HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-05-20PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF MAY 20, 1985
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. Smith, with members Cripps,
Flemings, Sorensen, Uhrig, Planning Director Bowyer and Assistant Planner Delori
present.
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
139. Graystone, off Pleasant Street, Boyd -Smith, Inc., PUBLIC HEARING: The
hearing on the application for approval of a definitive subdivision and a special
permit for a conventional subdivision was called to order at 7:36 p.m.
William Smith and Joel Roos of Boyd/Smith and Carl Balsley, Registered Engineer
from Hayes Engineering represented the applicants.
After an initial presentation by the applicant, the Planning Board raised sever-
al issues with regard to the proposal. Mrs. Smith questioned the adequacy of the
drainage provided in the subdivision. William Smith stated that there will be a
net reduction in surface water run-off upon completion of the subdivision. The
Board asked why the turn -around is shown with a 20' width instead of the required
24'. Joel Roos responded that the design was suggested by Peter Chalpin,
Assistant Town Engineer. Mrs. Smith stated her preference for a 24' one-way road
with clear signage and rubble block to direct traffic. Mrs. Smith also requested
' that a sidewalk be provided along Pleasant Street, to which Joel Roos agreed
although he asked for guidance as to the placement of the sidewalk. Mr. Roos
also asked for the Board's guidance regarding the placement of retaining walls
within the right-of-way of the subdivision road. In response Karsten Sorensen
stated that Lexington could not be responsible for the maintenance of structures
within the right-of-way.
About 15 residents were in attendance with their attorney John F. Shea of
McGregor, Shea and Dolliner.
Rita Lambergs of 44 Philip Road was concerned about changes in the existing
drainage pattern and any resultant effect on her swimming pool. Carl Balsley
explained that they had completed an extensive hydrological study of the site
which predicted a 20% decrease in surface water run-off from the subdivision and
did not anticipate any impacts that would adversely affect the pool in question.
Robert Frank of 38 Philip Road stated his concern about drainage impacts and
asked if the Town could provide protection for abutters from future adverse
impacts. Marion Marks of 104 Pleasant Street objected to the proposed tree
removal which would be an irreplaceable visible loss to her. Norman Fletcher of
Moon Hill Road was concerned about adverse traffic impacts resulting from the
proximity of the subdivision street intersection to the Pleasant Street -Worthen
Road East intersection and the 8% grade of the new road during the ice and snow
season. Mr. Sorensen pointed out that the location of the street complies with
the Subdivision Rules and Regulations. Michal Goldman of 87 Pleasant Street
presented pictures of the sight lines on Pleasant in the vicinity of subdivision.
She pointed out the existence of a "dip" in Pleasant Street that obscures the
view of oncoming vehicles from the west. She was also concerned about the
effects of blasting during construction of the subdivision. William Smith stated
that little blasting will be necessary and that due care will be exercised.
Minutes, May 20, 1985 page 2
Mrs. Smith summarized letters received by the Planning Board from the following
abutters: Goldman, Marks, Wang, Lambergs, Able, Frank, and Quagliata. In general
the letters stated concerns about traffic, drainage, run-off, blasting, safety of
children awaiting school buses, and bonding.
John Shea submitted written comments on the application which he summarized at
the hearing. He suggested that the Planning Board condition its approval on the
completion of a detailed traffic study and provison of a covenant guaranteeing no
adverse impact from storm water run-off and controlling tree removal from the
site. Mr. Shea also suggested that the public hearing be continued to provide
additional time for response to the concerns raised. Mrs. Smith stated that the
Planning Board will not require a traffic study, that they will want the limit of
work to be delineated on the plan, and that notification of blasting will be
required. The hearing was closed at 9:27 p.m.
It was agreed that a number of design issues would be investigated further and
that the Board would continue its deliberations on this plan at its meeting on
June 3, 1985 at 8:00 p.m.
140. Farmington Rise, Moore Homes, Inc., Amount of Surety: The Board was in
receipt of a memorandum from Town Engineer Francis Fields, dated May 20, 1985
estimating that $39,690 was needed as surety for the construction of public
facilities. On the motion of Mr. Sorensen seconded by Mr. Cripps, it was voted
unanimously to set $40,000 as the amount of surety needed for the construction of
' public facilities in the subdivision.
141. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On the motion of Mr. Sorensen seconded by Mrs. Uhrig, it was voted 4-0 to approve
the minutes of the Executive Session of March 4, 1985, as written. Mr. Cripps
abstained as he was not present at that session.
The minutes of the meeting of March 16, 1985 were corrected and on the motion of
Mr. Sorensen seconded by Mrs. Flemings, it voted unanimously to approve the
minutes as corrected.
42. APPLICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS
The Board reviewed cases to be heard by the Board of Appeals on May 23, 1985.
435 Concord Ave., Suzanne Miller: Special Permit, Nursery/Daycare Center: Mr.
Sorensen commented that approval of this application would turn a house into a
business -type operation. The Board was sympathetic to the need for daycare
services in Lexington but they should be located in institutional buildings, or
as accessary uses in a house not as the principal use. On the motion of Mrs.
Flemings seconded by Mr. Sorensen, it was voted unanimously to recommend against
granting a special permit because the Board does not believe existing residential
structures should be converted to this type of use but should remain in the
housing supply.
On the motion of Mr. Sorensen seconded by Mrs. Flemings, it was voted unanimously
to make no recommendation on the following three cases:
Minutes, May 20, 1985
1088 Massachusetts Avenue, SP; Accessory use as office.
15 Utica Street, Variance; Sideyard setback.
99 Earl Street, SP; Swimming pool.
ARTICLES FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
page 3
143. Conservation Acquisition of West Farm, Chiesa: Mrs. Uhrig commented that
both parcels are unique and she advocated acquisition of both, at any reasonable
price. Mr. Cripps and Mrs. Smith spoke in favor of acquisition of the Chiesa
property, in particular. If a choice had to be made Mr. Cripps, Mr. Sorensen and
Mrs. smith preferred acquisition of the Chiesa property.
Based on an informal poll, the Board supports the acquisition of both
properties. If any issues arise during the Town Meeting debate, the Board would
consider stating a preferance for the Chiesa property.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m.
6Judith J. Uht[`ig, Clerk U