HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-06-01-PB-min
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF JUNE 1, 2020
Minutes of the Lexington Planning Board
Held on June 1, 2020, Virtual Meeting per Governor Baker’s Order at 6:00pm
Present: Robert Creech, Chair; Charles Hornig, Vice-Chair; Robert Peters, Clerk; Ginna Johnson; and Richard
Canale. Also, present was Amanda Loomis, Planning Director
Robert Creech, Chair, read the agenda into the record, introduced members of the Planning Board and Planning
Department Staff, and called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2020.
Mr. Creech read the following statement relative to the recent outbreak of COVID-19.
Good evening. This meeting of the Lexington Planning Board is being conducted remotely consistent
with Governor Baker’s Executive Order of March 12, 2020, due to the current State of Emergency in the
Commonwealth due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
In order to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, we have been advised and directed by the
Commonwealth to suspend public gatherings, and as such, the Governor’s Order suspends the
requirement of the Open Meeting Law to have all meetings in a publicly accessible physical location.
Further, all members of public bodies are allowed and encouraged to participate remotely.
The Order, which you can find posted with agenda materials for this meeting allows public bodies to meet
entirely remotely so long as reasonable public access is afforded so that the public can follow along with
the deliberations of the meeting.
Ensuring public access does not ensure public participation unless such participation is required by law.
This meeting will feature public comment. For this meeting, the Lexington Planning Board is convening
by video conference via Zoom as posted on the Town’s Website identifying how the public may join.
Please note that this meeting is being recorded, and that some attendees are participating by video
conference.
Accordingly, please be aware that other folks may be able to see you, and take care not to “screen share”
your computer. Anything that you broadcast may be captured by the recording.
1. Review Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles
Bob Creech, Chair, requested that members provide Town Meeting Article discussion items if they had
not done so previously.
Robert Peters and Ginna Johnson both stated that they did not have discussion items.
Mr. Creech recognized Richard Canale to discuss the Articles he identified to discuss.
Article 19C (Appropriated from the Affordable Housing Capital Stabilization Fund)
Richard Canale provided a brief review of the proposed amendment being made by a
member of Town Meeting on Article 19C.
Charles Hornig provided a review of the intent of Article 19C regarding the use of the
Brookhaven stabilization fund (Mr. Hornig shared his screen to show “Resolution to
Article 19B of the 2020 Annual Town Meeting”). Mr. Hornig provided his understanding
Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of June 1, 2020
and opinion on Articles 19B (Appropriated to the Affordable Housing Capital
Stabilization Fund) and 19C.
Robert Peters stated that he concurred with Mr. Hornig’s statements regarding Article
19B and 19C, in addition to issues associated with the creation of affordable housing.
Mr. Hornig provided a historical review as to why the affordable housing units were not
constructed as part of the Brookhaven project.
Mr. Peters requested clarification as to whether such use of the Brookhaven stabilization
fund is unique to this project or standard procedures.
Ginna Johnson stated that there were numerous issues to unpack and Town Meeting
members just received the amendment. The Town has to work with businesses and
developers to create affordable housing so tax payers do not bear the burden years down
the road. Ms. Johnson stated that this discussion, stresses the importance to require land
owners to do the construction of affordable housing.
Members of the Planning Board discussed the proposed article.
Mr. Creech stated that he was in favor of the proposed article.
Mr. Canale stated that this is a property was just purchased, and next year Town Meeting
if so included to support the renovation, but does not want to use for renovation on
something that already exists.
Mr. Peters requested clarification regarding the reasoning and the method behind the
Brookhaven stabilization account.
Members of the Planning Board discussed the need to study for the Town to create
affordable housing, in addition to creating funding for affordable housing.
Mr. Creech questioned if the Planning Board had a pre-meeting on June 3, 2020. Ms.
Loomis stated that the Planning Board had pre-meetings scheduled for June 3, June 4,
and June 8. Mr. Creech concluded the discussion stating that the Planning Board would
review Articles 19B and 19C on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.
Article 10M (LexHab – 116 Vine St Design Funds)
Richard Canale stated that he was not concerned about the Hosmer House, but rather
support the creation of six (6) affordable housing units at 116 Vine Street. Mr. Canale
provided a brief history of the project relative to affordable housing and the Community
Preservation Committee (CPC) intentions several years ago.
Charles Hornig provided clarification as to the Town policy limiting funding to $750,000
per unit.
Bob Creech, Chair requested clarification on LexHab units within the Town.
Mr. Creech recommended that the Planning Board support Article 10M, and requested
members of the Planning Board provide their positions on the Article.
Robert Peters stated that he supported the proposed Article 10M, and supports five (5) or
(6) units.
Minutes for the Meeting of June 1, 2020 Page 3
Ginna Johnson stated her concerns regarding commitments of the Select Board, which
are now being changed. Ms. Johnson stated that she conceptually agrees with six (6)
units, but provided issues associated with the lack of a developed plan.
Mr. Hornig provided clarification regarding the $25,000. In terms of the $75,000 the CPC
supported the project as previously stated by Ms. Johnson. Mr. Hornig stated that this
project has taken far too long, and has been more than ten (10) years, with the idea of
creating housing on this property.
Mr. Canale stated that in 2009, the CPC held public meetings and discussed up to six (6)
units, in addition to what should be included in the project.
Ms. Johnson discussed the need to preserve the charter the neighborhood, which
neighbors are often concerned about.
Members of the Planning Board discussed the article and provided further input.
Article 16A (Police Outdoor/Indoor Firing Range – Hartwell Ave)
Bob Creech, Chair brought up Article 16A regarding the zoning. Charles Hornig stated that the use is
allowed in the GC Zoning District.
Article 42 (Amend zoning – 1040 -1050 Waltham St)
Bob Creech, Chair provided a brief review of his questions about the inclusion of solar panels on the roof
of the proposed parking garage. Ms. Loomis provided a brief update regarding a discussion she had with
Greatland Realty.
Mr. Creech stated that he would be happy if Greatland Realty made a commitment including solar within
five (5) years of the project being constructed. Members of the Planning Board briefly discussed
financing of the solar panels.
Article 33 (Amend General bylaws – Running bamboo (citizens petition)
Ginna Johnson brought up Article 33, which was being referred back to sponsor. Ms. Johnson requested
that the Planning Board put this Article on a future agenda of the Planning Board to discuss running
bamboo control, in addition to control of invasive plants.
Adjournment
Richard Canale moved that the Planning Board vote to adjourn. Robert Peters seconded the
motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll Call: Ginna Johnson –
yes; Richard Canale – yes; Charles Hornig – yes; Robert Peters – yes; and Robert Creech –
yes). MOTION PASSED
Meeting adjourned at 6:50p.m.
Robert Peters, Clerk of the Planning Board