HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-09-181
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PLANNING BOARD MEETING
September 18, 1972
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was called to order at 7:40 p.m.
by the chairman Mrs. Brown with members Clarke and S. Brown.present. Mr. Costello
and Mr. Graham joined the meeting later in the evening. Also in attendance were
M. Weinmayr, DAC and Cheryl Waixel, Lexington Minute Man.
Draft of a revision of a portion of the minutes of Sept. 5, 1972, was re- MINUTES 9/5/72
viewed. The minutes, including this revision, were approved by those mem-
bers present, conditional upon Mr. Costello's approval of the revised portion.
The minutes of the meeting of Sept. 11, 1972, were approved as amended. MINUTES 9/11/7e
Mrs. Brown informed the members that the written withdrawal request for CENTRE ESTATES
"Centre Estates" preliminary plan had not been received in the Planning
Board office as expected. A draft of a Certificate of Disapproval was read
by the chairman. Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was VOTED:
To adopt the Certificate of Disapproval written as follows:
This is to certify that at its meeting on September 18, 1972, the CBRT.OF
Planning Board has voted to disapprove the preliminary subdivision DISAPPROVAL
plan entitled "Centre Estates, Section 2, 3 and 4, Lexington, Mass.",
dated July 24, 1972, by Miller and Nylander, Lexington Green Develop-
ment Company, applicant, because the aforementioned subdivision has
failed to receive the approval of the Board of Health as required in
Chapter 41, Section 81-S of the General Laws, and for the following
reasons:
1. The design of the proposed subdivision did not provide adequate and
appropriate drainage.
2. The proposed fill would alter natural flow characteristics and the
runoff storage capacity without compensatory provisions.
3. The proposed cul-de-sac ("A" Street) exceeds in length the Sub-
division Regulations' maximum requirement of 650 feet.
4. The proposed "B" Street over the R.R. right-of-way at grade would
produce a serious hazard.
The Certificate was signed by the members for transmittal to the Town Clerk,
the developer, Town Counsel, Town Engineer, Bd. of Health,Conservation Comm.
At 8:05, Mr. Charles E. Cole met with the Board for exploratory discussion CHAS. COLE
of his proposal for rezoning to RT of land adjacent to the CBD. He dis- RT REZONING
played a map of the area showing, among other parcels, the land of Jackson PROPOSAL
in which his client, Dr. A. Joseph, is interested for 2 family home con-
struction. Existence of 2 family homes in the area were noted and Mr. Cole
agreed to obtain specific figures on that use. Mr. Cole gave benefits to the
Town (tax benefits, fewer petitions for variances for commercial use, no
increase in parking needs, and partial satisfaction of need for rental hous-
ing). Renovation of large existing single family homes into multi -family
dwellings was discussed. The members expressed interest in a written report of
the concept by Mr. Cole and he agreed to supply such a report which will
include results of his further research as to existing landuse, increase in
Town services necessary if rezoning occurs, neighborhood reaction, suggestions
for design control and questions to be considered by the Planning Board. Mr.
Cole will meet with the Board for further discussion sometime in October.
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9.18.72
At 8:30 p.m. Mr. Yonika, Eco -Systems, met with the Board to present a
second verbal preliminary progress report on the study of the Munroe Brook
Meadows area. He was accompanied by two associates, Mr. Dennis McGee,
Naturalist, and Mr. Garrett Hollands, Geologist. Mr. Hollands explained
and pointed out on a map the various types of terrain, told of the history
of their formation and gave costs for compensatory water storage areas if
developed.
MUNROE BROOK
MEADOWS STUDY
Mr. McGee gave analysis of vegetation in the different plant communities
and wildlife in the area. He pointed out on a map the critical areas to
be conserved for preservation of wildlife.
Mr. Yonika gave analysis of water resources, pointing out water stations
on a map. He gave watershed figures in acres and impact on water quality
from various development schemes as well as penalties to counteract each
of the 5 development plans he showed on workingmaps. In response to
Mrs. Brown's question about degree of completion of the study, Mr. Yonika
estimated 75%. Discussion continued as to content and format of the final
report and the due date for the final draft (10/2/72 per contract). The
consultants were complimented on the quality, depth and presentation of the
study thus far and were encouraged to request additional time for completion
in order to continue at the same level of excellence.
The members considered the Planning Board meeting schedule for the coming FLEETING
month in view of the two long weekends which occur in October. It was ET G
decided that the weekly meetings will be held on Monday evenings, as usual, SCHEDULE
during October.
Mrs. Brown reported on telephone conversation with Mr. Raymond, Saivetz HARTWELL PARK
Assoc, re Hartwell Park definitive plans. Mr. Raymond expressed intention EXTENSION
to request an extension of time until Oct. 30, 1972. Prior to the Planning
Board meeting on Sept. 25th, Mrs. Brown will confer with Mr. Martin, Asst.
Town Engr, regarding his conference with Mr. Raymond. Mrs. Brown and Mr.
Downe will confer as to additional information to be obtained from the Board
of Health. Members were requested to indicate any areas of concern as yet
not considered in the Planning Board review of the subdivision.
The second area to be proposed for site investigation under Art. 82 was ART. 82 SITE
considered. Mr. Brown agreed to confer with Mr. McSweeney, Town Engr. and STUDY AREA
the Town Manager with respect to progress of the Engr. Dept. study of the
Tophet Swamp (Sanitary Landfill) area and will invite Mr. McSweeney to attend
the Sept. 25th meeting of the Board.
A letter from the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to the Planning Board, VINEBROOK
dated Sept. 13, 1972, regarding the Vinebrook Bridge and a copy of Mr. Mc- BRIDGE
Sweeney's memo to Mr. O'Connell, dated August 21, 1972, reporting on his
site investigation of the bridge, were discussed. Mr. Brown offered to obtain
additional information prior to the Sept. 25th meeting of the Board, at which
time Planning Board recommendations on resolution of problems concesing the
future of the bridge will be considered.
Communication regarding proposed study by the Town of Arlington of the GREAT MEADOW
Great Meadow as a site for a municipal golf course was reviewed, ine3uding: GOLF PROPOSAL
' copy of Selectmen's letter to Mrs. Frick, Lexington Great Meadow Study Comm.,
9/7/72, Selectmen's letter to the Planning Baord, 9/7/72, requesting comments
and recommendations on formation of a committee to consider protective zoning
of the Great Meadow, copy of Conservation Comm. letter to Mr. Kenney, 9/14/72,
with suggestions as to implementation of protective zoning of the Great Meadow,
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9.18.72
Arl/Lex Great Meadow Study Comm. report and recommendations regarding land GREAT MEADOW
use of Great Meadow land. GOLF PROPOSAL
' In discussion of Planning Board response to the Selectmen's request, it was
agreed that Mr. Brown will confer with Mr. Kenney, expressing Planning Board
interest in proposal of a Town -wide wetland protection article and pointing
out difficulty of Planning Board preparation of an article restricting land
use in Great Meadow at this time due to lack of staff. He will request a
meeting of the two Boards for discussion of the matter. Mr. Graham will con-
tact MAPC and Mr. Brown will contact the Conservation Law Foundation for infor-
mation as to the feasibility of an article which would prohibit a golf course
and possibiity of assistance in drafting a wetland protection article. Mr.
Downe will obtain examples of wetland protection zoning in other towns.
Mr. Costello will confer with Rep. Lincoln Cole as to possible enactment of
State legislation to ensure wetland protection.
The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
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Donald M. Graham, Clerk