HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-03-24-PB-minPLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF MARCH 24, 2004
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in Room 125, Clarke Middle School, was called to
order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman Harden with members Davies, Galaitsis, Kastorf, Manz and planning staff
Garber, McCall - Taylor, and Tap present.
* * * * * * * * * * ** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS * * * * * * * * * * * **
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
Clelland Road Subdivision Rasko O'drovich and Mil'ana Bovan Endorse A roved Plans: The Planning
Board endorsed the Clelland Road Definitive Subdivision Plan, as no appeals were filed within the 21-
day appeal period following the Board's approval of the subdivision on January 28, 2004.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** ARTICLES FOR 2004 TOWN MEETING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
Article 4, Rezone 12 -18 Hartwell Avenue The Board signed its report to Town Meeting on Article 4,
Rezone 12 -18 Hartwell Avenue, having voted to recommend favorable action to Town Meeting after the
public hearing on February 25, 2004.
_Article 5, Rezone land on Rang eway „(LexHAB) The Board signed its report to Town Meeting on Article
5, Rezone land on Rangeway (LexHAB), having voted to recommend favorable action to Town Meeting
after the public hearing on February 25, 2004.
Article 6, Open Space The full open space memo from Rick Taintor will be attached to the report on this
article. Mr. Harden cited Lexington Hills and Hazel Road as examples of developments where "excessive
leveling” might have occurred in order to meet the current open space grade requirements. Mr. Kastorf
said that the board is likely to see more of this as the lots are getting tougher to develop. Mr. Harden said
that the overall impact was pretty neutral to common open space and useable open space. Mr. Davies
commented that in most cases common open space and uscable open space are the same land. Mr.
Galaitsis said that with the current bylaw RS developments are getting an average of 45% and this is only
35 %. Mr. Garber said in his research there was only one instance when common and useable open space
were not the same. Mr. Galaitsis reiterated his basic objection that where it was 45% in the current
bylaw, 35% was being proposed. He will write up a minority report to present his view.
On the motion of Mr. Davies, seconded by Mr. Kastorf, the board voted to recommend approval of
Article 6 by a 4 to 1 vote, Mr. Galaitsis in the minority.
On the motion of Mr. Davies, seconded by Ms. Manz, the board voted 4 to 1 to accept the report. Mr.
Galaitsis voted against the motion.
Article 8, Home Occupations Amend Motion Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
approve the amended motion (striking the number of clients for musical instruction) for Article 8, Home
Occupations.
Article 9 Amend 1986 PSDUP 1010 -1012 Waltham Street Brookhaven at Lexin ton: The Board
reviewed a draft report to town meeting on Article 9, Amend PSDUP for RD -6, Brookhaven at
Lexington. Mr. Galaitsis reiterated his concern that the planned expansion of the facilities will be too
destructive to the Brookhaven property and will add more residents who will, in turn, need more facilities
as they age, creating what he sees as an unstable situation there.
Mr. Kastorf expressed his disappointment that the expansion plans came as a surprise to Brookhaven
residents, who should have been apprised early on of Choate- Symmes' intentions. He has heard that many
Minutes for the Meeting of March 24, 2004
residents support the expansion and new amenities, but there are some who do not want the inevitable
disruption that the work will bring.
Mr. Harden indicated his acceptance of Choate - Symmes' position that the expansion and improved
amenities are necessary for Brookhaven to adequately serve its residents. The need for such facilities will
undoubtedly increase in years to come and he believes in Brookhaven's overriding social benefit to the
town. Mr. Freehling had informed him that resident fees would rise by about 25 percent to pay for the
new health center amenities if new independent living units to provide income were not added as well.
The Board agreed to add language to its report to the effect that it will support this plan but fully expects
it to be the last such request from Brookhaven at Lexington.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to recommend approval of Article 9 and to accept the
report to town meeting, as amended.
Article 10, CRO and RO to CD, Spring Street, Adopt Report to Town Meeting The Board discussed
strategies to address the intricate problem of the intersection of Marrett Road, Spring and Bridge Streets.
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The Board adjourned to the auditorium at 9:45 p.m. to attend TMM Information night. It reconvened and
resumed discussion of Article 10 in Room 125 at 10:50 p.m.
Mr. Galaitsis indicated his belief that Patriot Partners should be bound by Article 12, Traffic, of the
Zoning Bylaw and should have either to fully fix the Spring/Marrett intersection or otherwise put forward
a specific program for implementing partial improvements for the offered amount.
Mr. Davies suggested the following wording: Whereas it is recognized that any solution to the
intersection at Marrett Road and Spring Street will involve input and funds from multiple parties, the
Planning Board accepts Patriot Partners' contribution of $100,000, to be used according to language
spelled out in the report.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adopt the report to Town Meeting on Article 10, as
amended.
Article 11 Amend Center Parking Provisions: Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
recommend disapproval of Article 11, Center parking, to Town Meeting, at the same time expressing its
view that while the work on this article by the Lexington Center Committee is commendable, as
constructed the article is unlikely to address the center parking issue effectively. The Planning Board
agreed that it would work with the Committee to create fair and consistent center parking regulations.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adopt the report to Town meeting on Article 11
On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 11:45 p.m.
hn L. Davies, Clerk