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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-01-18PLANNING BOARD MEETING January 18, 1979 The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was called to order at 3:00 p.m. with members Nichols, Friedman, Sandy, Zabin, planning director Briggs and secretary Mrs. Snow present. Also in attendance were Peter DiMatteo, Building Commissioner, and Board of Appeals members Wadsworth, Morey, Brodhead, Riffin, Scouler, and Clarke. Mr. Di Matteo, who had requested the meeting, opened with an explanation of its purpose as being to gain general agreement of the two major Boards involved on the proposed zoning amendment articles. The Article concerned with congregate housing was discussed at length CONGREGATE with regard to its application to the needs of "elderly" only. It was HOUSING suggested by Mrs. Morey that two articles concerned with changes to housing regulations (congregate housing and accessory apartments) might be too much to propose at one Town Meeting, and that the congregate housing concept should be referred to study. It was generally felt that the information gained at a public hearing and from Town Meeting would be valuable, and that the Article should be pursued, if only for that purpose this year. The "Accessory Apartments" Article was considered. Mr. DiMattea,and ACCESSORY Mr. Zabin responded to questions on application and restrictions of the APARTMENTS amendment. The Board of Appeals members present expressed general support of the Article. It was agreed that proposed Section 42.2 be amended to include reference to temporary absences of the resident land- lord. In discussion of the "Home Occupations" Article, Mr. DiMatteo noted that many complaints to him as Zoning Enforcement Officer concern the impact on neighbors of home occupations. He felt that the definition of home occupations should be based on the criteria that the activity does not adversely affect the neighborhood. Consideration was given to diffi- HOME culties in definition and allowed activities. It was agreed that OCCUPATIONS Section 44.2 will be amended to strike the phrase "as an office, studio, or workshop". Dr. Wadsworth suggested that, as a means of control, all home occupations be registered with the Building Commissioner's office. The Article dealing with non -conforming uses and lots was reviewed, and NON CONFORMING received general approval of those in attendance, with the exception of LOTS, USES correction of a typographical error on Page 2. The "Parking in CB Zone" Article was explained by Dr. Friedman and it PARKING CB was agreed by all that it should be tried. Dr. Sandy's revised draft, dated January 5, 1979, presenting the Article in two parts, was approved by all. The Article on "Parking and Loading", Section 32, was reviewed. It was PARKING AND suggested that in Subsection 32.2.1, the phrase "and a width of at least LOADING 7 feet" be omitted. The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Iris G. Wheaton, Clerk