HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-06-24-PB-min
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF JUNE 24, 2020
Minutes of the Lexington Planning Board
Held on June 24, 2020, Virtual Meeting per Governor Baker’s Order at 7:00pm
Present: Robert Creech, Chair; Robert Peters, Vice-Chair; Ginna Johnson, Clerk; Richard Canale; and Charles
Hornig. 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 7:00p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 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. Development Administration
a. 91 Hartwell Avenue Site Plan Review with Special Permit
Robert Creech, Chair opened the public meeting and then continued it without testimony
at the request of the Applicant to July 8, 2020 at 7:00pm.
2. Board Administration
a. Looking Ahead to Next Town Meeting
Robert Creech, Chair provided a brief review of a recent meeting regarding a
potential Special Town Meeting in the fall and what the Planning Board may
bring forward. Mr. Creech shared his screen showing a prioritized list of Town
Meeting Articles that were scheduled for Annual Town Meeting 2020 but were
postponed.
The Planning Board discussed a potential schedule for the public hearings, items
Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of June 24, 2020
that would need to be addressed, and logistics around a special town meeting.
b. Board Member Updates
Richard Canale provided an update regarding the SPRD Committee, which
included an upcoming meeting.
Robert Creech provided a brief update regarding the Lexington Center
Committee, including timing for the Center Streetscape project.Mr. Creech also
provided a review of various businesses that would be opening in the Center.
Mr. Canale requested that staff share the recent article published in the
CommonWealth, entitled Avoiding a return to Carmageddon: To encourage
transit use, raise cost of driving, dated June 18, 2020.
Robert Peters provided a brief update regarding a recent meeting of the Vision
2020, which included a review of the past public meeting, in addition to a
potential name change.
c. Upcoming Meetings and Anticipated Schedule
Ginna Johnson provided potential scheduled conflicts.
d. Review of Meeting Minutes: June 10, 2020
The Planning Board decided to review the minutes of June 10, 2020 at the July 8, 2020
meeting.
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: Richard Canale –
yes; Charles Hornig – yes; Robert Peters – yes; Ginna Johnson – yes; and Robert Creech –
yes). MOTION PASSED
Meeting adjourned at 7:42p.m.
Ginna Johnson, Clerk of the Planning Board