HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-27-PB-min
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF MAY 27, 2020
Minutes of the Lexington Planning Board
Held on May 27, 2020, Virtual Meeting per Governor Baker’s Order at 7:00pm
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 7:03 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 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.
Development Administration
1. Affordable Housing – Moderate Income Criteria
Robert Creech, Chair, briefly presented the proposed Moderate Income Regulations as drafted by the
Regional Housing Services Offices (RHSO). Mr. Creech noted that the document has been updated to
include the revisions as requested on May 13, 2020.
Mr. Creech requested comments from the members of the Planning Board. The following comments were
provided.
Ginna Johnson stated that the amendments proposed were acceptable.
Charles Hornig suggested that the Planning Board consider increasing the maximum from 150
percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) to 175 percent AMI.
Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of May 27, 2020
The Planning Board reviewed the AMI that was presented on the Boston Planning &
Development Agency webpage, which included both income and housing prices. Such
information is viewable at
http://www.bostonplans.org/housing/income,-asset,-and-price-limits
Ms. Johnson and Mr. Hornig review the proposed amendment and had a brief discussion
regarding the proposed increase to 175 percent.
Planning Board comments continued.
Robert Peters stated that he supported the increase as proposed to 175 percent.
Richard Canale requested a profile of the employees in the Town of Lexington. Mr. Canale stated
that the intent of moderate housing is to allow for people who work for Lexington to be able to
live in Lexington. Therefore, Mr. Canale requested that the Planning Board review pay scales of
teachers, fire fighters, etc. who live in Lexington prior to making a decision.
The Planning Board continued to discuss the proposed amendment.
Mr. Canale requested clarification as to what a family at 150 percent and 175 percent AMI
looked like. Mr. Canale questioned that at 175 percent AMI will the general population that there
are enough people included to benefit from moderate income housing.
Ms. Johnson stated that in a pre-COVID world, the intent is looking at individuals whom have
five (5) to ten (10) years in the workforce. The other issue will be, what does the post-COVID
housing inventory look like?
Mr. Canale questioned if the Planning Board should take a full year and see what the economic
status of the community is.
The Planning Board concurred to postpone the adoption of the proposed regulations until further
analysis could be conducted.
The Planning Board paused the meeting at 7:33pm for the purposes of conducting a Town
Meeting stress test.
The Planning Board reconvened at 8:00pm, the Planning Board opened the public meeting for 91
Hartwell Avenue at 8:05pm.
2. 91 Hartwell Avenue Site Plan Review with Special Permit
Present for the public hearing: Attorney Ed Grant; Eric Joseph, Paul Finger Associates; Paul
Finger, Paul Finger Associates; John Cappellano; Shaun Kelly, Vanasse Associates.
Present on behalf of the Planning Board, traffic peer review consultant Alan Cloutier, World
Tech Engineering; and Rodney Emory, World Tech Engineering.
Robert Creech, Chair, opened the public hearing for the project at 91 Hartwell Avenue. Mr.
Creech requested a presentation from Attorney Ed Grant.
Attorney Grant thanked the Planning Board for the opportunity for the 91 Hartwell Avenue team
to present its project. Attorney Grant then introduced members of the project team. After a brief
review of the project, Attorney Grant requested that Shaun Kelly conduct a presentation on the
traffic study.
Minutes for the Meeting of May 27, 2020 Page 3
Mr. Kelly provided a brief review of the traffic plan, in addition to his responses to comments
made in the World Tech letter (Reference: Proposed Development – (91 Hartwell Avenue) –
Peer Review of Traffic Impact Assessment and Supplementary Materials, dated May 7, 2020).
Mr. Creech requested comments from members of the Planning Board. The following comments
were provided.
Charles Hornig and Robert Peters stated that they did not have any comments at this time.
Richard Canale requested clarification regarding the bicycle lanes. Mr. Canale stated that he was
surprised that the Planning Board had not seen a Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
plan. Mr. Canale shared his screen to present four points relative to the project, which included a
discussion about the TMO district plan and the regulation, in addition to the requirements for a
special permit.
Mr. Creech requested clarification of benefits on those not coming to work each day relative to
traffic.
Ginna Johnson stated that she had questions regarding stormwater management and capacity. Ms.
Johnson questioned if there was not an accessible crosswalk. Such accessible crosswalk would
need to be accessible from Hartwell Avenue. Ms. Johnson stated that she agreed with Mr. Canale.
Mr. Peters stated that he agreed with Mr. Canale regarding equity for all modes of transportation.
Ms. Johnson stated her concerns regarding the truck dock, and associated site circulation.
Mr. Creech recognized Ms. Page. Ms. Page requested clarification regarding the turning radius
and associated movements. Mr. Finger provided a review of truck maneuvers, which would be
similar to projects in Boston. Ms. Johnson requested clarification as to whether the project would
be receiving large truck deliveries throughout the day. Ms. Page requested clarification regarding
deliveries to the new building vs. the old building.
Mr. Cloutier requested clarification as to whether the truck run was an AASHTO WB50 utilized
for the template model, and what was expected for the building.
Ms. Page requested a turn radius for the loading dock closer to Hartwell Avenue. Ms. Pages
requested clarification regarding site circulation for the respective loading dock.
Mr. Creech requested additional comments from members of the Planning Board. The following
additional comments were provided.
Mr. Canale requested clarification regarding the signage for the driveway from Hartwell Avenue.
Mr. Peters provided information relative to the complication associated with deliveries and site
circulation, which may increase traffic.
Mr. Creech requested an overview as to where the project stands with the Conservation
Commission. Mr. Finger provided a brief overview, noting that the plans provided are the same
plans that are under review by the Conservation Commission. Mr. Finger stated confusion as to
who manages the stormwater management application, and would assume that stormwater is
being handled by the Conservation Commission. Mr. Finger stated that the next review of the
Conservation Commission will be June 15, 2020. The Planning Board questioned if there would
be an outcome at that meeting. Mr. Finger stated that the Conservation Commission’s peer
review has been meeting with his team on certain items.
Ms. Johnson requested information relative to the groundwater on site, and such height of the
groundwater.
Page 4 Minutes for the Meeting of May 27, 2020
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board continue the public hearing for the project at
91 Hartwell Avenue to Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 7:00pm. Richard Canale seconded the
motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Charles Hornig –
yes; Richard Canale – yes; Ginna Johnson – yes; Robert Peters – yes; Robert Creech – yes).
MOTION PASSED
3. 109 Reed Street Definitive Subdivision Plan Endorsement with Minor Modification
Present for the public meeting: Michael Capachietti, EIT, Meridian Associates; and Todd
Cataldo, applicant.
Robert Creech, Chair, introduced the public meeting review of 109 Reed Street. Mr. Creech
requested a presentation from Mr. Capachietti.
Mr. Capachietti provided a brief review of the proposed changes to the previously approved
subdivision plan for the property at 109 Reed Street. Mr. Capachietti provided background for
the request relative to the recent Conservation Commission review and approvals.
Mr. Creech requested comments from members of the Planning Board. The following comments
were provided.
Members of the Planning Board reviewed the proposed modifications. Charles Hornig requested
that the trail easement be shown on the plans prior to the endorsement of the plans by the
Planning Board. Mr. Cataldo requested clarification regarding the proposed easement.
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board vote to consider the proposed amendment to
109 Reed Street as a minor amendment. Richard Canale seconded the motion. The Planning
Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Charles Hornig – yes; Richard Canale –
yes; Ginna Johnson – yes; Robert Peters – yes; Robert Creech – yes). MOTION PASSED
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board vote to approve the amendments, but
authorize the Planning Director to sign the plans only after the trail easement is included on
the site plan. Richard Canale seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the
motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Charles Hornig – yes; Richard Canale – yes; Ginna Johnson – yes;
Robert Peters – yes; Robert Creech – yes). MOTION PASSED
4. 21 Hastings Road Approval Not Required
Present for the public meeting: Michael Capachietti, EIT, Meridian Associates.
Robert Creech, Chair, opened the discussion and review for the Approval Not Required (ANR)
at 21 Hastings Road. Mr. Creech requested a presentation from Mr. Capachietti.
Mr. Capachietti provided a brief review of the proposed ANR Plan of Land for the property at 21
Hastings Road.
Mr. Creech requested comments from members of the Planning Board. The following comments
were provided.
Charles Hornig and Richard Canale stated that they did not have any questions.
Ginna Johnson requested clarification regarding the proof circle shown on the Plan of Land.
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board vote to endorse the Approval Not Required,
Plan of Plan as presented for the property at 21 Hastings Road. Robert Peters seconded the
motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (roll call was taken: Charles
Minutes for the Meeting of May 27, 2020 Page 5
Hornig – yes; Robert Peters – yes; Ginna Johnson – yes; Richard Canale – yes; Robert
Creech – yes). MOTION PASSED
5. 1106 Massachusetts Avenue Special Permit Residential Development – Minor Modification
Present for the public meeting: Fredrick Russell, P.E; and Mary Beth Busa, Busa Homes.
Robert Creech, Chair, opened the public meeting for the project at 1106 Massachusetts Avenue.
Mr. Creech requested a presentation from Fredrick Russell.
Mr. Russell provided a brief review of the proposed modification. Ms. Busa provided additional
background for the project and modification.
Mr. Creech requested comments from members of the Planning Board. The following comments
were provided.
Charles Hornig and Richard Canale stated that they did not have any questions at this time.
Ginna Johnson requested clarification as to how the proposed amendment meets the Town’s Site
Sensitive Zoning Bylaw.
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board vote to consider the proposed amendment to
1106 Massachusetts Avenue as a minor amendment. Richard Canale seconded the motion.
The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Charles Hornig – yes;
Richard Canale – yes; Ginna Johnson – yes; Robert Peters – yes; Robert Creech – yes).
MOTION PASSED
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board vote to approve the proposed changes as
presented for the property at 1106 Massachusetts Avenue. Richard Canale seconded the
motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll call: Charles Hornig –
yes; Richard Canale – yes; Ginna Johnson – yes; Robert Peters – yes; Robert Creech – yes).
MOTION PASSED
Board Administration
1. Board Member and Staff Updates
No Planning Board member or staff reports or updates were provided.
2. Minutes of May 13, 2020
The Planning Board briefly reviewed the draft meeting minutes of May 13, 2020.
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board approve the meeting minutes of May 13, 2020, as
presented. Ginna Johnson seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-
0 (Roll Call: Ginna Johnson – yes; Charles Hornig – yes; Richard Canale – yes; Robert Peters – yes;
and Robert Creech – yes). MOTION PASSED
Adjournment
Ginna Johnson 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: Charles Hornig –
yes; Richard Canale – yes; Ginna Johnson – yes; Robert Peters – yes; and Robert Creech –
yes). MOTION PASSED
Meeting adjourned at 10:07pm
Page 6 Minutes for the Meeting of May 27, 2020
Robert Peters, Clerk of the Planning Board
The following documents used at the meeting can be found on the Planning Board website in
Planning Board packets.
Affordable Housing:
Updated Lexington Moderate Income Standards dated 3.12.20 (3 Pages).
Final draft Lexington Moderate Income Standards dated 5.27.20 (3 Pages).
91 Hartwell Avenue:
Traffic Peer Review World Tech dated 5.12.20 (9 Pages).
Applicant traffic response letter dated 5.18.20 (12 Pages).
Traffic Response A Traffic Count (124 Pages).
Traffic response B Speed Data (1 Page).
Traffic Response C pavement marking signs (1 Pages).
Blue Roof dated 5.20.20 (1 Page).
Snow storage dated 5.20.20 (1 Page).
Turning movements dated 5.20.20 (6 Pages).
Signage dated 5.20.20 (2 Pages).
Revised Special Permit Request List dated 4.14.20 (1 Page).
Conservation commission Supplemental Report dated 5.11.20 (5 Pages).
Stormwater Report dated 5.20.20 (448 Pages).
Stormwater Report 2 dated 5.20.20 (493 Pages).
Plan set 1 dated 5.19.20 (9 Pages).
Plan set 2 dated 5.19.20 (8 Pages).
Plan set 3 dated 5.19.20 (8 Pages).
Environmental Consultant’s Report dated 5.15.20 (17 Pages).
Staff memo dated 5.26.20 (4 Pages).
Flood Profiles (1 Page).
109 Reed Street:
Easement (3 Pages).
Decision (13 Pages).
Plans for Endorsement dated 5.26.20 (15 Pages).
Endorsement memo from Meridian dated 5.27.20 (1 Page).
Minutes for the Meeting of May 27, 2020 Page 7
Draft Covenant dated 5.27.20 (4 Pages)
Supplement Draft Covenant dated 5.27.20 (5 Pages)
21 Hastings Road:
ANR Application dated 5.7.20 (5 Pages).
ANR Plan dated 5.7.20 (1 Page).
1106 Massachusetts Avenue:
Special Permit Decision (6 Pages).
Request narrative dated 5.26.20 (1 Page).
Request for Amendment dated 5.21.20 (1 Page).
Stormwater Analysis dated 5.21.20 (196 Pages).
Neighbor Letter regarding no fence dated 5.21.20 (1 Page).
Engineering DPW Comments 5.26.20 (1 Page).
Robert Peters, Clerk of the Planning Board