HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-03-04-PB-minPLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF MARCH 4, 2004
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office
Building, was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairman Harden with members Galaitsis, Kastorf, Manz,
and planning staff Garber, McCall - Taylor, and Tap present. Mr. Davies arrived at 8:00 p.m., having been
scheduled to make a presentation to the Historic Districts Commission earlier in the evening.
ARTICLES FOR 2004 TOWN MEETING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
Article 9 Amend PSDUP of RD -6 1010 -1012 Waltham Street Brookhaven Public Hearing: Mr. Harden
opened the hearing at 7:45 p.m. Mr. William J. Dailey, Jr., attorney and former member of the
Brookhaven at Lexington Board of Trustees; Mr. James Freehling, Brookhaven President; Ms. Diane
Dooley, of Demilla Schafer Architects; Mr, Bill Peach, engineer, of BSC; and Mr. Charles Kalauskas,
traffic consultant, were present. There were 30 people in the audience.
Mr. Dailey briefly summarized the history of Brookhaven at Lexington, recalling that independent living
developments for seniors were a new concept in 1986. The Town Meeting vote set conditions, all of
which have been met, which included the transfer of three acres to the Conservation Commission; a
donation of $402,000 for affordable housing (used towards the purchase of purchase ten units at Emerson
Gardens); preference for town residents (approximately 20 % were Lexington residents prior to moving to
Brookhaven and another 20% are parents of Lexington residents); approximately $270,000 a year
payment in lieu of taxes; restoration of wetlands filled by previous owners; and, units to remain
affordable. In 17 years no one has been asked to leave for lack of funds. Mr. Dailey said that the predicted
traffic levels had never been reached and those levels still would not be reached if this expansion took
place. The current project is in response to what is seen as a need for increased space and facilities for
wellness, additional assisted living units and more private nursing units. The independent residential
units will help underwrite the costs of the expansion.
Mr. Dailey said that Brookhaven has been a role model for being good neighbors. As in 1986, when they
had made a donation toward affordable housing, there would be a donation of $100,000 to the town to use
as it sees fit. The payment in lieu of taxes would increase by the percent of increase in units along with a
voluntary payment to Lexpress. W. Dailey noted that Brookhaven has no endowment so any
contributions they make or expenses incurred are passed along to the residents.
Other members of the development team made brief presentations. Mr. Kalauskas spoke to the traffic
analysis done by his firm. He maintained that traffic generated has not reached the initial traffic levels
that were projected before the development was built and still would not reach those levels if the
expansion goes forward. The project could generate 45 peak hour trips but the real traffic activity occurs
in the off -peak hours. He felt that the reason the number of trips was less was due to successful
transportation demand management strategies. There will continue to be a transportation coordinator to
promote the use of alternate transportation, the existence of on -site services such as a bank and
convenience store, and flexible work hours for employees. They will also explore the 128 Business
Council shuttle and promoting pedestrian traffic by continuing to work to get a pedestrian- crossing signal
on Waltham Street.
Board Comments and Questions: Mr. Harden asked how the drainage system would be adjusted to
accommodate the reallocated impervious surface. Mr. Peach responded that the existing pond would
remain the catchment area for the system. Mr. Davies remarked on its steep banks. Mr. Peach replied that
the pond would be widened and landscaped with low plantings. He is working with the Conservation
department on this.
Minutes for the Meeting of March 4, 2004 2
The Board expressed its concern about the destruction of the wooded slope where the new independent
living units would be built. Mr. Galaitsis questioned the wisdom of building more independent units, as
the new people who come to live in them will, in turn, increase the need for support services as they age.
Mr. Freehling indicated that industry-wide data were used in planning this project. Mr. Peach commented
that the plan includes revegetation of the disturbed land.
Town Officials Comments and Questions: Mr. Donald Graham, chair of the Transportation Advisory
Committee, commended Brookhaven for its shuttle bus service and other traffic mitigation measures. But
he urged them to help support Lexpress and restore the Town transportation coordinator position. Mr.
Patrick Mehr, Town Meeting Member, Pr.3, asked what the public benefit of this proposal is and if it is
really necessary. Mr. Harden indicated that Brookhaven is a part of our community. It fills a void in
Lexington's housing spectrum, an importance that was validated by the 1986 Town Meeting that approved
the original rezoning. Mr. Mehr objected to the destruction of a portion of Brookhaven's environment.
Audience Comments and Questions: About 25 Brookhaven residents were present, some who support
the project and some who oppose it. Their concerns had to do with the amount of disruption of the site
and to the residents and the necessity of increasing the number of independent units to pay for the new
wellness amenities. The amount of disturbance to the landscape was of high concern to many. Selectman
McKenna expressed her opinion that there should be a contribution to a town -wide transportation
coordinator as well as perpetual, escalating contributions toward Lexpress.
On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to Aourn at 11:35 p.m.
ohn L. Davies, Clerk