HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-08-ZBA-min Minutes of the Lexinqton Zoninq Board of Appeals
Select Board's Meeting Room
October 8, 2020
Board Members: Chair— Ralph D. Clifford, Jeanne K. Krieger, Nyles N. Barnert, Norman P.
Cohen and Associate Member Beth Masterman
Alternate Member: Hank Manz
Administrative Staff: Jennifer Gingras, Zoning Administrator and Sharon Coffey,
Administrative Clerk
Address: 10 Locust Street
The petitioner is requesting a SPECIAL PERMIT in accordance with the Earth Fill and Removal
Bylaw, Chapter 43 of the Code of the Town of Lexington, to allow a maximum of 450 cubic
yards of fill to be brought to the property.
The petitioner submitted the following information with the application: Nature and Justification,
Plans, and Plot Plan.
Prior to the meeting, the petitions and supporting data were reviewed by the Building
Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Board of Selectmen, the Planning
Director, the Historic District Commission Clerk, Historical Commission, Economic
Development, and the Zoning Administrator. Comments were received from the Building
Commissioner, the Conservation Administrator and the Zoning Administrator.
Presenter: Jerry Harding
Jerry Harding presented the petition. He stated they went back and reshot all the grades. They
propose to bring in 200 yards of sandy material to put on the bottom and two feet of sandy
gravel to increase the capacity of water runoff. Then they will put the loom back over the sand.
The existing grade is at 91 and they will bring it down to 89 then fill with 6 inches of crushed
stone. They intend to add an earth berm on back side of property. They did a walk through with
Engineering and the Building Commissioner. They dumped the material on site and then
realized they needed a Special Permit so they left it. The Engineer and the Building
Commissioner saw the material and agreed it was clean. They will hydro seed with wildflower.
A Board Member, Jeanne K. Krieger, state abutters had raised question about the retaining
wall, it was not clear how far the retaining wall would extend. That would provide a bypass for
water to sneak back down (That retaining wall is not going any further. It is already existing).
Chair, Ralph D. Clifford, asked about the retaining wall on the map (That was a mistake,that
does not exist).
Mr. Clifford asked if the storm tech units will still be going in (Engineering said they were not
necessary so they will fill an area with stone to take on a little more water and leach into the
sand).
Mr. Clifford asked how much fill has already been brought in (12 cubic yards).
Mr. Clifford asked how much more fill will be brought in (They figured 210 cubic yards of sandy
gravel material then they will out the existing loom back on over sand. Also there will be 10 tons
of stone, so about 15 cubic yards).
Mr. Clifford stated the application requests 450 cubic yards of fill that seems high. Would 350
cubic yards of fill be a better estimate? (Agreed).
An audience member, Karen Murray of 904 Massachusetts Avenue, stated the concern that the
grade is going to be raised up at least 10 feet and it slopes down toward their property. When
the ground freezes or is saturated they are going to get water.
Mr. Harding explained at the center of the property the finished grade is 98.80, it is a foot lower
at that point. From there the grade drops rapidly for 25 feet and then it levels out for another 75
feet so as to not allow water to run straight down.
Mrs. Murray stated the quick grade change at the beginning does change things. She can
accept that.
There were no further questions or comments from the audience.
Mr. Clifford asked what the nature of the yellow area on the map is (That area was loom and
clay. They are putting two feet of sandy gravel there).
The Hearing was closed at 7:29 PM (a role call was taken: Ralph D. Clifford —Yes, Jeanne K.
Krieger—Yes, Beth Masterman —Yes, Norman P. Cohen —Yes, and Nyles N. Barnert—Yes).
Mr. Clifford stated the Board should change the request from 450 cubic yards to 350 cubic
yards.
There were no further comments from the Board.
The Board of appeals voted five (5) in favor, zero (0) opposed, and zero (0) in abstention to
grant a SPECIAL PERMIT in accordance with the Earth Fill and Removal Bylaw, Chapter 43 of
the Code of the Town of Lexington to allow a maximum of 350 cubic yards of fill to be brought to
the property (a role call was taken: Ralph D. Clifford —Yes, Jeanne K. Krieger—Yes, Beth
Masterman —Yes, Norman P. Cohen —Yes, and Nyles N. Barnert—Yes).
Minutes of the Lexinqton Zoninq Board of Appeals
Select Board's Meeting Room
October 8, 2020
Board Members: Chair— Ralph D. Clifford, Jeanne K. Krieger, Nyles N. Barnert, Norman P.
Cohen and Associate Member Beth Masterman
Alternate Member: Hank Manz
Administrative Staff: Jennifer Gingras, Zoning Administrator and Sharon Coffey,
Administrative Clerk
Address: 1707 Massachusetts Avenue
The petitioner is requesting a SPECIAL PERMIT in accordance with the Zoning By-Law
(Chapter 135 of the Code of Lexington) section(s) 135-5.2.10 and 135-85.2.8.1 to allow a sign
to be larger than otherwise allowed.
The petitioner submitted the following information with the application: Nature and Justification,
and Plans.
The applicant requested a continuance to the December 10, 2020 Hearing.
Prior to the meeting, the petitions and supporting data were reviewed by the Building
Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Board of Selectmen, the Planning
Director, the Historic District Commission Clerk, Historical Commission, Economic
Development, and the Zoning Administrator. Comments were received from the Zoning
Administrator.
The Board of appeals voted five (5) in favor, zero (0) opposed, and zero (0) in
abstention to grant a continuance to the December 10, 2020 Hearing with the final
action deadline of January 31, 2021 (a role call was taken: Ralph D. Clifford — Yes,
Jeanne K. Krieger— Yes, Beth Masterman — Yes, Norman P. Cohen — Yes, and Nyles
N. Barnert —Yes).
Minutes of the Lexinqton Zoninq Board of Appeals
Select Board's Meeting Room
October 8, 2020
Board Members: Chair— Ralph D. Clifford, Jeanne K. Krieger, Nyles N. Barnert, Norman P.
Cohen and Associate Member Beth Masterman
Alternate Member: Hank Manz
Administrative Staff: Jennifer Gingras, Zoning Administrator and Sharon Coffey,
Administrative Clerk
Address: 36 Bedford Street
The petitioner is requesting a SPECIAL PERMIT RENWAL in accordance with the Zoning
By-Law (Chapter 135 of the Code of Lexington) section(s) 135-5.2.10 to allow more or larger
signs than allowed by right in the parking lot of Stop & Shop.
The petitioner submitted the following information with the application: Nature and Justification,
and Plans.
Prior to the meeting, the petitions and supporting data were reviewed by the Building
Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Board of Selectmen, the Planning
Director, the Historic District Commission Clerk, Historical Commission, Economic
Development, and the Zoning Administrator. Comments were received from the Zoning
Administrator and the Historic District Commission.
Presenter: Christina Moreau, Agnoli Sign Co, Inc on behalf of Stop and Shop
The Hearing was opened at: 7:31 PM.
Christina Moreau, Agnoli Sign Co, presented the petition. She stated the renewal is for a
Special Permit granted last year. There were a few conditions to add trees, clean up an area
and renew within a year. The copy on the signs are slightly smaller than what was approved last
year. They would like to put the updated version of the signs up and will be using the same
poles.
Chair, Ralph D. Clifford, stated there was consolation with the Historic District Commission and
they approved as a minor matter (Correct).
There were no further questions from the Board.
There were no further questions from the audience.
The Hearing was closed at 7:34 PM (a role call was taken: Ralph D. Clifford —Yes, Jeanne K.
Krieger—Yes, Beth Masterman —Yes, Norman P. Cohen —Yes, and Nyles N. Barnert—Yes).
A Board Member, Jeanne K. Krieger, asked how long the limitation would be.
Mr. Clifford stated they previously put the limitation on this because of some identified problems.
He stated his concern for putting time conditions on signs. It should run on open basis.
The Board agreed it should not have a limit.
An associate member, Hank Manz, stated the signs are there for a specific purpose and would
be there for as long as they are needed. He asked what their purpose is.
The Hearing was re-opened at 7:36 PM (a role call was taken: Ralph D. Clifford —Yes, Jeanne
K. Krieger—Yes, Beth Masterman —Yes, Norman P. Cohen —Yes, and Nyles N. Barnert—
Yes).
Mrs. Moreau stated they are online pickup signs. As long as they have that feature they will
have the signs.
The Hearing was closed at 7:37 PM (a role call was taken: Ralph D. Clifford —Yes, Jeanne K.
Krieger—Yes, Beth Masterman —Yes, Norman P. Cohen —Yes, and Nyles N. Barnert—Yes).
There were no further comments from the Board.
The Board of appeals voted five (5) in favor, zero (0) opposed, and zero (0) in abstention to
grant a SPECIAL PERMIT RENEWAL in accordance he Zoning By-Law (Chapter 135 of the
Code of Lexington) section(s) 135-5.2.10 to allow more or larger signs than allowed by right in
the parking lot of Stop & Shop
(a role call was taken: Ralph D. Clifford —Yes, Jeanne K. Krieger—Yes, Beth Masterman —Yes,
Norman P. Cohen —Yes, and Nyles N. Barnert—Yes).
Minutes of the Lexinqton Zoninq Board of Appeals
Select Board's Meeting Room
October 8, 2020
Board Members: Chair— Ralph D. Clifford, Jeanne K. Krieger, Nyles N. Barnert, Norman P.
Cohen and Associate Member Beth Masterman
Alternate Member: Hank Manz
Administrative Staff: Jennifer Gingras, Zoning Administrator and Sharon Coffey,
Administrative Clerk
Address: 3-5 Utica Street
The petitioner is requesting TWO (2) SPECIAL PERMITS in accordance with the Zoning
By-Law (Chapter 135 of the Code of Lexington) section(s) 135-9.4 and 135-8.2.1 to allow the
reconstruction of a non-conforming two-family dwelling in a RO (One-Family Dwelling) Zoning
District and 135-5.1.11 and 135-5.1.14 to allow a driveway to be setback closer than five (5) feet
to a lot line.
The petitioner submitted the following information with the application: Nature and Justification,
Plot Plan and Plans. Also submitted was gross floor area calculations, elevations, drainage plan
and storm water site plan.
Prior to the meeting, the petitions and supporting data were reviewed by the Building
Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Board of Selectmen, the Planning
Director, the Historic District Commission Clerk, Historical Commission, Economic
Development, and the Zoning Administrator. Comments were received from the Zoning
Administrator, Conservation Administrator, Historical Commission and the Building
Commissioner.
Presenter: Fredrick Gilgun, attorney, Mike Novak, engineer, and Jim Barr, contractor
The Hearing was opened at: 7:38 PM.
Fredrick Gilgun, attorney, presented the petition. He stated the property is located in the
RO zone which is not permitted as of right a two family dwelling, however, the property
has existed as a two family dwelling sense 1885. The property is a preexisting
non-conforming two family dwelling in the RO zone. The use will continue as a two
family use. To the extent that there is any increase in the use it will not be more
detrimental to the neighborhood. The project will be beneficial to the community and the
neighborhood. The property exists currently as a three family dwelling and will continue
that capacity. One of the benefits of continuing the use is it will provide more affordable
housing in Lexington. The new structure will generate increased tax revenues. The
structure conforms to the neighborhood as there are other multifamily dwellings. It will
be setback from the street and will not impose on the street. It will accommodate
parking spaces. The frontage is only 10 feet which is the full width of the driveway. They
will be correcting an encroachment that appears further up the driveway. This is not
substantially more detrimental and is consistent with the intent of the bylaw.
A Board Member, Nyles N. Barnert, questioned how they are fixing the encroachment
on the driveway (Mike Novak, engineer, stated the existing driveway does encroach lot
3. The proposed driveway will be brought back by removing the illegal asphalt).
A Board Member, Jeanne K. Krieger, asked if the trees in front of the house will need to
be removed (Jim Barr, contractor, stated they are not removing those trees and they are
adding trees to the whole perimeter).
A Boar Member, Norman P. Cohen, asked if it is currently a two family (Mr. Gilgun
stated two family and continue as a two family. He miss spoke earlier, it is not three
family).
Chair, Ralph D. Clifford, stated the original plan did not focus on water on the driveway
and the amended plans does and they appreciate that.
An audience member, Xunzhong Liu of 17 Utica Street, asked about the construction
plan timeline and impact on the neighborhood (Mr. Barr stated it would take 6 to 8
months and he is accommodating to all neighbors. They only work form 7 am to 4:30
pm).
Mr. Gilgun stated they got positive feedback from neighbors on this project.
There were no further questions from the Board.
There were no further questions or comments from the audience.
The Hearing was closed at 7:49 PM (a role call was taken: Ralph D. Clifford —Yes, Jeanne K.
Krieger—Yes, Beth Masterman —Yes, Norman P. Cohen —Yes, and Nyles N. Barnert—Yes).
There were no comments from the Board.
The Board of appeals voted five (5) in favor, zero (0) opposed, and zero (0) in abstention to
grant TWO (2) SPECIAL PERMITS in accordance with the Zoning By-Law (Chapter 135 of the
Code of Lexington) section(s) 135-9.4 and 135-8.2.1 to allow the reconstruction of a
non-conforming two-family dwelling in a RO (One-Family Dwelling) Zoning District and
135-5.1.11 and 135-5.1.14 to allow a driveway to be setback closer than five (5) feet to a lot line
(a role call was taken: Ralph D. Clifford —Yes, Jeanne K. Krieger—Yes, Beth Masterman —Yes,
Norman P. Cohen —Yes, and Nyles N. Barnert—Yes).
Minutes of the Lexinqton Zoninq Board of Appeals
Selectmen's Meeting Room
October 8, 2020
Board Members: Chair— Ralph D. Clifford, Jeanne K. Krieger, Nyles N. Barnert, Norman P.
Cohen and Associate Member Beth Masterman
Alternate Member: Hank Manz
Administrative Staff: Jennifer Gingras, Zoning Administrator and Sharon Coffey,
Administrative Clerk
Address: 400 Shire Way
The petitioner is requesting a MODIFICATION TO A SPECIAL PERMIT with Site Plan Review,
dated January 24, 2008 section(s) 135-42F(4) and 135-12.
The petitioner submitted the following information with the application: Nature and Justification,
Elevations and Plans. Also submitted was the Gross Floor Area Calculation and received
numerous letters and emails from the applicant and abutters.
Prior to the meeting, the petitions and supporting data were reviewed by the Building
Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Board of Selectmen, the Planning
Director, the Historic District Commission Clerk, Historical Commission, Economic
Development, and the Zoning Administrator. Comments were received from the Building
Commissioner, Planning Department and the Zoning Administrator.
Presenter: Brian Lawlor, SMMA, John Hart, SMMA, Michael gray, Takeda, Peter Corbett,
Goulston and Storrs, Mike Ashman, CRB and Nick Safina, CRB
Peter Corbett, Goulston and Storrs, presented the petition. He stated the expansion at
building 400 is being designed so that there will be no increase in sound levels at the
property line. This no increase standard is a stricter standard than is required by the
Town bylaw. They have engaged Acentech as the acoustical consultant and they have
created an acoustical model to evaluate the sound impacts of the proposed addition of
the equipment. The data that was used in that model included actual sound
measurements of all of the equipment on the existing building 400 and added to that the
acoustical specifications of the new equipment from the manufacturers. That was put
through the model to project sound impacts at the property line in three locations. In all
cases the model shows no sound impacts from the new expansion. The design process
is ongoing and at each step of the process there will be acoustical evaluation to
maintain the no increase standard. Compliance will be demonstrated before and after
measurements. There will be actual measurements and repeat measurements when
equipment is turned on. There will be no increase at the property line.
Michael Gray, Takeda, stated Takeda is committed to transparent open communication
with its neighbors. A protocol to receive neighborhood concerns is being established. To
ensure all neighbors are informed of this protocol a letter will be sent to all neighbors.
They are setting up a virtual meeting with neighbors. Takeda is proactive in maintaining
mechanical equipment. Takeda utilizes a computerized maintenance management
system that actively tracks and deploys preventive maintenance program. As a normal
procedure on equipment replacement projects Takeda retains Acentech to provide
consulting expertise on the selection of equipment and prepares studies to demonstrate
compliance. The studies are submitted to the Town. Sense receiving neighborhood
feedback regarding the shades Takeda has taken immediate action to execute shade
requirements.
Mr. Corbett stated the construction manager for the proposed project has prepared a
construction traffic plan which will be shared with contractors. This prohibits construction
traffic on residential streets in the area including Shade Street. Takeda is aware of
traffic restrictions on Spring Street and will reiterate to vendors to comply with those
restrictions. Takeda conducted a survey for bicycle parking and discovered they are two
few bicycle spaces short and are moving to add two additional covered spaces and 36
uncovered spaces, which will bring the campus up to compliance.
A Board Member, Nyles N. Barnert, stated he thought the July 2012 measurements
were the standard and asked if they are going to compare that to what they have now
(Mr. Corbett stated the 2012 measurements showed that the campus complied with the
requirements that were applicable to it. Any change that has a sound impact has been
evaluated by Acentech in accordance with protocol that the Town approved in 2015.
Each change was held to a no increase standard. They are applying that same standard
to the equipment that would be installed).
Chair, Ralph D. Clifford, asked if the model that they are using to predict sound changes
work backwards to figure out what the ambient noise level would have been had the
entire facility never been constructed (Mr. Corbett stated it is difficult to do exactly that.
There was an effort make in 2012 to approximate that. The kinds of things they would
have to take into consideration would be to assume there were no buildings at the
property and factor out all other sound sources. What was done in 2012 was to get as
close to that as possible. There has been no demonstrated change sense then).
Mr. Clifford stated it is possible to conclude they do not have a good baseline to
measure from. Which can be difficult to know what no additional noise means.
Mr. Corbett asked Mr. Clifford to explain his statement that they have no reliable
baseline.
Mr. Clifford stated the reliability of the baseline has been challenged. They need to
decide if the 2012 evaluation was effectively done. If it is possible to model back and
figure out the accuracy of the 2012 model it could go a long way to resolving this. (Mr.
Corbett stated the assessment done in 2012 was reviewed by the Towns consultant and
accepted. It was found by the Building Commissioner well enough to issue a Certificate
of Occupancy. Nothing has been shown to bring any of those results into question. The
neighbors have been unhappy with the operation of the facility but that is not any
evidence that anything was incorrect at that time).
Mr. Clifford stated it was not reviewed by Zoning Board. If this is a modeling that could
be done then it might prove to be a value in the Board making a decision (Mr. Corbett
stated the Board did approve the protocol in 2012. The Board did have a say).
Mr. Clifford stated this could show there is not a problem and it could be resolved.
Michael Bahtiarian, from Acentech, stated it is not an easy process. The study takes two
things into account, what the current building is producing for sound and what is the
new building producing for sound. They would have to add a tremendous amount of
information, like highway counts, the time of day and time of year, traffic for both
highways and traffic for local roads. It's more complicated.
Mr. Clifford asked if it is possible to model what would be produced without the current
building (Mr. Bahtiarian stated it's not. If they were to take the software and shut the
building off, the software doesn't know what else is producing sound).
Mr. Barnert stated in order to have a certificate of occupancy they have to run this test.
He asked if the actual manufacturing affects noise (Mr. Corbett responded the process
of manufacturing itself is cells growing inside containers. The noise being generated is
the HVAC systems and fans which can be turned on before operation).
A Board Member, Norman P. Cohen, stated the Chair mentioned highway noise. He
asked if the addition will block some of the highway noise (Mr. Bahtiarian responded no.
The addition sits behind the current building. Any sound from that part of building is
blocked form current part of the building. The nature of protocol is to have no increase
in sound, they are not masking highway sound).
Mr. Cohen asked if some of the equipment could be put at ground level (Mr. Bahtiarian
stated the design of the building conceals a tremendous amount of equipment in a pent
house. Only one piece of equipment has to be outside and that is the cooling tower
which is being blocked by building 400).
Mr. Cohen asked if some of the existing equipment could be looked at (Mr. Gray stated
the design is similar to building 400, where all of the equipment is within a pent house
with the exception of the cooling tower. It is standard to have them on the rooftop. It is in
the back of the building. The layout is no added noise. Relocating them to ground level
would cause longer distances for pipe work and that has the potential for making more
noise).
There were no further questions from the Board in regards to other issues not
addressed.
There were no questions from the audience in regard to other issues not addressed.
Mr. Clifford stated they are now at the part of the agenda where the application will be
evaluated and members of the public may make statements in favor or against the
proposal.
An Audience member, Richard Canale of 29 Shade Street, stated the neighbors have
raised issues with what was measured and not measured in terms of noise. The town
needs professional advice form a nonaffiliated expert. The town has a consultant on
call. When this was approved it was approved with a zero DB increase. They ended up
with 10 DB increase when all others have a 5 DB difference. The Lexington noise bylaw
has three test for noise, one is 10 DB and that is objective. The other part is the
excessive noise. The Board needs to listen to the owner of the property who said they
agree they are making too much noise. The question is what is a reasonable persons
standard for the noise that is being generated. The public has reached out to Takeda to
discuss concerns and they were not responsive. He urged the Board not to close the
hearing until they get the opportunity to hear about abutter concerns. Without the dialog
it makes it difficult to suggest what kind of conditions should be put on this application.
An audience member, Jeanne Canale of 29 Shade Street, stated her concern for the
landscape plan. The honey locust trees will not protect them from noise, they are too
small.
There were no further comments from the audience.
Mr. Clifford stated the Board cannot keep a meeting open artificially as a form of getting
commitment to do anything. They are bound by law to make a decision in a prompt way
and the amount of time they are given to make a decision is limited. It would be highly
inappropriate to keep it open. The Board is not responsible for directly enforcing zoning.
There are procedures for seeking enforcement of zoning. The Administrative officers
can handle that.
Mr. Corbett stated they have taken seriously the comments from neighbors. The
problem with light spill is the kind of problem where if it's brought to their attention it will
be corrected immediately, mistakes get made. There was communication between
neighbors and then Shire produced a result that went above and beyond. In the past
there was communication between neighbors and Shire about noise on a Sunday
afternoon. There was testing of emergency generators. That testing was in compliance
with the Town bylaws but Shire committed to testing only during business hours. They
hope to do that going forward.
There were no further questions from the Board.
The Hearing was closed at 8:39 PM (a role call was taken: Ralph D. Clifford — Yes,
Jeanne K. Krieger— Yes, Beth Masterman — Yes, Norman P. Cohen — Yes, and Nyles
N. Barnert —Yes).
Mr. Clifford stated he would like to open it up to the Board to discuss possible
conditions.
Mrs. Krieger stated she would have the condition that the Town have access to
Takeda's consultant in order to review the sound measurements when they are actually
made and to be available to the neighbors to help them understand the limitations of the
model.
Mr. Cohen stated he agrees with Mrs. Krieger's statement.
Mr. Barnert suggested the conditions that the bike parking be brought up to code and
the construction vehicles stay off Shade Street. He stated they are proposing more
employees and removing parking spaces which means it is more likely that reserve
parking area will be needed. He suggested the condition that Takeda come before the
Board for a Special Permit to use that reserve parking area because it has an impact on
sound.
Associate member, Hank Manz, stated the big issue here is noise. They have to realize
noise is increasing overall. A re-inventory of what is on the roof would be helpful to see
what could be done to help with noise.
Mr. Clifford suggested the conditions that the bike storage be brought up to compliance
with the current Zoning Bylaw, the total caliper inches of the replacement trees will be
greater than or equal to the trees that are removed, the construction equipment will not
be allowed on Shade Street or other residential Streets and a traffic plan will be
submitted. There are some things the Board should not get involved with even though
they are important they are not Zoning issues. For example, light spill and the meeting
system with abutters. They do need to discuss how they are going to reach the noise
issue. The Board and the Town have the authority to bring in a consultant. He stated his
concern for just going with the model, at some point the model needs to be confirmed.
They should have the experts do the actual measurements to make sure the zero DB
commitment from those 2012 numbers are actually being met. The approval should be
based on actual measurements.
Mr. Barnert stated he thought the applicant said they would do measurements before
everything is turned on and after.
Mr. Clifford responded that was right, he just wants to indicate that's by measurement
and not by model. This should be of reasonable satisfaction of the Building Department.
The Zoning Administrator stated the Zoning Board can authorize the building
department to hire someone if it is under a Special Permit. The Board can make a
condition under the Special Permit that the Town can hire a consultant prior to the
issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
Mr. Clifford stated he agrees with the condition that the reserve parking lot would need
to come back to the Board as it would affect noise.
Mrs. Krieger stated she supports that condition.
The Zoning Administrator clarified if the Board does make a condition to hire a
consultant under 53G and have that report done prior to Certificate of Occupancy that
would be at that applicants cost.
Mr. Cohen stated the applicant stated when the building opens there would be more
employees so he could agree to the condition of the reserve parking lot.
Mr. Clifford stated the parking inventory the applicant did indicates a surplus that is far
larger than that lot so it is not an immediate problem.
Mr. Clifford stated the noise requirements imposed by superseded DSDUP would be
rescinded and replaced by the conditions the Board is establishing. The Board does not
want to end up with Takeda or the Town having two different standards to look at. This
is the latest statement and anything that came before that is contradictory is by
implication repealed.
Mr. Clifford then stated he will read out the list of conditions. The conditions are as
follows. The building permit will not be issued without demonstrating compliance with
the noise standard and the certificate of occupancy will not be issued without
compliance with the zero DB commitment that there will be no increase in sound
because of the new building which is to be done by measurement and not by model. So
all the equipment will have to be operating and the zero DB will have to be measured at
the appropriate places. Any prior noise requirements that have been imposed by the
Board will be modified to be consistent with the ones that are established here. The
Board of Appeals authorizes the Town under section 53G to hire an appropriate
consultant to review the sound measurements and the sound models both at the time of
application of building permit and at the application for the certificate of occupancy.
Takeda will bring the bike storage of the complex up to date with the current zoning
requirements. The plan will be modified so the total caliper inches of the replacement
trees will be greater than or equal to the caliper inches of the trees being removed.
Takeda will put together a construction plan that prohibits construction equipment on
Shade Street or on any other residential Street. Takeda will commit to a traffic plan for
construction that is subject to reasonable satisfaction of the building department. If
Takeda desires to construct he reserve parking lot they will need to apply for a Special
Permit to do so and the Special Permit will be specifically interested in any noise
increase that it might cause.
The Zoning Administrator requested clarification on the reserve parking area. That
would be a revision, a special permit modification (Mr. Clifford stated that would be
correct).
The Board of appeals voted five (5) in favor, zero (0) opposed, and zero (0) in abstention to
grant a MOFIFICATION TO A SPECIAL PERMIT with Site Plan Review, dated January 24,
2008 section(s) 135-42F(4) and 135-12 subject to all conditions discussed (a role call was
taken: Ralph D. Clifford —Yes, Jeanne K. Krieger—Yes, Beth Masterman —Yes, Norman P.
Cohen —Yes, and Nyles N. Barnert—Yes).
Minutes of the Lexinqton Zoninq Board of Appeals
Selectmen's Meeting Room
October 8, 2020
Board Members: Chair— Ralph D. Clifford, Jeanne K. Krieger, Nyles N. Barnert, Norman P.
Cohen and Associate Member Beth Masterman
Alternate Member: Hank Manz
Administrative Staff: Jennifer Gingras, Zoning Administrator and Sharon Coffey,
Administrative Clerk
Other Business:
Mr. Clifford stated the November 12, 2020 Hearing overlaps Town Meeting so that hearing has
been cancelled.
Mr. Clifford announced the Select Board has announced Martha Wood as a full Board member
for the Zoning Board of Appeals and will be joining us on the October 22, 20220 Hearing.
The Board of appeals voted five (5) in favor, zero (0) opposed, and zero (0) in abstention to
adjourn (a role call was taken: Ralph D. Clifford —Yes, Jeanne K. Krieger—Yes, Beth
Masterman —Yes, Norman P. Cohen —Yes, and Nyles N. Barnert—Yes).