HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-05-11PLANNING BOARD MEETING
May 22, 1978
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was called to order at 7:42 p.m.
by the chairman Mr. Zabin,with members Sandy, Wheaton, and Nichols present.
Deborah Boudreau was acting secretary.
Fire Chief John Bergeron met with the Board by appointment for discussion
of fire regulations as related to the Planning Board's subdivision rules CHIEF
and regulations. It was agreed that the Fire Department will be noti- BERGERON FIRE
fied of submission to the Planning Board of subdivision plans. Proce- REGULATIONS
dures for review by the Fire Chief will be initiated.
Chief Bergeron expressed his views as follows:
Developers of industrial buildings are responsible for fire prevention
units in such facilities (sprinkler systems). Although outdoor fire
alarm equipment is no _longer deemed effective in single family home
developments because of the use of the telephone to report fires, the
Chief advocates installation of smoke detection systems in those resi-
dences. He recommended that box alarm systems still be required in
multi -family developments.
The Chief was asked his view on safety factors involved in any long cul-de
sac. He saw no reason for concern if hydrants are accessible at frequent
intervals and there is adequate water pressure. He advised that regula-
tions governing conversion of single to multi -family dwellings be given
careful consideration regarding fire safety factors.
Theodore L. Freeman, developer, met with the Board to request the Plan- BICENTENNIAL
ning Board to amend its Certificate of Action on Bicentennial Farms FARMS
subdivision to allow installation of septic system on Lot 411 of that
development. The subdivision lies in the sewer moratorium area and
Mr. Freeman has been unable to obtain waiver from the Board of Selectmen.
Another area of concern in the Bicentennial Farms development is the
drainage system which has not proven to be effective. William J. Martin,
Asst. Town Engr., who was present, was asked by Eliot Frost, Kerrie Realty
Trust, to confer with Mr. Freeman on the problems and redesign of the
drainage system. Mr. Martin stated that he, as well as Mr. Briggs and
Mr. Prentiss, had discussed the matter with the developer two years ago,
and had told him at that time to remedy the situation. To date, none of
the recommended changes have been made. Upon Mr. Freeman's application,
the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on revised drainage plans,
at which time the request for septic system on Lot 411 will be considered.
George A. Smith, Director of Public Health, was present and reported that
perc tests on the lot indicate its suitability for septic system, but
recommended that connection to Town sewer system be accomplished immedi-
ately following the lifting of the moratorium. The chairman stated that
based on Mr. Freeman's past performance, strict attention must be paid to
ensure his compliance with Town regulations.
Minutes of Planning Board meeting of April 26, 1978, were approved as MINUTES 4/26/7!
amended.
As requested by Asst. Town Engineer Martin, the Planning Board considered TOWN DRAINAGE
Board considered appointment of a liaison to the Town wide Drainage Study
review. It was unanimously voted that Frank Sandy represent the Board.
Mr. Zabin's draft letter to Messrs. Plugis and Farfaris, regarding Plan- PLUGIS/FARFARIf
ning Board action on Forms A78-10 and 11 (see minutes of May 15, 1978) A78-10 & 11
was reviewed and approved as written. HOMESTEAD ST.
Page 2
5.22.78
Modification to the Certificate of Action for Woodpark Estates subdi- WOODPARK EST.
vision to allow recontouring of a hillin the development, as drafted by AMENDED CERT.
Mr. Briggs, was reviewed and amended. Upon a motion duly made and OF ACTION
seconded, it was unanimously VOTED:
To amend the Certificate of Action dated October 22, 1974, on the
definitive subdivision plan entitled "Woodpark Estates - Lexington,
Mass.", by Colburn Engineering, dated July 31, 1974, revised
September 27, 1974, revised October 4, 1974, Andrew J. Lane, appli-
cant. Said amendment is as follows:
1. The Planning Board has agreed to allow the applicant to remove the
hill behind Lots 8, 9 and 10, and to regrade the land behind Lots 6,
7, 8, 9 and 10, in accordance with a plan entitled "Sketch of Land in
Lexington, Mass.", dated March 31, 1978, additions May 3, 1978, by
Colburn Engineering, Inc., Hudson, Mass.
2. No work at the end of Amherst Street, as shown on this plan, is
authorized.
3. The area to be altered must be defined by stakes and inspected
and approved by the Lexington Engineering Department prior to
removal of the hill.
4. The applicant shall apply to the Conservation Commission for a
request for determination under Section XXXIII of the By -Laws of
' the Town of Lexington prior to removal of the hill.
5. The applicant shall apply to the Board of Appeals for a permit
to remove the fill from Woodpark Estates subdivision prior to
removal of the hill.
The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
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Iris G. Wheaton, Clerk