HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-12-12-PB-minTown of Lexington
Planning Board
Meeting Minutes
December 12, 2018
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Planning Board Chair Ginna
Johnson. Ms. Johnson introduced Planning Board Members in attendance:
Richard Canale, Robert Creech, Charles Horning and Nancy Corcoran
Ronchetti.
PSDUP Sketch Decision — 186 Bedford Street
Board members reviewed and discussed proposed edits to the draft
PSDUP. The Board also discussed the Planning Board's process going
forward.
PB Recommendations and Reports Process 2018 Town Meeting
Mr. Canale, after reading his comments for the record, discussed his
comments and concerns. Mr. Creech discussed his comments and
concerns, particularly with respect to Article 10. Mr. Hornig discussed his
written comments (as included in this Planning Board's Meeting packet) as
well as his objection to Majority /Minority Board Reports. Ms. Johnson
discussed her concerns re: the current development by -laws, how the
Town should be proactive, not reactive, and use of the Comprehensive
Plan and amend zoning By -Laws to effectuate change. Ms. Corcoran
Ronchetti discussed scheduling more meetings during Town Meeting,
especially when new information re: an TM Article arises, continue its
current Majority /Minority Board Report format and continue its
conscientious review of proposals with the best interests of the Town in
mind.
For future Town Meetings, Board members will work with the Board of
Selectmen, and other Committees, re: its planning submittals, review
Planning Board schedules re: finalized proposals and handling new
information re: zoning proposals.
Public Comments:
Public comments included the Board needs to set goals; the need for
senior housing and what type; more coordination with respect to urban
needs; having an Urban Planner re: Town's growth rate; how Seniors' need
specialized, affordable housing; the Town's need to make sure it is getting
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what Lexington really needs - affordable /attainable housing; raising
concerns about a project before Town Meeting; how to engage developers
to come to the Planning Board early in the process; handling new
information re: a proposal already before Town Meeting, the need for
commercial development in Town to keep taxes down; the Board's
responsibility to look at entire project, the need for developers and the
Town to negotiate better deals, that the costs of land in Town makes
affordable housing difficult; public /private enterprises will succeed, and the
need for more affordable housing.
ATM 2019 Warrant Articles:
The deadline for Town Meeting Warrant Articles is December 20, 2018.
The Board discussed proposed Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article(s) re:
revisions to the CM District brought forward by Mr. Hornig, including
adjusting dimensional controls along Hartwell Avenue, bringing CD -1 and
CD -3 into CM district; moving some parcels to the GC district, adjusting
Hartwell Avenue setbacks (to make front yard setbacks consistent) and a
Technical Changes place holder.
After comment and discussion of Mr. Hornig's proposals, no Motion by the
Board was moved. Ms. Johnson said the Board needs a broader proposal
and needs to think comprehensively about these issues. She also
discussed the ongoing Comprehensive Plan update process and the need
for that process to go forward. Mr. Canale agreed.
Ms. Johnson added that Mr. Hornig will be involved in the Comprehensive
Plan economic development aspect. Ms. Johnson also said the Board
needs a consensus building concept it can agree on that has wide
community support. Mr. Canale suggested CPAC do a presentation for the
Board as well. Mr. Canale added the Board heard from the public in June
and they weren't enthralled with what the Board had to say re: zoning
articles.
Planning for January 201h 2019 Workshop was also discussed, including
putting together a presentation on natural features in Lexington. Ms.
Johnson would also like to hold a Workshop in September as well with a
suggestion on Affordable Housing. Mr. Horning suggested planning an
event with CPAC. Ms. Johnson to follow -up with staff.
Pa
Mr. Canale said the Special Permit Residential Development Committee is
meeting next week and a facilitator will be there as well. Ms. Johnson
asked Mr. Canale to report back to the Board re: the foregoing event.
Staffing Update:
A new Planner will start next week and the Assistant Director will start in
January, 2019
Motion to Adjourn moved by Mr. Canale with a second from Mr. Hornig.
Motion unanimously adopted. Meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Nancy Corcoran Ronchetti, Clerk
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