HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-11-12-PB-minPLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 2003
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office
Building, was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Harden with members Chase, Davies, Galaitsis,
Kastorf and planning staff Garber, McCall - Taylor, and Tap present.
* * * * * * * * * * ** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS * * * * * * * * * * * **
PLANS NOT REQUIRING APPROVAL UNDER THE SUBDIVISION CONTROL LAW
ANR PIan 2003 -5,171 Lincoln Street The Board reviewed an Approval Not Required Plan for land at
171 Lincoln Street. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted to endorse the plan entitled
"Plan of Land located in Lexington, MA," dated April 23, 2003, prepared and certified by Clifford E.
Rober, Professional Land Surveyor, Rober Survey, 1072A Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, with
Form A/2003-5, as it does not require approval under the Subdivision Control Law.
ANR Plan 2003 -6, 537 Lowell Street, Robert Phelan The Board reviewed an Approval Not Required
Plan for land at 537 Lowell Street. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to endorse the
plan entitled "Plan of Land in Lexington, MA," dated September 26, 2003, prepared and certified by
Kevin E. Danahy, Professional Land Surveyor, Meridian Associates, Inc, Danvers, MA, as it does not
require approval under the Subdivision Control Law.
ANR Plan 2003 -7, 27 Ingleside Road The Board reviewed an Approval Not Required Plan for land at 27
Ingleside Road. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted to endorse the plan entitled "Plan
of Land located in Lexington, MA," dated October 16, 2001, revised December 14, 2001, prepared and
certified by Clifford Rober, Registered Land Surveyor, Arlington, MA, as it does not require approval
under the Subdivision Control Law.
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
Lexington Hills Cluster Subdivision, Walnut Roseland, LLC, Request for Extension In response to the
Developer's request in a letter received by the staff, on the motion of Ms. Chase, seconded by Mr.
Galaitsis, it was voted to approve the request of Walnut Roseland LLC for an extension of time for the
Planning Board to act on the Lexington Hills definitive cluster subdivision plan (for land off Walnut
Street) and on its application for a special permit, from November 29, 2003 to February 10, 2004.
25 Swan Lane Strect Construction Plan Dianne and Philip M h : Mr. Fred Russell, P.E. presented a
street improvement plan for the portion of Swan Lane, an unaccepted way that provides frontage for
number 25. Due to severe mold problems the owners of the property will be demolishing the house and
rebuilding. They are asking the Board to waive the requirement to improve the street so they can build
their house in this construction season as the lease on the house they are currently living in is ending. Mr.
Russell indicated that the road is in good condition and the Murphys would pay for filling the potholes
and resurfacing part of the road after their home is built. The proposed house has a footprint 15% bigger
than the demolished house. Several of the neighbors have expressed support for the Murphys' request.
They like the "informal" character of the current roadway.
Ms. McCall- Taylor indicated that the applicants should at the least request a determination that the road is
of adequate grade and construction. Mr. Russell said he would provide a definitive plan for this and
submit it on Friday. The Board members indicated that they would like to help the applicants move
forward quickly.
On the motion of Mr. Kastorf, seconded by Mrs. Chase, it was voted that Swan Lane would be of
adequate grade and construction after the completion of $2,500 of road improvements. Staff agreed to
Minutes for the Meeting of November 12, 2003 2
walk the site with the applicants and a representative from the Engineering Division in order to determine
the exact nature and the extent of the improvements.
DETERMINATION OF GRADE AND CONSTRUCTION OF UNACCEPTED STREETS
25 Richard Road Street Improvement Plan David Burns Set Sure : Ms. McCall- Taylor reported that
Mr. Burns wanted to proceed to get a building permit prior to completing the road improvements and so
was asking to post surety. After a brief discussion, upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted:
1. The amount of surety for 25 Richard Road be set at $10,500;
2. If road improvements are not complete by December 1, 2004, or if little or none of the work is
completed by the time, and the current costs, of the amount of work to be completed, have
increased, the amount of surety will be increase to reflect the costs of completing the work and
the developer will be required to furnish additional surety to the Planning Board;
3. To accept the surety in the amount of $10,500 in the form of a savings passbook from Stoneham
Savings Bank; and
4. To allow the issuance of a building permit for 25 Richard Road upon the receipt by the planning
staff of a savings passbook in the amount of $10,500
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
WestMetro Home Consortium Council, Preview of November 13 Presentation Ms. McCall - Taylor
outlined the presentation she will show the WestMetro Home Consortium Council on November 13. The
Consortium asks communities who wish to join HOME to describe its past efforts for affordable housing
and why it wants to join with other communities.
The presentation detailed Lexington's long and proactive history in affordable housing, resources
available to commit to affordable housing, which include highly experienced professional staff and the
newly formed Housing Partnership Board; Lexington Housing Assistance Board, which provides a strong
implementation capability backed by committed Town government. The presentation finishes by stating
that Lexington has the ability to produce housing to address the regional need. Joining a consortium will
allow it to produce more and with a broader range of affordability.
The Board thanked her and upon motion duly made and seconded, approved the report.
ZONING INITIATIVES
Zoning Workshop III, Home Occupations The Board reviewed and amended a draft of the home
occupations bylaw update that had been revised by Mr. Taintor of Taintor Associates, consultant. The use
of performance standards to measure the suitability of an occupation for the home was discussed. These
might include: number of employees and whether full time or part time, hours of operation, parking,
noise; deliveries to the home and signs.
RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPLICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Applications To Be Heard on November 13, 2003: Ms. McCall - Taylor gave an oral review of the
following application:
334 Waltham Street, - Variance to allow a driveway with more than a 12% grade.
The Board agreed to make no comment on the petition.
Minutes for the Meeting of November 12, 2003
3
* ** ** * x * * * * ** * * SPECIAL TOWN MEETING * ** * * ** * * * * * *
Article 4 CD to CRO, 12 — 18 Hartwell Avenue, JOSCO Realty Trust The Board reviewed the draft
Report to Town Meeting on the 12 — 18 Hartwell rezoning petition, dated November 12, 2003. Upon
motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the report, as written.
On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously t d'o77(l p.m.
G
Jobn L. Davies, Clerk