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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-07-24PLANNING BOARD MEETING July 24, 1978 ' The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was called to order at 7:38 p.m. by the chairman Mr. Zabin with members Friedman, Nichols, Sandy, Wheaton, planning director Briggs, and secretary Mrs. Snow present. Also in atten- dance was Louis Conrad, Lexington Minute Man. John Crowe, Chairman of the Design Advisory Committee, met with the Board by appointment for discussion of D.A.C. functions and degree of use- fulness of its advisory services to the Board. It was agreed that re- structuring of procedures to ensure D.A.C. participation in review of developments was needed. It was suggested that early D.A.C. review and report on specific proposals, upon notice and request by the Planning Board or Director, would be more appropriate than weekly attendance by a D.A.C. representative at regular Planning Board meetings. Copies of subdivision, Board of Appeals SPS, and submittals to the Conservation Commission will be sent immediately after receipt in the Planning office. Written reports by D.A.C., rather than oral recommendations made in pub- lic, were seen to be preferred. Mr. Crowe expressed willingness to draft a statement of protocol for DAC/Planning Board procedures for adoption by the Board. D.A.C. involvement in the CBD Study and preparation of the Housing Master Plan will be initiated. DESIGN ADVIS- ORY COMM. Mr. Briggs reported on responses by consultants to requests for proposals CBD QUESTION - on preparation of the CBD Questionnaire and stated that in most cases, NAIRE companies contacted lacked in-house computer and analysis capabilities. He recommended that in. the interest of economy and efficiency, a committee be formed to identify issues and resolve what information is desired. A consultant could then prepare a questionnaire based on this information. The committee will be comprised of the Planning Board, two or three D.A.C. members and it was agreed.that several qualified citizens should be in- cluded on the roster. The following were suggested: Adele Wisotzky, Lawrence Chait, Logan Clark, Roland Greeley. Mr. Briggs reported on the qualifications of Dr. Steven Diamond, Marketing Analyst, for conducting and analyzing the survey. He stated that Dr. Diamond is the most capable of all consultants contacted, and because of other committments, decision on hiring him,-; should be made as quickly as pos§ible. The Town Manager will be asked about proper procedures in the process of selection of a consul tant. It was found desirable to contact additional consultants specializing in Marketing Research. Board of Appeals notices for July 27 were reviewed. The MacKay/Marrett Rd. petition regarding denial of building permit for a substandard lot was considered. A letter recommending against the granting will be sent to BD.OF APPEALS the Board of Appeals. MAC KAY JOHNSON The Johnson petition regarding undersized Lot 155 on Spring St. was re- viewed. A letter recommending granting of the petition based on hard- ship will be sent to the Board of Appeals. Lexington Housing Authority letter dated July 20, 1978, concerning certain scattered sites (for low and moderate income housing):_located on roads L.H.A. SCAT- of inadequate construction and/or of undersized area, was noted. The TERED SITES Planning Board's view on future B/A frontage and lot size variances was requested. The members were in general agreement that the Planning Board would support petitions for variances on area requirements, and if no question of safety or health was involved, would probably not oppose Page 2 7.24.78 granting of variances on frontage requirements. The Housing Authority intends to upgrade roads to minimum grade and construction and, if so, the Board sees no problem. Each such case will be reviewed by Mr. Briggs and Asst. Town Engr. Martin and report will be made to the Board. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 p.m. 1 1 ��L- ler. kxwzt-� Iris G. Wheaton, Clerk