham, Clerk