HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-08-12-PB-min
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF AUGUST 12, 2020
Minutes of the Lexington Planning Board
Held on August 12, 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, August 12, 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. Board Administration
a. Economic Development Update – Sandhya Iyer – Economic Development
Director
Sandhya Iyer introduced herself to the Planning Board and provided a brief
overview of her past work history and education. Ms. Iyer further provided a
review of several projects she is presently working on.
2. Development Administration
a. 1040-1050 Waltham Street – Site Plan Review
Present for the public hearing: Kevin Sheehan, Greatland Realty Partners; Philip Dorman,
Greatland Realty Partners; Attorney Edmund Grant, Nicholson, Sreter & Gilgun, P.C.;
Bob Michaud, MDM Transportation; Kristen O’Gorman, Spagnolo Gisness &
Associates; Steven Woods, IBI Placemaking Group; Nicholas Skoly, VHB; Chris
Schaffner, The Green Engineer; Carrie Hawley, HLB Lighting; Michael Bahtiarian,
Acentech; and Kristen Murphy, Acentech
Robert Creech, Chair opened the public hearing for 1040-1050 Waltham Street and then
requested a presentation from the Applicant.
Attorney Grant reviewed the project and provided an introduction to the project team.
Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of August 12, 2020
Mr. Sheehan provided a brief review of the project and the process taken to get to this
point.
Ms. O’Gorman provided an overview of the project’s site plan, noting the removal of the
staircase, pedestrian amenity plaza and path, entries for the structure, bus shelter and
benches, façade materials, review of the parking structure, and building views.
Mr. Creech requested comments from the Planning Board. The following comments were
made.
Richard Canale requested clarification regarding the noise associated with the
project. Mr. Bahtiarian provided a review of the three testing locations for the
property. Mr. Canale requested further clarification regarding noise levels for
Brookhaven. Mr. Bahtiarian stated that information provided in the application
package was specifically to collect background noise information.
Mr. Canale provided a review of the transportation program provided in the Application.
He was surprised that that there was not an update to the “initial draft Parking and
Transportation Demand Management (PTDM)” from March 4 that included items that
are required to be addressed as per the March 5, 2020 minutes. He suggested one
requirement be incorporated that partially met the requirements that the Applicant
agreed to in writing. The Applicant refused to accept that requirement.
Mr. Michaud provided clarification regarding the transportation program as
agreed upon and incorporated in the approved MOU.
Robert Peters requested clarification of the bus stop and where it would be cited.
Mr. Sheehan provided a review of if and when the bus stop would be installed.
Charles Hornig stated did not have any comments at this time.
Ginna Johnson requested a copy of the submittal of a landscape plan that
included a planting schedule. Mr. Woods provided a review of the landscaping
plan. Ms. Johnson requested clarification regarding the proposed modular
retaining wall. Ms. Johnson provided a review of the rear patio area, in addition
to the landscaping along the front façade.
The Planning Board took a brief recess from 8:35-8:45p.m. to review the
landscape plan.
Mr. Creech requested additional Planning Board member comments. The
following comments were received.
Ms. Johnson requested a relocation of two tree species. Ms. Johnson
complemented the project team on the proposed landscaping and site design.
Mr. Creech requested clarification regarding the construction materials for the
proposed path. Mr. Woods provided a review into their thinking and research into
options.
Mr. Creech opened the floor for public comment. No public comments were
provided.
The Planning Board and the Applicant’s Project Team reviewed and edited the
draft decision for the project. Mr. Canale stated he would vote no because the
Transportation section conditions were inadequate.
Minutes for the Meeting of August 12, 2020 Page 3
Charles Hornig moved for the Planning Board to close the public hearing for
the project at 1040-1050 Waltham Street. Robert Peters seconded the motion.
The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll Call: Charles
Hornig – yes; Robert Peters – yes; Ginna Johnson – yes; Richard Canale -
Robert Creech – yes). MOTION PASSED
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board vote in favor of the project at
1040-1050 Waltham Street, as amended. Robert Peters seconded the motion.
The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 4-1-0 (Roll Call: Richard
Canale – no; Robert Peters – yes; Charles Hornig – yes; Ginna Johnson – yes;
Robert Creech – yes). MOTION PASSED
b. 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 for 91 Hartwell Avenue and then
requested a presentation from the Applicant.
Attorney Grant provided a brief review and update on the progress of the project since
the last public hearing.
Mr. Finger provided a brief update regarding the status of the project with the
Conservation Commission.
Mr. Creech requested comments from the Planning Board. The following comments were
made.
Richard Canale requested clarification regarding concerns made by the
Department of Public Works (DPW) regarding the crosswalk across Hartwell
Avenue. Mr. Canale questioned if it was possible to get a cost estimate for the
construction of the crosswalk. Mr. Canale suggested that the Applicant consider
contributing to the cost of constructing the crosswalk.
Ginna Johnson provided information regarding a complete streets approach to the
project and supported Mr. Canale’s suggestions regarding the payment for the
installation of the crosswalk by the Applicant. Ms. Johnson requested
clarification regarding the addition of a trail, and whether it would accessible.
Ms. Johnson questioned if the Applicant would consider reconstructing the
bridge to ensure the trail was accessible for all.
Robert Peters concurred with the statements made by Mr. Canale and Ms.
Johnson regarding the installation of the crosswalk.
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board continue the public hearing
for the project at 91 Harwell Avenue to August 26, 2020 at 7:00p.m. 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; Robert Peters –
yes; Ginna Johnson – yes; and Robert Creech – yes). MOTION PASSED
c. Approval Not Required – 421 Concord Avenue
Present for the Public Meeting: Maria Nardone
The Planning Board reviewed the proposed Approval Not Required (ANR) Plan of Land
for the property at 421 Concord Street.
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board voted to endorse the Plan of Land for
the property located at 421 Concord Street, as presented. Richard Canale seconded the
motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll Call: Charles
Page 4 Minutes for the Meeting of August 12, 2020
Hornig – yes; Ricard Canale – yes; Robert Peters – yes; Ginna Johnson – yes; Robert
Creech – yes). MOTION PASSED
d. 840 Emerson Garden Residential Development Street Name
The Planning Board reviewed the request to name the roadway for the project at 840
Emerson Garden Road. The Planning Board recommended three names for consideration
by public safety, which included Lily Pond Lane, Pine Pitch Lane, and Peat Works Lane.
e. Street Adequacy Determination Surety Release for 12 Myrna Road
The Planning Board reviewed the request to release the Surety Bond held for the property
known as 12 Myrna Road.
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board vote to release the Surety Bond held
for the property at 12 Myrna Road. Richard Canale seconded the motion. The
Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll Call: Richard Canale – yes;
Charles Hornig – yes; Ginna Johnson – yes; Robert Peters – yes; Robert Creech – yes).
MOTION PASSED
3. Board Administration
a. Upcoming Meeting and Anticipated Schedule
Ms. Loomis provided a brief overview of recent progress with the Hartwell Avenue
rezoning efforts. Ms. Loomis stated that a joint meeting of the Planning Board and the
Select Board is proposed for September 2, 2020 and September 14, 2020.
The Planning Board briefly discussed their public hearing schedule for September. The
thth
Planning Board agreed to meet on September 9, 14 (after the joint meeting), and the
rd
23.
b. Approval of Minutes, July 8, 2020 and July 29, 2020
The Planning Board reviewed the meeting minutes from July 8, 2020 and July 29, 2020.
Ginna Johnson moved that the Planning Board vote to approve the meeting minutes of
July 8, 2020 and July 29, 2020, as presented. Richard Canale seconded the motion.
The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll Call: Richard Canale –
yes; Ginna Johnson – yes; Charles Hornig – yes; Robert Peters – yes; Robert Creech –
yes). MOTION PASSED
c. Board Member Updates
Ginna Johnson provided a brief update regarding an invite by LexHab to tour one
of their properties and provided a brief review of the tour.
Richard Canale echoed the comments made my Ms. Johnson. Mr. Canale
provided an update regarding the 25 Percent Design Committee and the progress
of the Special Permit Residential Development Working Group.
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; Ginna Johnson – yes; Charles Hornig – yes; Robert Peters – yes; Robert Creech - yes).
MOTION PASSED
Meeting adjourned at 11:02p.m.
Minutes for the Meeting of August 12, 2020 Page 5
The following documents used at the meeting can be found on the Planning Board website in Planning Board
packets.
1050 Waltham Street:
Cover letter to Planning Board dated July 15, 2020 (2 pages).
Application dated July 15, 2020 (5 pages).
Sewer Capacity dated July 15, 2020 (6 pages).
HVAC system options dated July 14, 2020 (5 pages).
Acoustics Study dated July 15, 2020 (7 pages).
Lighting dated July 15, 2020 (19 pages).
Sustainability dated July 15, 2020 (5 pages).
Design Standards Compliance checklist (4 pages).
Memorandum of Understanding dated March 9, 2020 (12 pages).
Parking and Transportation Demand Management dated March 9, 2020 (8 pages).
Revolution Lab Project Memorandum dated July 29, 2020 (3 pages).
Staff memo to the Planning Board dated August 4, 2020 (3 pages).
Plan Set dated July 15, 2020 (33 pages).
91 Hartwell Avenue:
Minor Modification dated August 3, 2020 (4 pages).
12 Myrna Road:
Planning Board Surety release vote dated August 14, 2020 (1 page).
Ginna Johnson, Clerk of the Planning Board