HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-08-PB-minPLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF OCTOBER 8, 2003
A regular 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 Harden with members Chase, Davies, Kastorf and planning
staff Garber, McCall- Taylor, and Tap present. Mr. Galaitsis was absent.
***** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** MINUTES ******* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
Review of Minutes The Board reviewed and corrected the minutes for the meeting of September 3,
2003. On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes as amended.
* * * * * * * * * * ** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
Endorse Scottish Glen Cluster Subdivision Definitive Plans Curran Construction: Twenty days having
passed since the Board approved the definitive plans for the Scottish Glen subdivision off Lowell Street,
the members endorsed the plans.
Roosevelt Road Development Resident Request to Finish Basement Present for this item were Mr.
Newell, the owner of a unit at the Roosevelt Road special residential development built by North Shore
Construction and Bob Emlack, carpenter, of Cameron and Swasey Carpentry, Mr. Newell would like to
finish the basement so it can be used as a playroom. He does not intend to add a bathroom or closets, He
said that the building commissioner finds the egress from the basement adequate.
Ms. McCall - Taylor noted that the Roosevelt Road's special permit only specifically precludes the
finishing of attic spaces in the units. Mr. Garber outlined similar provisions in cluster subdivisions. The
Board commented that plumbing seems to be the trigger for not approving a request to finish a room.
On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve Mr. Newell's request to finish the
basement of his home as a playroom, with no plumbing or closets to be added.
2020 VISION COMMITTEE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
Update on new Initiatives Peter Enrich, Candy McLaughlin and Todd Burger, 2020 Vision Committee,
were present to report on the new initiative of the 2020 Vision Committee. Mr. Enrich thanked the
Planning Board and staff for their constructive relationship throughout the 2020 process. He gave an
overview of the goals and methods of the committee and noted the Planning Board's Comprehensive Plan
as a further step, tackling issues identified in outreach to the community by both bodies.
2020 Vision Committee is beginning a new phase of community outreach to revisit and prioritize the 27
goals identified during 1999 and 2000. The Committee has promised to bring the communities overall
priorities, both near and long -term, back to the three elected Boards. The recent override vote and
subsequent discussions suggest that there is still a wide diversity of perspectives in town. They hope to
identify widely held views and seek a general consensus about Lexington's future.
Working with the Town Meeting Members Association, the Committee is organizing a series of
meetings —one in each precinct—though any resident may attend any meeting. Participants will discuss,
revise and prioritize goals for the next five to ten years. The elected boards will consider these priorities
and then workgroups will develop measures and actions steps with the financial constraints facing the
town. Mr. Enrich asked the board members to help publicize the meetings and to attend one. Further tasks
will be to sharpen the focus of the goals and to identify likely players. He said the Planning Board has a
great deal to offer 2020 and working together will benefit both groups.
The Board indicated that it is glad to participate.
Minutes for the Meeting of October S, 2003
* * * * * * * * * * ** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS * * * * * * * * * * * **
DETERMINATION OF GRADE AND CONSTRUCTION OF UNACCEPTED STREETS
Request for Determination of Adequacy of Grade and Construction, Hazel Road Present were Mr. Bill
Peach, engineer, BSC, and Mike Austin, the potential buyer of land at 43 Hazel Road, to request a
determination of adequacy of grade and construction of the portion of Hazel Road that would provide
frontage for number 6, a grandfathered lot. There are currently four houses on the street.
Mr. Kastorf recused himself, as he is an abutter.
Mr. Peach presented a plan showing the current condition of the road. The town installed sewer lines in
the 1980's to serve houses on the street. While the town did not formally accept the street they did
improve it at that time. The grade in front of number 6 is 17 percent, but in response to Ms. Chase's
question about grading to a lower grade, Mr. Peach said that grading would compromise the sewer pipes,
which need to be below the frost line. He noted that there is an existing driveway directly across Hazel
from number 6.
The Board expressed concerns about the possibility of liability if the Board determines this portion of
adequate grade and construction, as well as the precedent such a determination might set. The possibility
of even more development along Hazel if the road were improved to provide frontage also gave them
pause. Mr. Davies commented that he wants to preserve little streets like Hazel and avoid putting down
more asphalt when possible. The other members also inclined toward approving the road segment to
allow for one house to be built. It was agreed to consult town counsel about appropriate wording for a
determination that would preclude further development on the street.
Mr. Mike Austin, who wants to build on the parcel, expressed his desire to live in Lexington. He has
relatives living here. He said that he had no concerns about the grade of the road.
Mr. Kastorf returned to the meeting,
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** AFFORDABLE HOUSING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
Housing Action Forum Ms. McCall- Taylor reported that the Housing Action Forum is developing a
membership list for the new Lexington Housing Partnership committee. They want to present it to the
Selectmen. Mr. Harden agreed to be the PIanning Board representative; John Davies will act as alternate
She also reported that Newton's HOME Consortium is willing to hear an informal presentation from the
town at its November meeting. Staff will try to find out what other towns have done with initial projects
with monies received through a HOME Consortium.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** REGIONAL, INTERTOWNISSUES
Middlesex County Hospital Site Mr. Garber reported that Selectman Jeanne Krieger has learned that the
Department of Capital Asset Management (DCAM) is considering selling the former Middlesex County
Hospital site. She asked him to draft a letter urging DCAM to involve all of the stakeholders in the
decision. Mr. Garber noted that the path of the Western Greenway goes through the hospital property and
has frontage on Walnut Street. DCAM should be made aware of that to ensure that plans for the site
assure continuity of the greenway.
Minutes for the Meeting of October 8, 2003
3
STAFF REPORTS
Potential Zoning Amendments Mr. Garber outlined potential zoning amendments the Board could
consider bringing to the 2004 Annual Town Meeting: clarifying impervious surface requirements in
cluster and conventional subdivisions, updating allowed home occupations and CN zones, policies on
substandard streets. Staff will need the Board's feedback on these and other subjects so he suggested
scheduling a workshop to consider them.
Budget Process UnderwU Mr. Garber reported that the FY05 process has begun; it will be difficult.
More staffing and resource cuts are projected and there are many unknowns.
Transportation Advisory Committee The Transportation Advisory has asked to meet with staff to discuss
their role in implementing the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Garber said he has
some ideas for what they could do.
REPORTS
Chairmen's' Breakfast Mr. Harden said that he would be attending the Selectmen's breakfast meeting for
committee and board chairmen on October 29.
On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously dj urn 7 - p. a
John L, Davies, Clerk