HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-06-04-PB-minPLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF .TUNE 4, 2003
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, was
called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairman Galaitsis with members Davies, Harden, Kastorf and planning
staff Garber and McCall - Taylor present.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
PUBLIC HEARING: TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT Present for the hearing were Stewart Kennedy,
Elaine Dratch, Edward Ganshirt, William Levinson, Richard Canale, Michael Martignetti and Michael
Schroeder.
Mr. Galaitsis called the hearing to order and welcomed those who had come, particularly those who had
been on the Transportation Element Advisory Committee. Mr. Garber added his thanks and
acknowledged the amount of work done by Eli Machek from the planning staff. Mr. Garber explained
that the Planning Board had to adopt the Transportation element of the Comprehensive Plan and therefore
was having this public hearing. The document reflected much public process, including five workshops
and was informed and inspired by the 2020 Visioning process. He said that the changes suggested by the
members of the advisory group had been incorporated in this draft version. The thrust of the document
was alternative transportation rather than simply expanding the roadway infrastructure. Existing
conditions were analyzed and reasons for the problems explored. He hoped that the demise of
LEXPRESS would only be short term as Transportation Demand Management {TDM} was emphasized.
Board Comments - Mr. Davies asked about the publication schedule and suggested an addendum
describing the past week's events, including the non - funding of LEXPRESS and the transportation
coordinator. Mr. Garber agreed that something should be incorporated in the final version. Mr. Davies
pointed out some corrections. Mr. Harden said that the Town Meeting discussion of 201 Bedford Street
and the senior center were major land use issues and that the plan should be a bit more specific about
them. Ms. Machek suggested adding a paragraph in the existing conditions section.
General Comments - Mr. Richard Canale said that transportation infrastructure and land uses change
fairly rapidly and wondered what the schedule of updates would be. Mr. Garber replied that clearly
updates were important and that a five -year schedule might be appropriate. Mr. Canale said that the plan
was terrific. Mr. Garber pointed out that planning would move forward with the initiatives as resources
allowed. Mr. Stewart Kennedy congratulated the drafters but said he was a little daunted by what the
Bike Committee had to do. There was some question about the reference to Spring/Hayden and what all
it encompassed. Mr. Kennedy suggested adding a definition of betterment district to the definitions. Mr.
Ganshirt said that without LEXPRESS the TDM bylaw and policy could not exist, as the town could not
collect for what it did not have. Ms. Machek said there actually were other programs, including the 128 -
Shuttle. Mr. Levinson suggested adding a definition of overlay district to the glossary.
Ms. Elaine Dratch asked if there was any hope for LEXPRESS. Mr. Garber said he thought there was
strong constituency and that there would be a push for re- institution of the service. Mr. Michael
Martignetti said that new commercial development raises traffic concerns yet commercial areas need to be
revitalized and have appropriate development. The current message to the development community is: do
not even try it. He urged the Board to invite building owners to come talk about future developments.
Mr. Galaitsis said that traffic needs to be considered when expanding and the total capacity of the area
should be considered. Mr. Garber said that if some of the techniques catch on that would create an
atmosphere in which building expansion would be possible. Ms. Dratch wondered if the May 15th Vision
2020 update meeting raised any issues that should be incorporated in the plan. Mr. Harden said the
meeting was a more broad discussion of goals.
The hearing was closed at 8:25 p.m. On the motion of Mr. Kastorf, seconded by Mr. Harden the Board
voted 4 -0 to adopt the Transportation Element dated May 2003, with the addition of an addendum
Minutes for the Meeting of June 4, 2003 2
recognizing the budget over ride situation, as part of the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Garber commented
that the next step would be outreach and would begin with a presentation to the Board of Selectmen.
* * * * * * * * * * ** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS * * * * * * * * * * * **
PLANS NOT REQUIRING APPROVAL UNDER THE SUBDIVISION CONTROL LAW
Form A/2003 -03 The Board reviewed an Approval Not Required Plan for land at McKeever Drive and
Grove Street. On the motion of Mr. Kastorf, seconded by Mr. Harden, the Board voted to endorse the plan
entitled "Plan of Land in Lexington, MA (Middlesex County) ", dated May 7, 2003 prepared and certified
by Michael J. Juliano, Professional Land Surveyor, with Form A/2003 -03 submitted on behalf of Curran
Construction Company, Inc. of Salem, New Hampshire, as it does not require approval under the
Subdivision Control Law.
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
Middleby Road — There was further discussion of the reduced frontage subdivision off Middleby Road.
Board members had had the opportunity to go out to the site. Mr. Galaitsis said that he could see what
Ms. Chase had meant about the vegetation on the southern side of the lot but he could not see chopping
down all the trees to put the driveway on the other side. The other members indicated that they agreed
with what was proposed. The staff was asked to write a sketch letter reflecting that.
HOUSING
Met State — Mr. Kastorf reported that the Met State Task Force had had a productive meeting with the
principles who hope to make contact soon with the Planning Board. The developers confirmed that it
would be rental units in perpetuity and would count toward the 40B inventory. The DMH units will be
provided within the development and be part of the 25% affordable. The issue with Belmont and the
counting of units is still unresolved. In order for Lexington to have all of the units count toward it's
affordable housing inventory, the developer will use the Local Initiative Petition form and might have the
Board of Selectman sponsor the rezoning. There was some discussion of the size of the development and
it was pointed out that the state is a player in the number of units and that the purchase price was based on
430 units. The property will be conveyed when it is fully permitted.
Mr. Harden commented that 430 units could have a range of number of occupants. Mr. Kastorf said that
the mix of bedrooms is toward the smaller numbers. He also said that there is an offer to retain Kline Hall
and renovate its exterior as part of the public benefit. Referring to the traffic maximums, which were
estimates when the site was a hospital. Mr. Galaitsis wondered whether the numbers were split between
the two towns. Mr. Garber said that the traffic engineer had divided it 50/50 between Trapelo and
Concord. Mr. Kastorf said that they would now initiate a traffic study. Mr. Harden said that the group
from Hancock Church was asking for 40% affordable but it has been 25% all along. He was concerned
about all rentals and wondered if it were too late to get ownership units. Mr. Kastorf felt the key is Kline
Hall and other services.
Grandview Avenue Mr. Garber gave a brief overview of the Grandview subdivision history ending with
the letter recently received from Mr. David Burns stating that he would be applying for a comprehensive
permit for the three lots. Mr. Galitsis suggested that the neighbors contact the developer. They discussed
the letter which they felt should have gone to the Board of Selectmen, not the Planning Board. It was
decided to forward a copy of the letter to abutters and to reply to Mr. Burns that this was not within the
Planning Board's jurisdiction at this time.
Housing Forum — June 25 is the possible date for the next housing meeting but June 26 could be an
alternate, depending on the availability of someone from Bedford to come. The members felt that they
would see how it goes over the summer. If the formation of a group does not happen, they would move
onto other issues.
Minutes for the Meeting of June 4, 2003 3
RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPLICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Applications To Be Heard on June 12, 2003: Mr. Davies gave an oral review of the following
applications:
• 2600 Massachusetts Avenue — The United Methodist Church — Special Permit to install a new
standing sign. Defer to DAC
• 19 Sylvia Street — Variance from rear setback to build deck. No comment
• 443A Massachusetts Avenue —Variance to allow driveway less than V from sideline. Support
• 10 Peachtree Road — Variance from front yard setback for construction of a single - family
dwelling. No comment
• 81 Blossomcrest Road —Variance to allow an S' high fence. No comment
16 Meriam Street — Variance from front yard setback for a new front entry. No hardship,
problems entirely of own making. Position of garage may require a driveway in violation of
the 5' setback.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** PLANNING BOARD REGULATIONS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
A copy of the Planning Board rules and regulations with suggested changes had been distributed to the
Board. Mr. Davies moved to adopt the rules as amended with the exception of leaving in the previous
wording regarding tape recording of meetings. Mr. Kastorf seconded the motion and the Board voted 4 -0
in favor.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** PLANNINGBOARD ORGANIZATION, SCHEDULE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
The Board agreed to put off the election of officers until all five members were present.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** PLANNING DIRECTOR`S REPORT * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
Mr. Garber reported that the municipal employees laid off due to budget cuts will affect the planning
department and the Board will need to set priorities. Mr. Kastorf felt that direct public service should
have priority over long -range planning.
On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 10:30 p.m.
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K P. Kastorf, Clerk