HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-10-24-PB-minPLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF OCTOBER 24, 2001
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 Acting Chairman Chase with members Harden, Kastorf and planning staff
Garber, McCall- Taylor, Tap and Tyson present. Mr. Davies and Mr. Galaitsis were absent. Present for
the Comprehensive Plan discussion were: William Carlson, Loren Wood, Marilyn Fenollosa, Sheila
Butts, Wendy Manz, Lawrence Belvin, Iris Wheaton, Lee Sinai, Paul Hamburger, Jacquelyn Davison,
Joyce Miller, Elaine Dratch, Candy McLaughlin, Michael Schroeder and Susan Fisher.
*x * * * * * * * * * ** x * *x ** COMPREHENSIVE PLAN * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
Comprehensive Plan Discussion Mr. Garber recapped the discussion held on October 10, saying that it
was clear that the participants were not ready to quit talking about the four comprehensive plan elements.
So tonight will be a continuation of the discussion about implementing actions. An outline of the previous
discussion was distributed that included a section with four topics labeled "Crosscutting Disquietude ".
Those were the focus of discussion at this meeting.
Housing in the Center Mrs. Dratch questioned the appropriateness of residential space in Lexington
Center. Mrs. Davison noted that there used to be apartments on the second floors of the downtown stores
and smaller dwelling units are needed in Lexington now. Currently, the Zoning By -Law prohibits
residential uses in commercial zones. Other aspects of the issue touched upon were parking, the high price
of real estate, Historic District issues, long -term viability of such housing affordability and aesthetics. Mr.
Garber said that city centers throughout Massachusetts have four or five story buildings. Lexington's
downtown used to have buildings with more than two stories. He believes that, visually, three or four
story buildings would actually improve the streetscape. It was pointed out that one could create market
incentives through the regulatory process or simply make it possible for the market to supply the demand
if it existed. Right now there is no way that the market could provide residential uses in the center.
Participants urged caution regarding parking demand created by residential uses. The design of buildings
with mixed use would be important and should perhaps undergo design review.
Mansionization and Teardowns Mr. Harden suggested the use of a demolition delay to slow down the
rate of change. He felt that these were two different issues that should not be lumped together. There
was further discussion about what the Comprehensive Plan should say about these issues. Mr. Garber
said that mansionization control could be approached with a package of regulations. The change in the
definition of height would serve as one control mechanism. In addition there could be a requirement of a
special permit for big house relative to lot are. This would also allow review of other features of the
proposed house. Some one suggested using tax policy to reward and punish but others said that the town
cannot institute its own tax policies. A linkage fee on size was another suggestion.
The discussion on teardowns and controlling them included a yearly quota on demolition permits and a
delay mechanism. Those present found a yearly quota worrisome. It was agreed to further discuss
teardowns at a later date.
Inclusionary Rule Any changes to this should be carefully crafted in order to not discourage cluster
subdivisions. The consensus was that a more aggressive inclusionary policy should be explored.
Minutes for the Meeting of October 24, 2001
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The last 1,000 acres Mr. Herr said his impression was that people were comfortable with the balance that
had evolved over time and we should not rock the boat. It was acknowledged that it would not be
possible to preserve all remaining land, or even all the sites given highest priority for acquisition by the
Conservation Commission. This would argue for creating stronger clusters that would give more
incentives to preserve open space as part of a development.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m. II
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Sara B. Chase, Clerk