HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-03-101
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF MARCH 10, 1983
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board, held in the Science Lecture Hall of
Lexington High School, was called to order at 10:23 p.m. by the Chairman Mrs.
Smith, with members Flemings, Sorensen, Uhrig, and Planning Director Bowyer
present. Mrs. Nichols was absent due to illness. A public hearing on Article 14,
Accessory Apartments, was held earlier in the evening.
ARTICLES for 1983 TOWN MEETING
40. Article 14, Accessory Apartments: The Board discussed comments made at the
public hearing earlier in the evening. Mr. Sorensen suggested that Section
5.2.2a,8 be rephrased so that no structure which is not connected to the public
water and sewer system shall have an accessory apartment.
Mr. Sorensen suggested that a clause be added that nothing in the Zoning By -Law
shall guarantee renewal of a permit for an accessory apartment. He said that if
conditions change, or if the Town amends the accessory apartment provision, or
eliminates it altogether, an owner would not have a right to continue his/her ac-
cessory apartment. It was agreed that issue should be discussed with Town Counsel.
The Board discussed staged implementation of the amendment which was suggested by
several people. Mr. Sorensen commented that the main purpose of the By -Law was to
permit new accessory apartments; legitimizing existing illegal apartments is a
secondary objective. He does not like to see the violators rewarded. He is opposed
to staged implementation.
Mrs. Smith observed that the existing apartments, even though illegal, do not
create the sense of anxiety that new apartments create. People appear to be con-
cerned about a flood of new apartments and perceive a change in the community.
Mrs. Uhrig observed that from a tactical point of view, increasing the minimum
floor area to 2500 square feet would reduce the number of eligible apartments and
be less threatening. It might improve the chances of passage of the proposed
amendment.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:54 p.m.
;dith J. Uhr' , Clerks
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