Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-05-12PLANNING BOARD MEETING May 12, 1980 tThe meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was called to order at 7:34 p.m. by the Chairman Dr. Friedman with members Wheaton, Sandy, Sorensen, Nichols, Planning Director Bowyer and Planning Intern Asen present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the Planning Board meeting of May 5, 1980, were corrected an then, on the motion of Mrs. Wheaton, seconded by Mr. Sandy, the minutes, as corrected, were approved unanimously. REPORTS BY MEMBERS, SUBCOMMITTEES Battleview Subdivision, off Young Street: Several members noted that the "Environmental Monitor" carried a notice of a hearing before the Depart- ment of Environmental Quality Engineering on an appeal by the Philip Heidke Realty Trust from the Order of Conditions adopted by the Con- servation Commission. The Planning Director was asked to obtain a copy of the Order of Conditions that was appealed by Heidke and any material submitted to DEQE as part of the appeal. Hanscom Field, Commuter Service: Dr. Friedman noted that he had received notice of the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the Hanscom Field to Newark, N.J. commuter service proposed to be operated by Cosmopolitan Airlines, Inc. Since the Board had not received a copy of the draft environmental impact statement, he requested that the Planning Director write and obtain a copy. Willow Ridge Subdivision: The Board requested that the approval of the Willow Ridge subdivision be on the agenda for the next meeting. The Board requested that the status of the proposed pedestrian way, from Charlotte Way, to be deeded to the Town be clarified. The Board also requested that Town Counsel be contacted as to the status of all outstanding documentation for this subdivision. Status of Earl Street, Letter from Mrs. Yaseitas: Dr. Sandy reported that he had discussed the status of Earl Street with the Yaseitas family. He reported that until last year Earl Street was considered a paper street. In 1979, when the Housing Authority proposed to construct one of its scattered site units on Earl Street, the Planning Board concurred that Earl Street was an unaccepted way in existence in 1948 when Lexington accepted the Subdivision Control Law and is of inadequate grade and con- struction. The Planning Board required that the part of the street servicing the housing unit be upgraded as to grade and construction. The Housing. Authority went beyond the minimal standards and constructed a paved way of 24 feet. The Board determined that the remainder of Earl Street is still an unaccepted way of inad&quate-_grade_ and construction and should remain in that classification unless upgraded. It should not revert to the status of a paper street. The Board requested that a letter be written to the Yaseitas family explaining that the street will remain in this status until such time as someone wishes to upgrade it. At that time the Board will discuss what standards will constitute "adequate grade and construction". Page 2 5.12.80 Public Participation: The Board requested that time be allowed on the agenda for public participation. ' RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS Kiln Brook III: On the motion of Mrs. Wheaton, seconded by Mrs. Nichols, the Board approved unanimously the report on the variance, as written. As for the report on the petition for a special permit with site plan review, the Board discussed the location of the driveways in relation to the control booth at the entrance to Hanscom Field. The queueing of cars at the control booth can block one, or both driveways. The Board requested that matter be included in the report with the suggestion for further discussion with Town officials. On the motion of Mrs. Wheaton, seconded by Mrs. Nichols, the report was approved unanimously, as amended. Grey Nuns Charities, Inc., 10 Pelham Road: The Board was concerned that the placement of the sign at the end of the driveway might block sight distances and if it is to serve as identification only, it should be at the driveway on Pelham Road instead of Massachusetts Avenue. The Board agreed not to send a'formal recommendation to the Board of Appeals, but the Board member attending the Board of Appeals hearing might raise the question orally. Other Cases: After review of: a special permit for a swimming pool at 38 Normandy Road, a variance for a front yard at 241 Worthen Road East, ' and a special permit for a roadside stand at 307 Wood Street, the Board decided to make no recommendation to the Board of Appeals. PLANNING BOARD WORK PROGRAM The Planning Board reviewed memoranda prepared by each of the members, and by the Planning Director, on projects to be undertaken in the next year. Much of the discussion centered on what would be involved in the preparation of a Master Plan, or Comprehensive Plan. It was agreed a Master Plan might take several years to prepare. Several members questioned whether the normal workload would permit the staff to spend much time on a comprehensive plan and whether additional funds shouldn't be requested at the next Town Meeting. Mr. Bowyer commented that while he welcomed additional assistance, it is difficult to contract out a Comprehensive Plan which has a heavy orientation to policy formulation. It requires an intimate knowledge of the community and extensive involvement with the Planning Board. Mr. Bowyer also cautioned against arousing expectations and a community attitude anticipating the "Grand Revelation" of the Comprehensive Plan. He suggested that if in the next year, the Planning Board accomplished no more than to codify its past policies, review them -for current applicability and take a preliminary position on land areas subject to development, it would have accomplished a great deal. It was agreed that the Board would begin by identifying "sensitive areas" i.e. those areas which are subject to development and for some of which rezoning proposals have previously been submitted. The Board will identify Page 3 5.12.80 ' the "sensitive areas", conduct a analysis of them, and adopt a preliminary position on their desirable development. The Board agreed to continue its discussion of the Work Program at its next meeting with particular attention to identifying the "sensitive areas" and including open space and housing. It was agreed that the staff would begin to pull together recommendations and policies the Planning Board has previously adopted. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT Recording of Plans: Mr. Bowyer reported that he had discussion with Town Counsel the matter of the Form A for North Hancock Street being altered after the Planning Board signature. Town Counsel considered this to be a serious matter and has promised to think about revised procedures to insure the integrity of plans which the Board has signed. Center Study - MAPC Proposal: Mr. Bowyer reported on discussions with the staff of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. Lexington is one of eight communities selected from 21 applicants to submit a final application. It appears that Lexington might receive:°assistance for one of three principal components, i.e. marketability, transportation, and urban design. Additional material will be distributed subsequently. The meeting adjourned at 11:03 p.m. Frank Sandy,Clerk