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