HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-06-15i
MINUTES OF PLANNING BOARD MEETING
June 15, 1981
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board, held in Room G-15, Town Offices, was
called to order at 7:36 p.m. by the Chairman, Mrs. Wheaton, with members Nichols,
Sandy, Smith, Sorensen, Planning Director Bowyer and Secretary Mrs. Salto present.
122. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of May 26 were corrected and on a motion by Mrs. Nichols,
seconded by Mr. Sorensen, were approved unanimously as corrected.
On the motion of Mrs. Nichols, seconded by Mr. Sandy, the minutes of the meeting of
June 1, 1981, were approved unanimously as written.
On motions by Mr. Sandy, each seconded by Mrs. Nichols, the minutes of the meetings
of June 3, 1981, and June 8, 1981, were approved unanimously as written.
The minutes of the meeting of June 11, 1981, were corrected, and on a motion by
Mr. Sandy, seconded by Mrs. Nichols, were approved unanimously as corrected.
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
123. Trodden Path, Concord Avenue and Blossom Street
The Board reviewed a proposed subdivision control security agreement. Mr. Bowyer
reported that Town Counsel had reviewed and approved it. On a motion by Mr. Sandy,
seconded by Mrs. Nichols, it was voted unanimously (a) to approve the subdivision
control security agreement for the Trodden Path subdivision and (b) to authorize
the Planning Director to sign the agreement in behalf of the Planning Board.
124. Trinity Covenant Estates, near Allen Street
The Board was in receipt of a letter from Dennis Lowe, Trustee, requesting an ex-
tension of time on which the Planning Board may act on the definitive subdivision
plan until July 8, 1981. On a motion by Mr. Sandy, seconded by Mrs. Nichols, it
was voted 4-0 to grant the extension of time. Mrs. Smith abstained from voting.
125. Land off Grove Street, Preliminary Subdivision Plan
Oscar Cormier, the developer, was present to explain the proposed subdivision.
Mr. Sandy pointed out that conversion of the existing barn structure into a four -
car garage would require a special permit from the Board of Appeals. Three resi-
dents were present but chose not to comment on the proposed plans.
The Board reviewed a draft letter to Mr. Cormier listing various items that need
to be addressed prior to the submission of a definitive subdivision plan; correc-
tions were made. On a motion by Mrs. Nichols, seconded by Mr. Sandy, it was voted
unanimously: (a) to approve the preliminary subdivision entitled "Preliminary
Subdivision Plan, Grove Street, Lexington, Mass.," dated March 10, 1981, by Robert
Anderson, Inc., and (b) to transmit the letter as corrected, describing twelve
items to be incorporated into the definitive subdivision plan, to Mr. Cormier.
126. APPLICATIONS TO BOARD OF APPEALS
The Planning Board reviewed a staff analysis, dated June 12, 1981, on applications
to be heard by the Board of Appeals on July 9, 1981 (tentative date). It was voted
unanimously to make no recommendation on the applications re:
Planning Board Minutes 6/15/81
Page 2
33 Dexter Road, David Needham: Variance, Side Yard
32 Phillip Road, John Danchik: Variance, front yard/side yard
20 Pelham Road, Minuteman Home Cars Corp.: SP
20 Pelham Road, Westbridge School: SP
31 Allen Street, John Carroll: The Board reviewed a copy of the application form
which states that the use is "picking up and keeping of cars" and that a request
for a special permit be granted under Sections 2.3 and 9.1. The Board reviewed a
draft letter to the Building Cbmmissicner Town Counsel and Chairman of the Board
of Appeals pointing out that the two use classifications, under which the special
permit is sought, are not appropriate. It was agreed to ask for a written deter-
mination by the Town Counsel. On the motion of Mrs. Nichols, seconded by Mr. Sandy,
it was voted unanimously to send the letter, as amended.
16 Doran Farm Lane, Alfred Cavaretta: Variance, side yard, SPS ------ The Board
discussed the general question of additions to buildings in RD zoning districts.
It was agreed to develop a policy statement and the Planning Director was requested
to draft a statement for action at the next meeting. The consensus of the Board
was that: (1) the total increase in floor area, both for individual units and for
the entire RD development, would not be more than 10% greater than that presented
to the Town Meeting, (2) an area covered by a roof whether heated or otherwise
occupied, would count toward the 10% floor area; open decks, patios, or porches
would not count, (3) no structure may encroach on the 30 -foot distance between
buildings needed for a fire lane, (4) no structure may encroach on either a re-
quired setback or the required open space, and (5) the prior approval of the condo-
minium association shall be obtained.
The Board agreed to oppose the variance requested at 16 Doran Farm Lane because
it encroaches on the required side yard and because no hardship could be demon-
strated.
127. Reports by Members
127a. Hartwell Avenue Traffic Improvements: Members inquired as to the status
of traffic improvements on Bedford Street/Hartwell Avenue now that the proposed
Spaulding and Slye development was defeated under Article 29 of the annual Town
Meeting. Members expressed concern that the State DPW had changed the priorities
of the Town's plan. It was agreed that the Planning Board should continue to be
involved in the planning of the traffic improvements.
127b. Board of Appeals Hearings of June 11, 1981: Mrs. Smith reported on the
decisions reached by the Board of Appeals. She said that the Board of Appeals
had requested the Planning Board's input on the issue of additions to buildings
in RD zones. (See Item 126) The Board of Appeals also commented the section
on illumination of signs in the Zoning By -Law is not clear. It was agreed that
Mr. Sandy would follow up with the Board of Appeals.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:31 p.m.
�.
Laura Nichols, Clerk