HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-03-08-PB-minPLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF MARCH 8, 2000
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 Vice - Chairman Colman with members Bridge- Denzak, Galaitsis, Planning
Director Garber and Assistant Planner McCall- Taylor present. Mr. Merrill and Mr. Davies were absent.
MINUTES * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
26. Review of Minutes The Board reviewed and c orrected the minutes for the meeting of February 16,
2000. On a motion duly made and seconded, it was votd unanimously to approve the minutes, as amended.
The Board reviewed the minutes for the meeting of February 9, 2000. On a motion duly made and seconded,
it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes, as written.
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
27. Fox Run Lane Subdivision, Robert Phelan, Diamond Nest Development Corporation Ms. McCall -
Taylor reported that Robert Phelan, the developer of the Fox Run Lane subdivision off of East Street, has
requested that the Board release the covenant and the remaining surety held against the completion of the
subdivision. Engineering has now determined that work on the subdivision is complete_ On the motion of
Mr. Galaitsis, seconded by Ms. Bridge - Denzak, the Board voted unanimously to:
1. release the owner from the provisions of the covenant, dated August 10, 1995, and certify that the
subdivision has been satisfactorily completed, and
2. release its interest in the performance surety, Lexington Savings Bank passbook Number 1080504
in the sum of $28,500.
It should be noted that a sure will be placed in another passbook to cover the survival of the street trees for
another growing season.
Request for Extension of Time Ms. McCall - Taylor informed the Board that Woodhaven Realty Trust has
requested that the time for the Planning Board to act on the Rowland Avenue definitive subdivision plan be
extended an additional forty -five, ninety days, from to 2000. On the motion of Mr. Galaitsis, seconded by
Ms_ Bridge - Denzak, the Board voted unanimously to grant the extension.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Recent Activity
28_ 35 Hayes Lane Definitive Subdivision Plan, Rollout Mr_ Garber rolled out a definitive two -lot
conventional subdivision plan for land at 35 Hayes Lane that was submitted by Peter Johnson on March 6,
2000. The staff has not yet reviewed the plan in detail .
* * * * * * * * * * ** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS * * * * * * * * * * * **
RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPLICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS
29- Applications To Be Heard on March 9, 2000 Mr_ Davies gave an oral review of the following
applications:
6t School Street — variance to construct an attached garage with living space above
The Planning Board agreed to recommend unfavorable action as there is n.o hardship to justify
granting such a variance. The addition is very large for the site. The Planning Board believes
that a 22' wide garage would be more than. adequate_
Minutes for the Meeting of March 8, 2000
PA
150 Cedar Street — variance and special permit to add full shed dormer on the side and an addition
over a nonconforming portion of house
The Planning Board noted that the variance granted in 1961 was to allow a six -foot side yard
although what was built is only 3.7' from the property line. The proposed addition would
replicate this error. The Board agreed to suggest to the Board of Appeals that the visual bulk of
the third floor addition would be more acceptable if the front wall of the dormer were held about
five feet back from the front fagade.
56 Woburn Street — variance and special permit to allow current residence to be considered an
accessory apartment in an accessory structure and to construct a new. primary residence on the lot
The Planning Board agreed to make a strong recommendation against granting this request. It
authorized the staff to prepare a letter outlining their objections.
The Board made no comment on the following application, also to be heard on March 9, 2000:
278 Lowell Street — variance and special permit to add a second story over a garage and attach it to
house. .
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** ARTICLES FOR 2000 TOWNMEETING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
30. Article 9 Street Construction and Acceptance: Ms. McCall- Taylor reported that the following
subdivision streets will be recommended for acceptance by the Town:
Howard Munroe Place from Woburn Street a distance of 290 feet, more or less, to end;
Litchfield Road from Lowell Street a distance of 278 feet, more or less, to end;
Johnson Farm Road from Flintlock Road a distance of 270 feet, more or less, to end;
Fox Run Lane from East Street a distance of 622 feet, more or less, to end.
The Board reviewed a draft report, and on a motion duly made and seconded, voted unanimously to approve
the report as written.
31. Article 16, Wireless Communication Facilities Moratorium The Board reviewed and revised a draft
report to Town Meeting on the citizen article proposing a moratorium on the permitting of wireless
communication facilities_
* * * * * * * * * ** PLANNING BOARD POLICIES * * * * * * * ** x **
32_ Consideration of first dra of Orphan Lot Policies, e in submiss requirements and process
Mr_ Garber and Ms. McCall - Taylor provided background information on subdivision applications, and
differences and difficulties in recent applications. Mr_ Garber said that Planning Board is being asked these
days to act as a quasi land court. The draft policy on orphan lots (dated February 3, 2000) before the Board
tonight addresses the issues of deed research, prior subdivision, title exam, research of Board of Appeals
history, past street layout and lotting plans by requiring that the applicant provide these details as part of the
submission documentation. 'This is an extraordinary step made necessary by the marginality of the lots now
being developed.
Mr. Colman, speaking for the Board, commented that the policy is unique and precedent setting_ While it
will undoubtedly be controversial, it is clearly a necessary step and the staff is to be commended for
developing it_ The Board agreed to consider its adoption at a future meeting when all the members are
Present.
Minutes for the Meeting of March 8, 2000
REGIONAL, JNTERTOWN ISSUES
33. Minuteman Regional High School/Marriott Senior Living Services Inc., Assisted Living Proposal
The Board reviewed and revised a draft letter to the Board of Selectmen containing its comments on the
assisted living facility proposed by the Minuteman Science - Technology High School with Marriott Senior
Living Services, Inc. on the sobool's campus and further discussed its position on the proposal vis a vis
HATS and pour -Town Planning Group. The letter states the Planning Board's position, defined several years
ago, that no further development should occur along Route 2A, between. the Route 128 interchange and
Massachusetts Avenue. On the motion of Ms. Bridge- Denzak, seconded by Mr. Galaitsis, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the letter, as amended.
The meeting was adjourned at 10.05 p-m.
Anthony G. alait