HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-10-01-PB-minPLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF OCTOBER 1, 2001
The meeting of the Lexington Planning Board held in Room G -1 of the Town Office Building, was called
to order at 8:25 p.m. by acting Chairman Chase with members Davies, Harden, Planning Director Garber,
and Assistant Planner McCall - Taylor present. Mr. Galaitsis was absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** ZONING WORKSHOP * * * * *x* x *x* * * * * * * **
Mr. Garber explained that the purpose of this session was to set priorities among the proposed Zoning By-
Law amendments and to send Board members off with assignments. A table of possible zoning
amendments was distributed for discussion.
Mr. Harden said that he had sat through the housing resource group meetings and he was aware of one
thing that was not on the list. He wondered if perhaps items from other elements might be missing. He
felt that teardowns and demolitions merited further discussion. Ms. McCall - Taylor asked if he were
referring to a demolition delay or an overall demolition prohibition. Mr. Harden said the most aggressive
stance would involve declaring a portion of the modestly -sized housing to be a community resource and
subject to controls, probably not a prohibition of demolitions but a delay or limited the number of
demolition permits allowed each year. He felt it was important to bring the discussion of these issues as
possible amendments, even if they might be withdrawn before Town Meeting. Ms.. McCall - Taylor said
that the discussion of these issues might come from the implementation items of the comprehensive plan,
rather than from possible amendments for the 2002 Town Meeting.
Mr. Garber pointed out that a moratorium is an interim, temporary measure done while a study is being
undertaken. There has to be an objective to be achieved by the moratorium. If growth management is the
objective the number of building permits issued a year could be limited, but there would need to be a
rationale for the number. There could be a recognition in the proposals for spring Town Meeting that
there is a need for growth management. Mr. Davies said the Board had to do something now. Mr.
Harden said that there needs to be a tie of housing as a community resource. Ms. Chase thought this was
more in Iine with the complexity of the issue. With demolition limits one must look carefully at the
context, perhaps non - conforming lots and those of a certain size would be subject to restrictions. She felt
the number of demolitions was not dictated by the market as much as by the number of elderly ready to
sell. To deny this group the right to sell would be a very tough battle. There is also the diversity of
housing stock issue — single parents want a small house rather than a town house. Mr. Harden reiterated
his feeling that demolition should be on the agenda, although he did not yet know how it should be
crafted.
Mr. Garber said that there was a lot coming out of the comprehensive plan and there had been no
conscious decision to exclude items. He felt there were two different issues in demolition, community
character and community resources, but that they could be bundled together.
Ms. Chase raised a concern that limiting use of a lot by something like a moratorium might be considered
a taking. Mr. Garber said that said that a moratorium must have a clearly defined public concern, be
temporary and while the moratorium is in effect something is being done about the area of concern. He
felt hesitant about an outright moratorium and thought that rationing of building permits might be more
supportable.
Mr. Davies inquired about the use of a special permit. Mr. Harden said the policy should slow down the
pace of change in the town to buffer the swings of the market. Mr. Davies said Lincoln has a special
permit provision that has not been overturned and suggested that Lexington use it as a model. Mr. Garber
commented on how Chapter 40B, Section 6 with its grandfathering provisions is problematic.
Minutes for the Meeting of October 1, 2001 2
It was agreed that demolition control would be added to the list of possible amendments. The planning
staff would take at look at Lincoln's special permit process and get a legal read on some of the issues.
******************PLANNING BOARD ORGANIZATION, SCHEDULE
The Board members asked that a letter be sent to Charles Hornig, the unsuccessful candidate to replace
Ms. Bridge- Denzak, thanking him for applying and asking that he consider working with the Planning
Board on the public facilities element of the comprehensive plan.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Sara B. Chase, Clerk