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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-01-27PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MINUTES OF JANUARY 27, 1986 The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board, held in Room G-15, Town Office Building, was called to order at 7:38 by the Chairman, Mrs. Smith, with members Mr. Cripps, Mr. Sorensen, Mrs. Uhrig, Mrs. Wood, Planning Director Bowyer, Assis- tant Planner Rawski and Secretary Peters present. ********* PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ***************************** Shirley Bryne asked if any plans had come in for Willow Ridge. Mrs. Smith said nothing had been presented at the Board level; Ms. Rawski reported that a sketch concept plan had been brought into the office on Friday, January 24, and dis- cussed briefly. She added that it needed a lot more work before being submitted as a Preliminary Plan. Mrs. Bryne expressed dissatisfaction with the staff for not being in touch with her since October 31, 1985. It was pointed out that nothing had come into the office to contact her about until the Friday before this meeting. 32. 194 Lowell Street, John P. Castelli: The Board reviewed a letter from Mr. Castelli dated January 21, 1986, requesting an extension of 75 days from January 27, 1986 until April 12, 1986, for action on his preliminary plan applicaton for subdivision approval. On the motion of Mr. Sorensen, seconded by Mr. Cripps, it was voted unanimously to grant the extension of time for action until April 12, 1986. 33. 21 James Street, Kwi-Yung and Hee-Sook Jung: Ms. Rawski reported the pre- liminary plan submitted by the applicants conformed to the Subdivision Rules and Regulations. The cul-de-sac will be an extension of Wright Street, which is an accepted street. The Board approved the proposed conventional cul-de-sac, with a circular turnaround, rather than the hammerhead version. On the motion of Mr. Sorensen, seconded by Mr. Cripps, it was voted unanimously: to approve the plan entitled "Preliminary Subdivision Plan in Lexington, Ms., dated Nov. 22, 1985, Rev. Dec. 17, 1985, by BSC/Bedford, certified by Francis D. DiPietro, Professional Engineer, with the circular cul-de-sac, as it is in conformance with the Lexington Subdivision Rules and Regulations. The Board noted the applicants must move the existing home before they can obtain a building permit on either lot. *************** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ************ 34. APPLICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS Mr. Cripps gave an oral report on the 4 applications to be heard on February 13, 1986 by the Board of Appeals. On the motion of Mr. Sorensen, seconded by Mr. Cripps, it was voted unanimously to comment on the following case: 27 Marrett Road, Sheraton Lexington Motor Inn: The Board has no objection to a small addition for a kitchen. However, in reviewing the plans, they could not find whether the hotel complies with the requirements for loading bays in Section 11 of the Zoning By -Laws, and what effect the proposed addition would have on the provision of loading bays. 1 n Minutes of January 27, 1986 Page 2 On the motion of Mr. Sorensen, seconded by Mr. Cripps, it was voted unanimously to make no comment on the following 3 cases also being heard on February 13, 1986: 93 Hancock Street, Lexington Gardens; SP, to continue to store and sell supplementary items. 57R Taft Avenue, Amy E. & Mark W. Grossman; SP, continued usse of house. 49 Dexter Road, Norman Schuler; Variance, to allow a garage to remain as located with insufficient sideyard setback. *********************** ARTICLES FOR THE 1986 TOWN MEETING ******************* 35. Wording of the Warrant Articles: Mr. Bowyer proposed a shorter, summary version of each Planning Board article, with the exception of Article DD, (which is short enough to be used completely) for use as the Legal Notice advertisment and for the Warrant, with a statement that the complete amendment is on file, and available for inspection, in the offices of the Town Clerk and the Planning Board. He added that Town Counsel had approved the proposal. He pointed out the great expense of advertising the longer version, and the "english language" version of the summary maybe more informative for residents. Mr. Sorensen cautioned that the wording might be interpreted as exceeding the scope of the article as advertised and printed in the Warrant. Mr. Bowyer thought the addi- tion of the words "or act in any other manner in relation thereto" would solve this potential problem. 36. Article AA - Technical Corrections: The Board reviewed the Draft Motion (As of 1/24/86). Mr. Bowyer pointed out the changes Town Counsel wished made in the paragraph entitled "[WORDING FOR THE WARRANT]" which was the deletion of the phrase "which is lengthy and technical," in the third and fourth line of the paragraph for each article. Mrs. Uhrig asked if the full text of Article AA was the same as last week. Mr. Bowyer responded that no changes had been made in the amendment itself, just in the Planning Board explanations. On the motion of Mr. Sorensen, seconded by Mrs. Uhrig, it was voted unanimously to approve the summary of Article AA as corrected, for insertion in the warrant, and to have the complete text available in the offices of the Town Clerk and the Planning Board, as well as at the public hearing on February 24, 1986, for inspection. 37 Article BB - Adjustments, Residential Development: The Board reviewed the Draft Motion of Article BB (As of 1/24/86). Mr. Bowyer pointed out that parts 1,305, 6 and 13 had been deleted. In section A7) the Board felt that the term "Special Residence Development" should be defined in Section 2 of the Zoning By -Law. Mr. Sorensen questioned the language "which allows considerable flexibility". In section A8) the Board felt that an applicant should have to more than comply with minimum standards in order to qualify for increased density benefits. Mrs. Uhrig questioned the advisibility of proceeding with this article that would revise a section of the By -Law that had only been in place for a year. Mr. Minutes of January 27, 1986 Page 3 Bowyer noted that a few parts must be corrected such as a conflict between the tables and the text re: the 40/50 foot set -back in the RD District. Mrs. Smith recommended waiting to see what occurred at the public hearing before making a final decision on bringing Article BB to the Town for approval. On the motion of Mr. Sorensen, seconded by Mr. Cripps, it was voted unanimously to insert Article BB in the Warrant as corrected, and to have the complete text available in the offices of the Town Clerk and the Planning Board, as well as at the public hearing on February 24, 1986, for inspection. 38. Article CC. Adjustments, Off -Street Parking: The Board reviewed the Draft Motion (As of 1/24/86). Mr. Sorensen suggested language that would clarify the maneuvering requirements for a parking space in a garage, which the Board agreed to. In Section A4) Mr. Bowyer will rework the language to clarify the location of a common driveway. On the motion of Mr. Sorensen, seconded by Mrs. Wood it was voted unanimously to insert Article CC in the Warrant, as corrected, and to have the complete text available in the offices of the Town Clerk and the Planning Board, as well as at the public hearing on February 24, 1986, for inspection. 39. Article DD Expansion of Non -conforming Dwelling: The Board reviewed the Draft Motion (as of 1/24/86). ' On the motion of Mr. Cripps, seconded by Mr. Sorensen, it was voted unanimously to insert Article DD in the Warrant, as drafted. 40. Article EE Dwelling Conversion, Congregate Housing: The Board reviewed the Draft Motion (as of 1/24/86). Mr. Bowyer reported he had made the corrections suggested at last week's meeting on page 3, namely: 1) that that a resident could not be the manager or coordinator, and 2) adding clarifying language as to what is permitted under this section once the special permit has been issued. On the motion of Mr. Sorensen, seconded by Mr. Cripps, it was voted unanimously to insert Article EE into the Warrant, as corrected, and to have the complete text available in the offices of the Town Clerk and the Planning Board, as well as at the public hearing on February 24, 1986, for inspection. 41. Article FF Height of Buildings: The Board reviewed the Draft Motion (As of 1/24/86). They discussed the difference between cellars and basements as it relates to figuring building heights. Mr. Bowyer will add some clarifying lan- guage. On the motion of Mr. Sorensen, seconded by Mrs. Uhrig, it was voted unanimously to insert Article FF into the Warrant as corrected, and to have the complete text available in the offices of the Town Clerk and the Planning Board, as well as at the public hearing on February 24, 1986, for inspection. 42. Article GG Satellite Receiving Antennas: The Board reviewed the Draft Motion (As of 1/24/86). The Board agreed to add language to b. 3 clarifying how to measure the allowable height of an antenna. Mr. Bowyer suggested that if the Board wants to reduce the number of articles to be presented, this might be an article to eliminate since signal scramblers may make the use of satellite anten- nas obsolete. Minutes of January 27, 1986 Page 4 On the motion of Mr. Sorensen, seconded by Mrs. Uhrig, it was voted unanimously to insert Article GG into the Warrant as corrected, and to have the complete text available in the offices of the Town Clerk and the Planning Board, as well as at the public hearing on February 24, 1986, for inspection. 43. Article HH Footway, Dunback Meadow Conservation Land: Mrs. Smith questioned whether there is time to discuss this article with the Conservation Commission, and do research before Town Meeting. She added that there is strong feeling against petitioning the General Court for this use of conservation land. The Board discussed calling it a footpath into the Dunback Woods Conservation Area. The feeling of the Board was not to go forward with this article at this time. Mrs. Smith recommended dropping this article to look for an alternate method that would avoid going to the General Court. Mr. Sorensen moved and Mr. Cripps seconded, to insert Article HH into the War- rant. The motion was defeated 2-3, with Mr. Sorensen and Mr. Cripps in favor; the result is that the article will not be included in the Warrant. 44. Recommendation to Selectmen for Acceptance of Streets: The Board reviewed a draft letter of recommendation to the Selectmen concerning acceptance of streets as public ways. On the motion of Mr. Sorensen, seconded by Mr. Cripps, it was voted unanimously to approve the letter, as corrected, for transmittal to the Selectmen. PLANNING BOARD ORGANIZATION ****************************** 45. Resignation of Jacquelyn Smith as Chairman, and election of officers. Mrs. Smith tendered her resignation as chairman. Mrs. Smith nominated Mrs. Uhrig for chairman, to serve until the first meeting after the March 3, 1986 Town elec- tions. Mr. Cripps seconded the nomination. There were no other nominations, and the Board voted unanimously to elect Mrs. Uhrig chairman. On the nomination of Mrs. Wood, seconded by Mrs. Uhrig, with no other nominations made, it was voted unanimously to elect Mr. Cripps, Vice Chairman until the first meeting after the March 3, 1986 Town elections. On the nomination of Mrs. Uhrig, seconded by Mrs. Smith, with no other nomina- tions made, it was voted unanimously to elect Mrs. Wood, Clerk until the first meeting after the March 3, 1986 Town elections. *************************************** REPORTS *****************x********** 46. Planning Board Member's Reports: a. South Lexington Civic Association: Mrs. Smith reported that the South Lexington Civic Association is pushing for completion of the South Lexington study, and will ask the Selectmen for an additional 1/2 person for the Planning Department staff. In response to a question from Mrs. Smith, Mr. Bowyer noted that the study was about halfway completed. As far as the need for a traffic consultant, Mr. Bowyer said the existing process works. The Board has been getting good traffic studies as part of applications by developers. The amount of time Minutes of January 27, 1986 Page 5 required to bring a part-time staff person up to speed would have to be included in figuring the time needed to complete the study. He added that South Lexington is a priority item after Town Meeting season, and with or without Proposition 2 1/2, he did not think the Town would support more staff. Members noted the staff filling full-time positions have only been on board a short time and are becomming acquainted with the town. At least a year of full time staff should be evaluated before asking for more staff. The Board agreed not to request any additional staff. b. Planning Board hearings: Mrs. Uhrig suggested that Board members be thinking about which articles they would like to present at the hearings. 47. Planning Director a. Katandin Woods: Mr. Bowyer reported that BIDC will be submmitting the additional material asked for tomorrow or the next day. b. Countryside Manor: Peter Kelly has asked the Planning Board to check the most recent corrections made at the request of the Conservation Commission. C. Mailing to Town Meeting Members: The staff will prepare a mailing including the Planning Board hearings schedule, summeries of their articles and information about the comprehensive permit procedure for BIDC. The meeting was adjourned at 10:32 p.m. Martha Wood, Clerk 1