HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-04-09PLANNING BOARD MEETING
April 9, 1979
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was called to order in
Estabrook Hall at 7:04 p.m. by the chairman Mr. Zabin with members Friedman,
Wheaton, Nichols, Sandy, planning director Briggs and secretary Mrs. Snow
present. Also in attendance were approximately 30 residents of the
Parker School area, invited to participate in discussion of the proposed
changes to the conversion plans for the school, and Peter Conant, Urban
Design Team, developer of the project.
Mr. Conant displayed plans illustrating the alternative seheme, preferable
to him because of unforeseen ledge conditions, and resultant expense for
additional blasting, and compared the new and original plans. The wing
which is proposed•for::the;:rear of the building would be smaller in ground
coverage, deleting two units. The major change will be increased size of
the third floor additions to the middle and rear of the building. There
will be a shift in location of units from the lower to upper levels. The
number of units will remain the same but it is estimated that there will
be an increase of approximately 1,500 square feet in building area, most
of which will be taken up by corridors.
Blasting of the ledge, which will be necessary for construction of the REVISION OF
courtyard, driveway and the rear wing, was discussed regarding possible PARKER SCHOOL
effect on the existing construction, and impact on the abuttors. PLANS
Method of developer selection was inquired about. Mrs,. Wheaton explained
that in addition to other favorable aspects of Mr. Conant's proposal, the
concept of the 30 units contained within the existing building plus wings,
with no detached construction, was most pleasing to the selection committee.
In response to question from Mr. Hagerty, Mr. Conant explained the change
to the roof line, which will be raised from 15 to 16 1/2 feet in the rear
area and 10 feet in the central section of the building.
Cost difference resulting from the redesign and blasting expense was dis-
cussed. Prices of the units would be raised from below $60,000 to $62,00
to $71,000.
Mr. Hagerty stated that the neighbors are not totally satisfied..as reported
with the driveway design, and are concerned with traffic impact. It was
suggested that egress be constructed in front of the building, opposite
Simonds Rd.
Visual impact of the change in silhouette due to the third floor addition
and uninterrupted mass of wall was stated as a matter of concern.
Mr. Conant stated that he would revert to the plan as submitted at the
public hearing on February 28, if the new plan did not receive the support
of the Planning Board.
The chairman thanked the abuttors for attending and promised attention to
the suggestions made.
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4.9.79
' Later in the evening, discussion of the revised plans was resumed with PARKER SCHOOL
respect to need for an additional public hearing. It was generally
agreed that the changes as shown did not appear to warrant another
hearing but the members expressed dissatisfaction at submission of
revised plans with lack of detailed information at such a late stage
in the procedures. The Planning Board will not attempt to deal with the
merits of the new plan.
The revised report on Trinity Hills rezoning proposal;(Article 76) was TRINITY HILLS
reviewed. Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously REPORT
voted to approve the report recommending against passage of the article.
Report on Potter Pond rezoning proposal recommending favorably on POTTER POND
Article 78, was reviewed. Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it REPORT'
was voted by the majority to approve the report. Mrs. Nichols, Mr. Zabin,
and Dr. Friedman voted in the affirmative, Mrs. Wheaton and Dr. Sandy
voted in opposition.
Amended Report to the 1979 Town Meeting on Land Use and Development was LAND USE
reviewed, and upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously REPORT
voted to approve the report as amended.
Board of Appeals notices for hearings on April 12 were reviewed. The B/A APRIL 12
Planning Board will comment by letters in opposition to the Steeves HEARINGS -
' petition regarding frontage variance for a lot at North St., and to STEEVES
the petition regarding change in use at Cheryl's Bakery in Lexington CHERYL'S
Center. BAKERY
BRIGHAM
Gordon Brigham's petition (hearing on May 10) was also discussed. The
Board will recommend against the granting of a special permit for dwelling
conversion for a garden house at 311 Concord Ave. Mr. Brigham is appeal-
ing the findings of the Building Commissioner regarding the matter.
The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m.
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Iris G. Wheaton, Clerk