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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. F� K P. Kastorf, Clerk