HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-05-28PLANNING BOARD
MINUTES OF MAY 28, 1986
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board, held in the Selectmen's Meeting
Room, Town Office Building, was called to order at 7:42 by the Chairman, Mrs.
Uhrig, with members Cripps, Klauminzer, Wood, Planning Director Bowyer, and
Secretary Peters present. Mr. Sorensen was absent.
147. Approval of Minutes: On the motion of Mrs. Wood, seconded by Mr. Cripps,
it was voted 4-0 to approve, as corrected, the minutes of March 31 and May 19.
On the motion of Mrs. Wood, seconded by Mrs. Uhrig, it was voted 4-0 to approve,
as presented, the minutes of March 24, April 2, 7, 9, 14, 16 and May 7, 1986.
*************** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ****************
SUBDIVISION OF
148. Pheasant Brook, Phase II: The Board agreed to hold the public hearing for
the subdivision on June 23, 1986. The Engineering Department report, dated
April 28, 1986, will be distributed to Board members and the Conservation Com-
mission prior to the hearing.
149. PUBLIC HEARING: Lincoln Park Estates Subdivision:
' Mrs. Uhrig opened the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. She announced Mrs. Klauminzer
would not participate in the hearing or in any action taken by the Board, as she
is an abutter.
William Hamilton, the developer, described the subdivision and reviewed the
waivers he had requested be granted by the Board:
1) to not construct sidewalks;
2) to reduce the 50 foot road right-of-way to 40 feet;
3) to exceed the maximum 8% grade to 9 1/2% for a section of the road;
4) to permit a velocity of flow in drain pipes exceeding 7.5 ft/sec; and
5) to not install the fire alarm circuit.
Bruce Stamski, of Stamski and McNary, Engineers, of Acton, reviewed the defini-
tive site development plan. He said the proposed road, drainage and grade were
similar to Lincoln Terrace. He noted that 15-20 trees within the road right-of-
way and five to six trees per lot would have to be removed. He added they are
proposing a closed drainage system and plan to replace existing 10" pipes with
18" to 24" pipes in order to control the rate of run-off from the development on
the site as much as possible. They also propose the installation of a 66" pipe
to contain excessive drainage on site in an easement between lots two and three.
This latter proposal was being presented for the first time; it had not pre-
viously been shown to the staff or other Town departments. He felt neighbors
problems with high ground water could possibly be lessened if this drainage
method were approved.
In response to a question from Mrs. Uhrig they reported they had discussed the
first of the two drainage solutions with the Engineering Department, but had not
had time to prepare plans to reflect the changes proposed. Mr. Hamilton asked
the Board to consider continuing the hearing to a later date in order for the
developer to prepare new plans showing the proposed drainage revisions. Mrs.
Minutes of May 28, 1986
Page 2
Uhrig noted the Board would have to have more time to study the new drainage
plans.
In response to a question from Mr. Cripps, it was reported there would be extra
plantings beside existing spruces and a fence, if required, along the westerly
side of the subdivision.
Mr. Bowyer asked the extent of the cut if they complied with the 8% grade limit.
They responded the worst part would be a nine foot cut at the end of the cul-de-
sac with an 8% grade and a three foot cut at 9 1/2%. Half way down the road,
with a 9 1/2% grade there would be no cut; and with an 8% grade there would be a
three foot cut. At the bottom, where the road joins Lincoln Street the cut
required would be similar at both percents. The 8% grade would require a re-
taining wall along almost all the length of the road, while a 9 1/2% slope would
require retaining walls along about half the length of the road.
Gerald Harris, 4 Lincoln Terrace, expressed doubts about the proposed drainage
system. He noted he had sump pumps going ten months of the year. He added
Lincoln Terrace was very difficult to get up in the winter, and he thought the
proposed road would be a hazard if the Board allowed the 40 foot right-of-way.
Alfred Daniels, 45 Lincoln Street, had questions about the Engineering Depart-
ment report and its relationship to the plan before the hearing.
Gary Klauminzer, 8 Lincoln Terrace, suggested the developer post a bond to
pay for any damage from surface or groundwater.
Richard Kirk, 2142 Massachusetts Avenue, representing Hayden Recreaton Center,
felt all Boards should wait for the drainage plan to be finalized, before any
decision is made by the Board.
George Colarullo, 44 Lincoln St., had questions about controlling drainage flow,
and if the Town could require a bond. He also asked if the proposed dentention
system would cause existing erosion to increase. Mr. Hamilton answered he would
be willing to put up a bond if all homes were inspected first, so existing
problems would be known. Mr. Stamsky added he did not feel there would be
increased erosion. Mr. Hamilton added he would "fix" any problem he created,
but should not be responsible for existing problems.
Mr. Hamilton requested an extension of the time for action by the Board on the
subdivision application until August 6, 1986, and said he would try to get the
revisions required to the Town in the next two weeks.
At 9:07 p.m., Mrs. Uhrig recessed the hearing until a date uncertain.
At 9:12 p.m., the Board resumed their regular meeting in the Selectmen's Meeting
Room.
Minutes of May 28, 1986
Page 3
150. Election of new officers: The Board agreed to hold elections for offi-
cers at the last meeting in June.
151. Planning Director
a. North Lincoln Development: Mr. Bowyer reported on a meeting he at-
tended on May 21, 1986. He reported that Lincoln is working to exer-
cise options for acquiring 47 acres in north Lincoln, (the property
Grace Chapel hoped to acquire and five other parcels). Being discuss-
ed is a mixed-use development of 120 units of affordable housing on 31
acres and office buildings on the remaining 16 acres. Cranberry Hill
Associates, which developed the Nolan, Norton building in Lexington,
would build part of the proposed ring road around Hanscom Field as
part of the mixed use development. There will be a Special Town
Meeting in Lincoln on June 16, 1986 to appropriate the money required
to exercise the options for the land purchase.
b. 199 Spring Street, SPS: Mr. Bowyer reported Boston Properties had
withdrawn their application to construct three new buildings off
Spring Street. The new height regulations, with the section amended
from the floor, meant the plan did not comply with the newly amended
Zoning By -Laws.
c. Lincoln Park Estates off Lincoln Street, direction to the staff: Mrs.
' Uhrig said she was opposed to granting any waivers except for the fire
alarm, adding she was against approving a development based on waiv-
ers. She thought the continued hearing should be held on the revised
drainage plans only. There was agreement that no reserve strip should
be permitted along the western boundary.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
Martha C. Wood,
Clerk