HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-05-19PLANNING BOARD MEETING
May 19, 1980
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was called to order at 7:36 p.m.
by the Chairman Dr. Friedman with members Nichols, Wheaton, Sandy, Sorensen,
Planning Director Bowyer and Administrative Clerk Mrs. Snow present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the Planning Board meeting of May 12, 1980, were amended,
and then,on the motion of Mrs. Wheaton, seconded by Mr. Sorensen, were
unanimously approved.
APPLICATION FOR DETERMINATION OF SUBDIVISION APPROVAL
Form A 80-9, 9 and 11 N. Hancock Street: The Board reviewed a plan submitted
with Application Form A80-9, by Norma D. Perry. It was noted that a plan of
the same land had been previously, endorsed -as Form A80-3, and endorsement
rescinded on May 5, 1980, because of alteration of the plan following the
endorsement. Upon a motion by Dr. Sandy, seconded by Mrs. Nichols, it was
unanimously VOTED:
The plan submitted on May 16, 1980, with Application Form A80-9 by
Norma D. Perry, entitled "Plan of Land in Lexington, Mass.", dated
March 14, 1980, revised March 31, 1980, by Miller & Nylander, showing
land at 265 Bedford Street and 9 and 11 North Hancock Street requires
no approval under the Subdivision Control Law.
SUBDIVISION PLANS
Willow Ridge Subdivision: Mr. John C. Tuttle was present to discuss the
endorsement by the Board of his definitive subdivision plan, approved on
March 5, 1979, and a Covenant and Easement agreement. Mr. Bowyer reported
that Town Counsel's advice is that all required documents had been received
and that it was appropriate for the Board to endorse the plans and instru-
ments. Upon a motion by Dr. Friedman, seconded by Mrs. Nichols, it was
unanimously voted to sign the Covenant. Upon a motion by Dr. Sandy,
seconded by Mrs. Wheaton, it was unanimously voted to endorse the defini-
tive plans for Willow Ridge subdivision
Lincoln Hill Subdivision; Extension of Time for Planning Board Action: A
request by Michael Saulich for extension of time for Planning Board action
on his definitive subdivision plan for Lincoln Hill was noted. Upon a
motion by Mrs. Wheaton, seconded by Mrs. Nichols, it was unanimously VOTED:
To extend to June 4, 1980, inclusive, the time on or before which the
Lexington Planning Board must act on the definitive plan entitled
"Definitive Subdivision Plan of Lincoln Hill in Lexington, Mass.", dated
November 20, 1979, r. March 25, 1980, r. May 5, 1980, by Miller and
Nylander, as requested by Michael Saulich, applicant.
' Mr. Saulich was present and requested clarification of the Board's con-
clusions regarding construction of the cul-de-sac. The Board reiterated its
view that the cul-de-sac should be constructed at the time of construction
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of the subdivision and a road of 20 foot width be constructed, but not
necessarily paved.
A draft Certificate of Action was reviewed and amendments suggested. The
Board will act on the Certificate at its next meeting.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT
"701" Planning Program: Mr. Bowyer explained the workings of the 701 program
for planning assistance to towns and noted that there is some money available
to towns of less than 50,000 population at this time. Mr. Hutchinson has
requested Mr. Bowyer to investigate the possibility of assistance to
Lexington under this program.
PLANNING BOARD WORK PROGRAM
Chairman Friedman observed that a better definition is needed of "open
space" because the open space required may be provided in the form of a
swamp or pond, or be quite close to buildings, so that the intent of the
provision of open space is not met. Mr. Bowyer noted it is a common practice
in zoning to have a requirement of usable open space which may require a
minimum dimension or define a maximum percentage of steep or wet land that
may be counted toward the usable open space requirement.
A second issue is the quality and reliability of information submitted by
proponents of development. In the case of a proposed cluster subdivision
or an RD development, there should be material submitted comparable to a
preliminary subdivision plan so that a realistic determination can be made
of how many house lots could be developed in a conventional subdivision.
A third issue is how much setback should be required from buildings in order
for land to count as open space.
It was agreed that Chairman Friedman and Mrs. Wheaton would collaborate on
a draft policy statement on these questions.
The Board requested that the staff work with the Town Clerk to see if there
is some way she can be relieved of the responsibility of maintaining for a
long time material from Town Meeting Articles which are not passed.
Lexington Center Study: Mrs. Nichols volunteered to work on the Lexington
Center Committee in conjunction with Mr. Sorensen. The Board agreed unani-
mously with her participation.
The meeting adjourned at 10:44 p.m.
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Frank Sandy, Clerk