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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-04-14PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF APRIL 14, 1987 The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in Room G-15 was called to order at 7:42 p.m. by the Chairman, Mrs. Uhrig, with members, Klauminzer, Sorensen, Wood, and Planning Director Bowyer present. 116. Approval of Minutes: The Board reviewed and corrected the minutes for the regular meeting of March 9, 1987. on the motion of Mr. Sorensen, seconded by Mrs. Klauminzer, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 9, 1987, as amended, and the executive session minutes of March 9, 1987, as written. ******************* ARTICLES FOR 1987 TOWN MEETING **************************** 117. Article 43, Commercial Revision: The Board discussed the information meeting to be conducted at the Town Meeting the following evening. Board members attempted to anticipate the questions and other issues that might be raised and what responses should be given. Mr. Bowyer reviewed "Highlights of Comprehensive Commercial Revision, Significant Changes from 1986 Zoning By -Law". These "Highlights" are part of the additional material referred to in the Summary Report distributed to all Town Meeting mem- bers on April 1, 1987. He distributed copies of the drafts of Part D, Section 10 ' Landscaping, Part F, Revisions to to Dimensional Controls, Part G, Special Per- mits, and Part H, Redesignation of Districts. This material had two purposes: 1) It provided the essential information for Planning Board members to use in presenting or explaining the different sections of the proposed amendment, and 2) It provided more information for those Town Meeting members who requested it. Mrs. Uhrig outlined what she intended to present to Town Meeting members during the information session. She said the "Highlights" were helpful and she intended to use them extensively. She said her presentation would stress the policy objectives and she would not attempt to do an in-depth presentation because there was so much material to cover. She anticipated a number of detailed questions which would require an in-depth explanation. Mrs. Uhrig urged other Board members and the staff to jump in during the informa- tion session. It was agreed that the information that the information session should last about one hour, and to avoid having it too lengthy. Mr. Bowyer reported he had learned that Atty. Frederick Conroy, working for Dean Curtin, would attempt to amend the article on the floor of the Town Meeting to have both the existing General Business (CG) district and the existing Neighbor- hood Business (CN) districts on Merritt Road near Spring Street redesignated to permit office space. From what he has seen so far, the "amendment" prepared by Atty. Conroy, was not in shape to be presented to the Town Meeting as it had the wrong district designation and did not have a perimeter description of the area to be rezoned. It was agreed that Conroy -Curtin would have to work out the proper form of amendedment with the Town Counsel and the Moderator. Board mem- bers raised questions as to how certain currently prohibited uses were allowed in some of Curtin's properties. It was suggested that the staff research the re- cords of the Board of Appeals to find out what uses are entitled to be in those properties. 1 Minutes for April 14, 1987 Page 2 The Board continued its discussion of potential changes in Table 1, Permitted Uses and Development Standards, based on feedback they had received from individ- ual Town Meeting members. It was agreed that these potential changes would not be presented at the information session the next evening, to avoid confusion. It was agreed that the Board would represent to the Town Meeting That suggested changes would be entertained, even after the information session, and that the Board would prepare a final revised draft based on the recommendations and sug- gestions it received its own further work on the proposed amendment. Discussion focused on the districts in which offices, gasoline stations, food service establishments and contractors should be permitted. ****************************** REPORTS ********************************** 118. Planning; Board, Subcommittees a. Board of Appeals, hearing: Mr. Sorensen reported on the Board of Appeals hearings held on April 9, 1987. The petition for variance for a side and rear yard setback for Follen Church produced some objections from the Historic Districts Commission because of changes in the exterior appear- ance of the building. In the case on 31 Hays Avenue, on which the Planning Board gave a negative recommendation, it turns out the lot is steep and the variance is reasonable given the topographic conditions. b. Special Town Meeting: Mrs. Uhrig a Special Town Meeting on May 11, 1987 sponsored by residents in the Emerson protection against eviction resulting to condominiums. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m. reported that the Selectmen will call to deal with a citizen petition Garden complex to provide additional from conversion of rental apartments C'. GC)miol Martha Wood, Clerk