HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-08-26-PB-min
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF AUGUST 26, 2020
Minutes of the Lexington Planning Board
Held on August 26, 2020, Virtual Meeting per Governor Baker’s Order at 7:00 pm
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 7:02 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 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.
To mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, we have been advised and directed by the Commonwealth to
suspend public gatherings. 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 guarantee public participation unless such participation is required by
law. This meeting will feature a 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 see you, and take care not to “screen share” your
computer. The recording may capture anything that you broadcast.
1. Development Administration
a. 840 Emerson Gardens Residential Development Street Name
Present for the discussion: Scott Seaver, Seaver Construction
Robert Creech, Chair, provided a brief overview of the naming of the roadway for
the recently approved project at 840 Emerson Gardens Road.
Richard Canale stated that he agreed with Public Safety that Great Meadows was
not the right choice. Mr. Canale provided a rationale for a three-word description.
Mr. Canale said that Lily Pond Lane would be the most appropriate, but would
like to hear from Police and Fire to reduce voice relays.
Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of August 26, 2020
Charles Hornig stated that when picking names for streets the proposed name
needs to be acceptable to Police and Fire.
Robert Peters concurred with statements made by Mr. Canale and Mr. Hornig.
Ginna Johnson requested clarification as to why Pitch Pine Land and Peat Moss
Way were not acceptable. Ms. Johnson stated that she was fine with Lily Pond
Lane.
Mr. Seaver provided a review of his preferred street names.
Mr. Canale questioned if there was a reason for the preference to Autumn Lane
since there are lily ponds nearby.
Ginna Johnson moved that the Planning Board recommend the name Lily
Pond Lane for the property at 840 Emerson Gardens Road Special Permit
Residential Development. 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; Robert Peters – yes; Robert Creech – yes). MOTION
PASSED
b. 91 Hartwell Avenue – Site Plan Review with Special Permit
Present for the public hearing Attorney Ed Grant; Paul Finger, Paul Finger
Associates; John Cappellano.
Robert Creech, Chair, opened the public hearing and requested an update from the
Applicant’s project team.
Attorney Grant provided a brief update for the project regarding amendments to
the project since the last public hearing. Attorney Grant further offered a review
of the status of the project with the Conservation Commission.
Mr. Finger provided a summary of the outstanding items addressed in Mr.
Finger’s memo to the Planning Board. It was noted that the Conservation
Commission requested stormwater management and mitigation on Hartwell Place.
Mr. Finger provided a review of his workings with the Department of Public
Works (DPW) and what stormwater features were being included in the project.
Mr. Finger also offered a brief review of the Conservation Commissions request
for a review of phosphorus relative to the project.
Mr. Creech requested comments from the Planning Board. The following
comments were provided.
Richard Canale stated that he did not have any comments at this time.
Ginna Johnson requested clarification regarding waivers from the Sign Bylaw.
Attorney Grant stated that the project no longer needs waivers for signage.
Robert Peters requested clarification regarding the proposed crosswalk on
Hartwell Avenue.
Ms. Johnson requested clarification regarding the replacement of the bridge to
make it accessible. Mr. Finger stated that it is not memorialized on the site plans,
but they have been working with the neighboring property to make necessary
improvements.
Minutes for the Meeting of August 26, 2020 Page 3
Mr. Creech opened the floor for public comment. No public comments were
provided.
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board close the public hearing for the
project at 91 Hartwell 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
The Planning Board reviewed the draft decision for the project, which was
associated with a discussion about the evolution of the project. Mr. Canale stated
that the process used is vastly improved since the first edition was seen at the first
meeting and is very pleased with the project. Mr. Creech stated that he is very
happy to see the installation of rooftop solar.
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board approve the project at 91
Hartwell Avenue as amended through the public hearing process. 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
c. Approval Not Required Subdivision of Land – Station Way/Edison Way
Present for the review: Attorney Patricia Nelson
Attorney Nelson provided a brief review of the property and the necessary steps to
complete the sale by the Town. Attorney Nelson stated that the endorsement of a Plan of
Land through the Approval Not Required (ANR) process before the closing on the
property. Attorney Nelson highlighted plan note 3.
Ginna Johnson moved that the Planning Board endorse the Plan of Land for the
Approval Not Required Station Way/Edison Way Application. Robert Peters seconded
the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll Call: Ginna
Johnson – yes; Robert Peters – yes; Richard Canale – yes; Charles Hornig – yes;
Robert Creech – yes) MOTION PASSED
2. Board Administration
a. Review of FY2021 Planning Board Work Plan
The Planning Board reviewed the draft FY21 Planning Board Work Plan. It was noted
that the Planning Board would review progress on the FY21 Planning Board Work Plan
at the second Planning Board meeting of each month.
b. Council on Aging Appointment to CPAC
The Planning Board briefly reviewed the recommendation for a new Comprehensive Plan
Advisory Committee (CPAC) member, Richard McDonough.
Richard Canale provided a brief review of the role of the liaison to the CPAC.
Richard Canale moved that the Planning Board appoint Richard McDonough to the
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC). Robert Peters seconded the motion.
The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0. (Roll Call; Richard Canale –
yes; Robert Peters – yes; Charles Hornig – yes; Ginna Johnson – yes; Robert Creech –
Page 4 Minutes for the Meeting of August 26, 2020
yes) MOTION PASSED
c. Appointment of a Representative to MAGIC
The Planning Board reviewed the Associate MAGIC seat for the Town of Lexington. It
was noted that Jill Hai of the Select Board would continue to serve on the MAGIC.
Richard Canale moved that the Planning Board appoint Charles Hornig as the
Planning Board representative for MAGIC. Ginna Johnson seconded the motion. The
Planning Board voted to approve the motion 5-0-0 (Roll Call: Richard Canale – yes;
Ginna Johnson – yes; Robert Peters – yes; Charles Hornig – yes; Robert Creech – yes)
MOTION PASSED
d. Board Member Updates
Charles Hornig provided an update for the project at 53 Hancock Street relative
to the Historical Commission.
Robert Peters provided a brief update regarding the Vision 2020 Committee.
Vision 2020 has recently finalized a Town-wide Communication Plan. Mr. Peters
noted that the document would be presented to the Select Board on September
th
14. It was also pointed out that the Vision 2020 Committee typically does a
town survey, which they are developing.
Richard Canale provided an update on the 25 percent Design Citizens Committee
for the Hartwell Avenue area.
Robert Creech stated that he would be sending the minutes for the transportation
advisory committee.
e. Upcoming Meeting and Anticipated Schedule
Ms. Loomis provided a brief review of the upcoming meetings during September and
October. The Planning Board discussed the proposed meeting schedule, in addition to the
Fall Town Meeting Schedule.
The Planning Board also discussed the presentation of the proposed Groundwater Bylaw
and the Short Term Rental Bylaw.
f. Review of the Planning Board Meeting Minutes of August 12, 2020
The members of the Planning Board reviewed the meeting minutes of August 12, 2020.
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board approve the meeting minutes of
August 12, 2020, as presented. Robert Peters seconded the motion. The Planning
Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0. (Roll Call: Robert Peters – yes; Charles
Hornig – yes; Richard Canale – yes; Ginna Johnson – yes; Robert Creech – yes)
MOTION PASSED
g. Transportation Demand Management Policy Discussion
Present for the discussion: Sheila Page, Assistant Planning Director
Ms. Page presented the memo For TDM Discussion on 8-26-2020, which included the
following topics: The Town’s transportation strategy; Is there anything to be said about
the State’s transportation strategy; What are the TDM goals: reduce SOV, get money for
Lexpress, get money for what else; and What would trigger the requirement for a TDM
plan?
Minutes for the Meeting of August 26, 2020 Page 5
Robert Creech, Chair, provided a review of his thoughts regarding the topic as presented.
Mr. Creech questioned if members of the Planning Board had input on the topic.
Richard Canale stated that he was not on the Board at the time of the previous
Transportation Strategy. However, Mr. Canale referred to the 2002/2003
Comprehensive Plan regarding the division of residential and commercial uses
relative to capacity.
Robert Peters referenced Mr. Canale’s comments and noted that public transit
that currently serves Lexington only goes so far. Mr. Peters stated that there is a
need to expand existing connections to other communities, such as Alewife.
Charles Hornig echoed bits and pieces of Mr. Canale and Mr. Peters. Mr. Hornig
stated that Lexington needs to set our triggers to ensure that the mitigation
response covers the development.
Ginna Johnson referenced the issues with mitigation and recent endorsements of
complete streets to create an environment that is less vehicle-centric, carrying the
Complete Street principles across Town. Ms. Johnson also noted the need for
mitigation to address climate change and its impacts on the community.
Adjournment
Charles Hornig moved that the Planning Board adjourn the meeting of August 26, 2020.
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; Robert Peters –
yes; Ginna Johnson – yes; Robert Creech - yes). MOTION PASSED
Meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
Ginna Johnson, Clerk of the Planning Board
The following documents used at the meeting can be found on the Planning Board website in
Planning Board packets.
91 Hartwell Avenue:
Architectural Plans revised August 17, 2020 (10 pages).
Plan set 1 dated August 17, 2020 (9 pages).
Plan set 2A dated August 17, 2020 (4 pages).
Plan set 2B dated August 17, 2020 (4 pages).
Stormwater Improvement design dated August 17, 2020 (1 page).
Plan revision dated August 25, 2020 (1 page).
840 Emerson Gardens:
Email from Captain Michael McLean dated August 25, 2020 (1 page).
Ginna Johnson, Clerk of the Planning Board