Loading...
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). th 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