HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-10-27PLANNING BOARD MEETING
October 27, 1980
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was called to order at 7:31 p.m.
by the Chairman Mrs. Wheaton with members Friedman, Nichols, Sandy and Sorensen,
Planning Director Bowyer and secretary Mrs. Cooke present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Upon a motion by Mrs. Nichols, seconded by Mr. Friedman, the minutes of the
Planning Board meeting of October 20, 1980, were approved as written.
APPLICATIONS TO BOARD OF APPEALS
The Board reviewed a Staff Memorandum, dated October 23, 1980, of the following
cases:
25 Taft Avenue, Glen Elliott, Variance to maintain dwelling
23 Blueberry Lane, Jeraldine Martinson, Variance, front yard
1265 Mass. Ave., Seasons Four, Special Permit, Christmas trees
739 Mass. Ave., Waldorf School, Special Permit, sign
63 Paul Revere Rd., John Brucchi, Special Permits, horses
It was agreed that the Planning Board would not make a recommendation on any
of these cases. It was suggested that the Board Member who attends the Board
of Appeals Hearing should suggest, in the Waldorf School case, that the
sign be placed at the "entrance" drive into the Adams School property.
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
Cambridge Farms, Request for Reduction of Surety: The Board reviewed a memo-
randum from Michael J. Hanlon, Town Engineer, dated October 24, 1980 estimating
that $27,000.00 is the surety necessary to guarantee completion of the Cambridge
Farms Subdivision. Upon a motion by Mrs. Nichols, seconded by Mr. Friedman,
it was voted unanimously:
To approve the request of Joel H. Greenstein, of J/G Home Builders, that
the surety for the Cambridge Farms Subdivision be reduced from $70,000.00
to $27,000.00, as recommended by Michael J. Hanlon, Town Engineer.
Willow Ridge Subdivision: Attorney William H. Vincent, representing Landsail, Inc.,
presented the Board with a copy of a proposed addition to an existing easement to
be granted from Landsail, Inc. to Elliott and Jeanne Abrons of 15 Barrett Road,
and furnished a copy of an "Easement Plan of Land" dated October 23, 1980, pre-
pared by Frank C. Gelinas and Associates. Mr. Vincent explained that Landsail,Inc.
wanted to add five feet on either side of an existing easement, so that the
width of the right of way will be 50 feet, rather than 40 feet. That action
will ease the difficulties now encountered in transferring registered land in
the Land Court. While no action is required by the Planning Board at this time,
Mr. Vincent wanted the Board to be aware of the actions that were taking place.
An attorney, Thomas W. Callahan, indicated that he represented a potential pur-
chaser of the development. He said that he was fully aware of the circumstances
and comfortable with them.
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10.27.80
' CERTIFICATE OF ZONING COMPLIANCE
2325 Mass. Ave., Community Nursery School: The Board reviewed a letter from
Norman P. Cohen, Town Counsel, dated October 14, 1980, relative to the Community
Nursery School property. The Board concluded that Mr. Cohen's letter shed more
light on the Form A issue than the Certificate of Zoning Compliance issue. It is
not clear whether, or not, the Special Permit granted to the Community Nursery
School needs to be amended. It was agreed that the matter would remain on the
table and that the Planning Director would discuss the matter further with Town
Counsel.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Mr.,Bowyer introduced Mrs. Gretchen Cooke, a resident of Fletcher Avenue, who
has been appointed as a Clerk/Typist on a permanent -parttime basis. Mrs. Cooke
will work about 25 hours per week.
Mr..Bowyerreported on the progress of the sale of the Adams School Property. He
alerted the Board to several questions of zoning interpretation that will need
to be resolved; those will be discussed at a future meeting.
REPORTS BY MEMBERS
November Meeting Schedule
On a motion by Mr. Sandy, seconded by Mr. Sorensen, it was voted unanimously to
hold meetings on November 3, 10, 17, and 24 and December 1, 8, 15, and 22. A
meeting with residents of Locke Lane,relative to the street numbering problem,
should be scheduled for November 17. It was agreed that the meetings of
November 3 and 17 will be business type meetings, meaning the meetings of
November 10 and 24 will be discussion type meetings.
Mrs. Wheaton and Mrs. Nichols reported on their attendance at the Annual Meet-
ing of the Massachusetts Federation of Planning Boards. They learned that
other towns appeared to be able to handle more simply the numerous requests for
variances, generated by lending institutions, to validate old zoning violations.
The Board should look into whether these requests can be handled administratively
by the Building Commissioner and whether the statute of limitations type language
in Section 7 of Chapter 40 A may also be applicable. Mr. Sorensen reported on
the Board of Appeals cases heard on October 23rd, notably that a six month experi-
ment has been set up for the sign on the Howard Johnson's property off Route 128.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Laura F. Nichols, Clerk