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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-24-PB-min PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF JUNE 24, 2009 A regular meeting of the Lexington Planning Board was held in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Town Office Building, and called to order at 7:32 p.m. by Chairman Hornig with members Manz, Zurlo, Galaitsis, Canale and planning staff McCall-Taylor, Henry and Kaufman present. ********************* PLANNING BOARD REORGANIZATION ************************** Election of Officers: The Board held its annual election of officers. On a motion duly made and seconded it was voted, the Board elected Mr. Zurlo as Chairman of the Planning Board. On a motion duly made and seconded it was voted, the Board elected Mr. Canale as Vice Chairman of the Planning Board. On a motion duly made and seconded it was voted, the Board elected Mr. Galaitsis as Clerk of the Planning Board. Committee Assignments: The Planning Board Representatives/Liaisons to Town Committees and Commissions were discussed and the assignments for the upcoming year were as follows: Conservation Commission Mr. Hornig Community Preservation Committee Ms. Manz Design Advisory Committee Mr. Zurlo Energy Conservation Committee Mr. Galaitsis Hanscom Area Towns Committee Mr. Canale Historic Districts Commission Ms. Manz Historical Commission Mr. Hornig Housing Partnership Board Ms. Manz Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee Mr. Canale Lexington Center Committee Ms. Manz Noise Advisory Committee Mr. Galaitsis Sidewalk Committee Mr. Canale Transportation Advisory Committee Mr. Canale Traffic Mitigation Group Mr. Canale Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Mr. Canale Vision 2020/Executive Committee Mr. Canale Economic Development Advisory Committee Mr. Zurlo 2 Minutes for the Meeting of June 24, 2009 Page On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, 5-0, to approve the list of liaisons and representatives to the Town Committees and Commissions. ************************************* MINUTES ************************************** Review of Minutes: The Board reviewed and corrected the minutes for the meeting of April 22, 2009. On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, 5-0, to approve the minutes as amended. The Board reviewed and corrected the minutes for the meeting of April 27, 2009. On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, 5-0, to approve the minutes as amended. The Board reviewed and corrected the minutes for the meeting of April 29, 2009. On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, 5-0, to approve the minutes as amended. The Board reviewed and corrected the minutes for the meeting of May 4, 2009. On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, 4-0-1, (Mr. Galaitsis abstained) to approve the minutes as amended. The Board reviewed and corrected the minutes for the meeting of May 6, 2009. On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, 4-0-1, (Mr. Galaitsis abstained) to approve the minutes as amended. ********************************CENTER COMMITTEE******************************** Mr. Jerry Michelson from the Lexington Center Committee came before the Board for comments, suggestions and direction for the Center Committee Subcommittee on Zoning Uses regarding their work plan. The committee was continuing to analyze, study and understand the mix of businesses in the center and why there were vacancies. Some uses were hard to place such as fitness centers. Mr. Zurlo said that as data was put together include it in the Boards packets. Ms. Manz said she would provide the Board with the information as it was completed. Mr. Canale said the Battle Road Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan looked at uses and suggested that the Lexington Center Committee consider using MAPC’s expertise to get some help with Village Center Land Use. In September there could be funding available if needs were identified and the stakeholders come together it would be more likely successful in revitalizing the center. Mr. Galaitsis suggested that as most of the activities were scheduled for July and August while people were away the committee may want to consider waiting to bring this amendment forth at the 2010 Spring Annual Town Meeting. ************************* ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT***************** 24 Suzanne Road, 1962 covenant lot release: The attorney for the title company requested the release of Page 3 Minutes for the Meeting of June 24, 2009 1962 Covenant be completed and a lot release be endorsed by the Planning Board for 24 Suzanne Road. On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, 5-0, to endorse the lot release, which would complete the Release of Covenant for 24 Suzanne Road. DEVELOPMENT ROLLOUTS 88-110 Shade Street, Journey’s End: The developer had requested an informal sense from the Board on a request for a modification of the unit count in the southern cluster and a change in the number of bedrooms within the units. This request was based on market interest in the lower end units. The developer would like to change the duplex to three units. Mr. Hornig said the modifications of the special permit would have to remain under the old bylaw limits. Ms. Manz asked how many units would the developer be adding? Mr. Henry said one, that added by making the duplex into three units. Ms. Manz was in favor of an additional unit. Mr. Galaitsis had voted against the plan, but would have no objections to the addition of one unit if the square footage of the building remained the same. The number of bedrooms and all other numbers would have to be the same or lower than the original plan. Mr. Hornig indicated that he would have no problem in the principle, but the gross floor area would have to be the same or lower, and within the old maximum limits. Mr. Canale had concerns with the number of units served by the single entrance. Mr. Zurlo would be interested in seeing the plan. 34 Young Street, determination of adequacy of grade and construction for an unaccepted street: This lot was on the corner of Rumford Road and would require a determination of adequacy of grade and construction of an unaccepted street. Mr. Hornig said drainage would need to be reviewed. This would be before the Board soon. Lexington Technology Park: The amended plan came in yesterday and staff wanted to make the Board aware of it. **********************WORK PROGRAM AND SECHEDULE***************************** The following is the upcoming schedule to date: July 8, Cubist, sketch plan; July 29, Lexington Technology Park public hearing; August 19, continued public hearing for Murray Hills; August 26, Cubist public hearing; September 9, Site Plan Review (SPR) public hearing; and Saturday September 12 the TMOD kickoff open house. Mr. Galaitsis will be away August 26. Mr. Zurlo wanted to coordinate with the Board of Selectmen any work plan. The Board of Selectmen goal setting is scheduled for July 14. 4 Minutes for the Meeting of June 24, 2009 Page The following were suggestions for the work plan: Rezone the Forbes Road area similar to the Hartwell Avenue area; look at residential regulations; form working groups for SPR and the TMOD; cure conventional subdivision rattail lotting; and some minor technical changes. Any additional items that the Board would like added to the list will be sent to the planning staff. **********************************STAFF REPORTS*********************************** Mr. Henry said that the general terms of approval for subdivisions should be set forth at the beginning of the process and explicit so everyone would know what would be required. Mr. Hornig said the drainage covenant should be part of the general conditions. **********************************BOARD REPORTS********************************** Mr. Canale said the Battle Road Scenic Byway kickoff had approximately 100 people in attendance. It would be a two-year project with plenty of opportunities for the Board to dovetail into the plan. Mr. Canale attended the ceremony at Devens for the passage of Freedoms Way, which was now part of the National Heritage Area. There was a discussion with the Communication Advisory Committee to determine if some things should be part of the Zoning Board of Appeals regulations, rather than as zoning changes. Mr. Canale met with staff regarding the traffic calming policy draft and incorporated changes that would be in concert with changes for the TMOD on Hartwell Avenue. Mr. Hornig said the Chamber of Commerce met regarding the center marketing initiatives to get residents to shop locally and give them the shops they want. Ms. Manz said the new movie theater owner would make a lot of upgrades, which would help to promote local initiatives. On a final note, Mr. Zurlo wanted to thank Mr. Hornig for the fine work he did as Chair of the Planning Board. His strong leadership and stamina was greatly appreciated the past two years. All the members agreed and expressed their appreciation for his work. On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:46 p.m. Anthony Galaitsis, Clerk