HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-08-PB-min
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF JULY 8, 2020
Minutes of the Lexington Planning Board
Held on July 8, 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, July 8, 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
Present for the public hearing: Attorney Ed Grant; Eric Joseph, Paul Finger Associates; Paul
Finger, Paul Finger Associates; John Cappellano; Shaun Kelly, Vanasse Associates.
Robert Creech, Chair opened the public hearing and requested an update from the 91
Hartwell Avenue project team.
Attorney Grant provided an introduction of the project team and a brief update for the
project,
Mr. Kelly provided a brief update regarding the draft PTDM for the project.
Mr. Finger reviewed several updated site plans which included plan sheets for the Truck
Docks, WB-40 Truck Movement. Mr. Finger further reviewed a memo from Paul Finger
Associates, RE: Site Plan Review and Special Permit Application, 91 Hartwell, dated
Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of July 8, 2020
July 1, 2020; and Hartwell Ave Entry/Exit (Layout & Materials); Hartwell Place/Hartwell
Ave Intersection (Layout & Material).
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It was noted that the site plans have not changed since the June 10 Planning Board
meeting with the exception of the area of the proposed parking structure within
Conservation Commission jurisdiction. Mr. Finger noted the regrading and amendments
to the design of the first floor for the purpose of the 10 year storm and associated
improvements. Mr. Finger further noted a conservation restriction and an invasive species
inventory in the Operations and Management (O&M) Plan. Mr. Finger concluded with a
list of benefits of the project.
Mr. Creech requested comments from the Planning Board. The following comments were
provided.
Charles Hornig stated that he did not have any comments at this time.
Ginna Johnson stated her concern about the turning radii for truck movements
associated with the use of Truck Dock #, which circulates the site from Hartwell
Avenue. Mr. Finger responded in that the pavement was reduced to decrease the
amount of impervious area, in addition to the use of reinforced permeable pavers.
Ms. Johnson stated her concerns regarding the site being over programed, and
requested the applicant to review and reconsider the design of the project. Ms.
Johnson provided a review of the project relative to the Zoning Bylaw, in
addition to the potential trail connection. Ms. Johnson requested clarification on
the waivers that were being requested. Ms. Johnson stated that she was not
comfortable on voting on this project until after the Conservation Commission
makes a decision.
Richard Canale reviewed the crosswalk proposed on Hartwell Avenue. Mr.
Canale requested clarification regarding bicycle circulation, in addition as to
pedestrian amenities such as showers. Mr. Canale reviewed the PTDM, which
can serve as a model for future uses. Mr. Canale requested clarification regarding
the distribution of the mitigation funds, and would like to see some of the funds
allocated to this area.
Mr. Creech started by saying that at the prep meeting attended by Ms. Loomis,
Mr. Peters and Mr. Creech, it was agreed that the Board would not be ready to
vote on the project this evening. Mr. Creech requested clarification as to whether
the existing building, 93 Hartwell Ave, has a basement. The answer was no. Mr.
Creech requested further clarification regarding the location of the bicycle
parking spaces, i.e, the report states in error that the bicycle spaces are at 93
Hartwell Ave. It should say 91 Hartwell Ave. Mr. Creech requested clarification
on several of the stormwater management features, in addition to the
Transportation Demand Management Plan.
Mr. Canale requested review of the TDM with staff to ensure it can be used as a
model for future projects.
Ms. Johnson concurred with Mr. Canale regarding the TDM plan. Ms. Johnson
strongly encouraged the applicant ensure the project was designed with Complete
Streets concepts.
Mr. Creech opened the floor for public comments. No comments were provided.
Minutes for the Meeting of July 8, 2020 Page 3
Attorney Grant provided closing statements and summarized a recent meeting
with the Conservation Commission.
Ginna Johnson moved that the Planning Board continue the public hearing to
Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 7:00pm. Robert Peters seconded the motion. The
Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0. MOTION PASSED
b. 53 Hancock Street – Definitive Site Sensitive Special Permit Residential
Development
Present for the public hearing: Attorney Ranen Schechner; Jason Brickman, Applicant;
Fred Russell, P.E.; and Erik Bednarek (Landscape Architect)
Robert Creech, Chair opened the public hearing and requested an update from the 53
Hancock Street project team.
Attorney Schechner provided a brief update regarding changes made to the site plans
since the June 24, 2020 Public Hearing.
Mr. Russell and Mr. Bednarek provided a review of the amendments made to the site
plans.
Mr. Creech requested clarification regarding the retaining wall as shown on the plan sheet
for landscaping.
Mr. Creech requested comments from the Planning Board. The Planning Board provided
the following comments.
Ginna Johnson stated that she had reviewed the document provided and staff
comments, however, noting the lack of preservation of the interior of the house.
Attorney Schechner stated that there is a commitment to preserve the exterior of
the historic house. Ms. Johnson provided a review of the existing street scape for
Hayes Avenue and Hancock Street, in addition to a review of the proposed
streetscape.
Robert Peters concurred with Ms. Johnson’s comments regarding the existing
streetscape and was not favorable to the stockade fence.
Charles Hornig requested clarification regarding the preservation of the existing
house would meet all the requirements of MGL c. 184. Attorney Schechner
stated that they would need to look into this further and was under the impression
that they would want a covenant.
Richard Canale concurred with the comments provided by the previous members
of the Planning Board. Mr. Canale stated his concerns regarding the lack of
progress towards the drafting of a covenant. Attorney Schechner stated that if a
vote were taken tonight they would be amenable to having a restrictive covenant.
Mr. Creech requested clarification regarding the proposed stockade fence along
Hancock Street. Mr. Creech stated that a vinyl fence would not be acceptable.
Mr. Schechner stated that they are not fixed on a certain height of the fence, so as
long as if provides safety for pets and children.
Mr. Creech opened the floor for public comments. The following comments were
provided.
A statement of concern regarding the construction of a wall along the street,
noting that other residents along this street use a green wall.
Page 4 Minutes for the Meeting of July 8, 2020
A request for clarification regarding the height of structures on Lot 5, followed
by a statement of concern regarding the height of the structure and its location on
Hancock Street.
A request for clarification regarding the fire truck circulation, regarding the
potential of a fire and how it would be managed.
Ms. Johnson stated that she appreciated all of the comments made by the public.
A member of the public requested that the Applicant consider relocating the
garage on Lot 6 away from the side lot line.
A request was made to decrease the height of the proposed fence. The Applicant
agreed to such decrease. Furthermore, the Planning Board provided clarification
to the Applicant regarding necessary changes to be made prior to the next public
hearing. Such amendments include material changes, modification to the fence
height, and proposal of new plantings in front of the new wall and fence.
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board continue the public hearing to
Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 7:00pm. Ginna Johnson seconded the motion. The
Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0. MOTION PASSED
Prior to the dismissal of the public hearing the Planning Board took a straw vote
regarding the requested changes made during the public hearing. The five
members concurred on the requested changes.
The Planning Board took a brief recess at 10:05pm.
The Planning Board reconvened the meeting at 10:08pm.
2. Board Administration
a. FY21 Planning Board Plan Review
Ms. Loomis presented the draft FY21 Planning Board Work Plan.
The Planning Board discussed the Comprehensive Plan and Hartwell Avenue. Richard
Canale suggested bringing together the policy group, along with a meeting of the
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC).
The Planning Board requested an updated regarding the Hartwell Avenue rezoning
efforts.
b. Board Member Updates
Richard Canale provided an update regarding the Special Permit Residential
Development Zoning Bylaw review.
The Planning Board discussed putting the FY21 Planning Board Work Plan on the
Planning Board’s agenda once per month.
c. Review of Meeting Minutes: June 10, and 24, 2020
The Planning Board reviewed the meeting minutes of June 10, and 24, 2020.
Richard Canale moved that the Planning Board vote to approve the meeting minutes of
Minutes for the Meeting of July 8, 2020 Page 5
June 24, 2020, as presented. Robert Peters seconded the motion. The Planning Board
voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0. MOTION PASSED
Adjournment
Ginna Johnson moved that the Planning Board vote to adjourn. 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; and Robert Creech –
yes). MOTION PASSED
Meeting adjourned at 10:53p.m.
The following documents used at the meeting can be found on the Planning Board website in
Planning Board packets.
91 Hartwell Avenue:
Submission for the Planning Board meeting dated July 1, 2020 (23 Pages).
Conservation Remaining Items dated July 2, 2020 (2 pages).
53 Hancock Street:
Driveway Entrance dated June 30.2020 (1 Page).
Driveway with Fire Truck template dated June 30, 2020 (1 Page).
Plan Set dated July 1, 2020 (4 Pages).
Two Perspective photos dated July 1, 2020 (2 Pages).
Lot 4 Garage dated July 1, 2020 (1 Page).
Lot 5 Elevation dated July 1, 2020 (3 pages).
Lot 6 Elevation dated July 1, 2020 (3 pages).
Staff Comments dated July 7, 2020 (8 Pages).
Ginna Johnson, Clerk of the Planning Board