HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-06-11-PB-minPLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF JUNE 11, 2003
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, was
called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Galaitsis with members Chase, Davies, Harden, Kastorf and
planning staff Garber, McCall- Taylor, and Tap present.
MINUTES
Review of Minutes The Board reviewed and corrected the minutes for the meeting of May 14, 2002. On
a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes, as amended.
* * * * * * * * * * ** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS * * * * * * * * * * * * **
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
Coppersm thy, Endorse Revised Plan The Planning Board endorsed the amended definitive
subdivision plans for the Coppersmyth Way subdivision off Marrett Road. At its meeting on April 14,
2003, the Board held a public hearing on the request of Rizzo Associates for a minor amendment of a
definitive subdivision plan, and 2) a minor modification of a special permit with site plan review for a
cluster subdivision under Sections 135 -13H, 175 -11 and 175 -57 of the Code of the Town of Lexington.
The amendment was needed to correct lot lines based on an updated survey of the site.
L exingion Hills Cluster Subdivision, Request for Extension of Time for the Board to Act Ms. McCall -
Taylor said that the developer of the Lexington Hills subdivision, off Walnut Street, has asked for a 45-
day extension of the time for the Board to act on its application. On the motion of Mr. Kastorf, seconded
by Mr. Davies, the Board agreed to the extension of 45 days. The public hearing will be held on July 9,
2003.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** REGIONAL, INTERTOWN ISSUES * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
Met State Hospital Development Mr. Kastorf reported that Mr. Michael Roberts of AvalonBay, the
selected developer of the Met State land, would like to make a preliminary presentation of its proposal for
the site to the Board in July. He also said that letters of permission are,necessary for those who wish to
visit the Met State Hospital property.
HATS Develo meats with Regional Impact R Sub ou : It was reported that Jeanne Krieger,
Selectmen liaison to HATS, believes a Planning Board member is needed on the DRI subgroup. Mr.
Davies offered to do this when his personal schedule lightens up. Mr. Garber commented that the
Planning Department cannot offer ongoing technical support to the group but would take part in statutory
review as required. Mrs. Krieger has also asked for suggestions for another representative. The board
agreed that Mrs. Elaine Dratch and Mr. Larry Belvin would be very suitable candidates to whom they
would refer Mrs. Krieger.
Housing Dialogue Ms. McCall - Taylor reported that she had talked with Mr. Gene Clerkin of Bedford
about Bedford's successful housing initiative. He believes a dedicated source of money is essential to any
effort to create affordable housing. He said he recently spoke to the Lexington Fair Housing and Human
Relations Committee about Bedford's housing initiative. That committee will present its outlook at the
Planning Board's second housing dialogue on June 25.
Minutes for the Meeting of June 11, 2003
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* * * * * * * * * * ** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS * * * * * * * * * * * * **
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
Scottish Glen Definitive Cluster Subdivision Plan Curran Construction PUBLIC HEARING: Present for
this item were Mr. Andrew Schwab, Curran Construction; Mr. Ronald Wood, Guidelines, Inc; Mr.
Malcolm McDowell, Noonan & McDowell Engineering; Mr. Bill Hubner, Incite Architecture; and Mr.
Robert Lohoy, legal representative. There were 15 people in the audience. Ms. Janet Mahoney, a
communication access real time translator, was present to translate the proceedings of the public hearing
for an abutter who is hearing impaired.
Mr. Wood briefly described the subdivision's progress through the permitting process, beginning with a
sketch plan submitted in October 2001, a preliminary plan submitted May 2002, and a mid -tem review in
October 2002. The definitive plan was submitted in March 2003.
The plan shows four dwelling units around a shared courtyard with a driveway from Summer Street. The
use of special pavers in the courtyard will give a more pedestrian feel. The impervious surface limit was
problematic but has been addressed. The other cluster requirements have been met.
Mr. Hubner showed examples of the "country colonial" style of the houses, which will have an average of
2,488 square feet of living area if the attic space is not used. The garages are for two cars.
Mr. McDowell reviewed the storm water management system, which addresses suggestions from the
town engineering division. As required, the development will not increase runoff from the site. If the plan
is approved, they will go before the Conservation Commission, as well as apply for a street opening
permit from MassHighway
Board Questions and Comments Mr. Galaitsis expressed concerns about the size of the units. Mr. Davies
said he thinks that the development responds well to the visual idea of a cluster plan. Mr. Harden asked
about price. According to Mr. Schwab, the units are projected to sell for between $650 - 800,000. Mrs.
Chase expressed doubts about the efficacy of the drainage system.
Audience Questions and Comments Drainage was the main concern of the abutters present. The residents
of Winship Common have had water intrusion problems in the past and fear more if Scottish Glen is built.
Mr. McDowell suggested that Winship Common residents research the maintenance agreement for their
development's storm water management system. Martha Erickson, 19 Summer Street a direct abutter,
along with a number of other neighbors, had similar worries. Mr. Schwab and Mr. Wood stated that those
water problems are existing conditions outside of the boundaries of Scottish Glen's. Other abutter
concerns were traffic safety and guest parking.
Board Deliberations After some discussion, on the motion of Mr. Kastorf, seconded by Mr. Davies, the
Board voted 4 -1, Mr. Galaitsis opposed, to approve the Scottish Glen definitive cluster subdivision plans,
dated February 14, 2003, with the following conditions:
I. That the proposed drainage system undergo review by an outside expert, such review to be
funded by the applicant;
2. The installation of a stop sign and other safety devices and pedestrian paths with a pervious
surface be part of the final plan; and,
3. An operation and maintenance agreement for the roadway and storm water management system
will be filed with the town.
Minutes for the Meeting of June 11, 2003
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** PLANNING BOARD ORGANIZA'T'ION, SCHEDULE
Election of Officers Mr. Davies nominated Mr. Harden as Chair, Mr. Kastorf for Vice Chair. Mr. Davies
agreed to be nominated for Clerk. On a motion duly made and seconded, Mr. Harden, Mr. Kastorf and
Mr. Davies were unanimously elected.
On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 11:35 p.m.
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E' Karl P. Kast /rf,/erk