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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-09-171 1 1 PLANNING BOARD MEETING September 17, 1979 The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by the chairman Dr. Friedman with members Nichols, Sandy, Zabin, Wheaton, Planning director Briggs, planning,intern Steven Asen and secretary Mrs. Snow present. Mr. Zabin will represent the Planning Board at a Board of Selectmen meet- ing on September 24, for discussion of complaint of residents of the heavy concentration of subsidized housing in the Reed Street area. Letter from LOW/MOD Joseph W. Angelo, dated September 12, 1979, regarding the matter was HOUSING,REED noted and discussed. STREET AREA At 8 p.m., about 40 Lexington Center property owners, and interested citizens, and the CBD Committee met with the Board for the third of three related meetings for discussion about the future of Lexington Center. Among the areas of concern noted were parking problems and possible new parking areas, attempts to create a transitional zone at the perimeter of the Center, Historic District Commission controls and restrictions, and the need to attract diversity in Lexington Center. Property owners were asked for specific suggestions on problems that can be resolved by Town agencies. Complaints of lack of parking in various sections of the Center were prominent. Discussion followed on possible construction of an underground parking garage, different methods of metering and charging for all -day parking, new parking requirements in CB districts, expansion of existing parking lots. Reference was made to the meeting of consumers and users of the Center, at which parking was not stated as a major prob- lem, and listed concerns stated at that meeting. Question was raised as to what type of business constitutes a drawing to Town Centers as compe- tition to shopping malls. Comparisons with other Towns whose centers have more pedestrian traffic were made and it was suggested that Lexington Center may have to change its function to increase its vitality. Planning Board members suggested merchant promotions to encourage shopping in the Center. The landowners were asked opinion on the reason for turnover of tenants, especially in the Central Block. Parking need, mall competition, and type of users/residents were listed. A meeting with the CBD Committee will be scheduled for October 2 at 9 p.m. to review information gathered at the three meetings and to discuss Committee work and goals. LEXINGTON CTR. PROPER- TY OWNERS Preliminary plan of lots at Concord Avenue and cross section plan of the HAMILTON road, submitted by William Hamilton, were reviewed. Unfavorable review SUBDV.CONCORD by Anthony Casendino, D.A.C. on lack of sight distance at exit onto AVENUE Concord Avenue from the proposed development was, noted. Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously VOTED: To reject the subdivision plan entitled "A Preliminary Plan of Lots in Lexington, Mass.", dated July 29, 1979, submitted by William H. Hamilton, applicant. The reasons for rejection are as follows: 1. The retaining walls on either side of the subdivision road create poor sight distances for vehicles egressing onto Concord Avenue. 2. The retaining walls create a sight problem for traffic on Concord Avenue. 3. The driveways onto the proposed house lots are excessively steep. 4. The grading across the road at Station 0+0 is too stee 1, . 1 11 5. The 10% grade of the subdivision road, as shown on the profile plan is not in compliance with Section 6.5.5 of the Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land in Lexington, Mass. 6. The height of the retaining walls creates a potentially dangerous situation for people walking in the area. 7. The length of the cul-de-sac exceeds that allowed under Section 6.5.6 of the Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land in Lexington, Mass. The planning director was authorized to sign the letter of rejection following its preparation in final form, as set forth in the motion. The Board reviewed Dr. Friedman's draft letter to the Lincoln Planning Board responding to Lincoln's request for Lexington commitment regarding mutual concerns about Hanscom Field growth in use. The letter was unani- mously approved as written. Jacqui Smith, Hanscom Advisory Committee, was present for discussion of Hanscom and need for improved communication with Massport. Mrs. Nichols' draft letter to William Smith, developer of Potter Pond, confirming Planning Board concurrence regarding units deleted and added was reviewed and unanimously approved as written. The minutes of Planning Board meeting of September 4, 1979, were unanimously approved as amended. The meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m. Frank Sandy, Cl rk Page 2 9.17.79 HAMILTON SUBDV.(cont'c HANSCOM FIELD POTTER POND MINUTES 9.4