HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-06-28-PB-minPLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF JUNE 28, 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 Chairman Colman, with members Bridge - Denzak, Davies, Galaitsis, Merrill,
Planning Director Garber and Assistant Planner McCall - Taylor present. Gerard Moloney, the developer of
Lexington Park, was also present
* * * * * * * * * * ** ADMINISTRATION OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS * * * * * * * * * * * **
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
Lexington Park Cluster Subdivision, off Winter Street, Halyard Builders, Discussion Mr. Colman stepped
down as chair for this item. Mr. Galaitsis chaired the discussion. He began by stating his belief that the
cluster subdivision by -law contains bothersome inconsistencies, particularly with regard to calculating
development impacts. He presented charts that illustrated and summarized his points. The number of
occupants is his issue.
Mr. Davies said that four years ago the planning staff came up with the cluster impact concept. The Planning
Board and then the 1996 Town Meeting endorsed the by -law with enthusiasm. The goal was to encourage
smaller houses and more open space. In Lexington Park, we have a quality developer and architect, a
beautiful site, and the neighbors are in favor of the proposal. We must find a way to approve this plan.
Mr. Merrill echoed Mr. Davies comments, saying that the Winter /Sullivan Street site is "crying out" for a
cluster subdivision layout. He acknowledged Mr. Galaitsis' s point that the impact numbers do slightly favor
cluster development. Mr, Merrill said that while Mr. Galaitsis may not like the numbers, they are the
numbers that the Planning Board has used for other developments.
Mr. Galaitsis responded that he wants what he sees as the inconsistency in the impact measure calculations
brought to the attention of the public and future developers. Mr. Merrill reiterated his point that the
Lexington Park site is perfect for a cluster development. Single - family homes would have greater impact.
He said that it is a mistake to consider the over - garage space as an "end -run" around the regulations.
Mr. Galaitsis repeated his concern about the number of school -age children to be produced by Lexington
Park. He presented a formula demonstrating his view. Mr. Merrill pointed out that a "bulge" in the number
of school -age children is already in the school system. Mr. Garber acknowledged that there is confusion
over the impact calculations but the concept of impact -based development should not be abandoned. He said
the figures should be updated. It is his hope that this can be done in the fall, using an intern.
Mr. Moloney, the developer, commented that the developer needs a "bullet- proof' by -law, so he supports
ridding it of any inconsistencies. He also suggested that the definition of "bedroom" be more tightly defined.
RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPLICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Applications To Be Heard on July 13, 2000: Mr. Colman gave an oral review of the following applications:
■ 44 Tarbell Avenue — Variance from side and rear yards to replace non - conforming one -car garage with
two -car garage
The Planning Board agreed to recommend that the applicant be allowed to replace the garage with
a one -car garage twelve feet in width to accommodate modern cars but that the two -car garage be
denied.
0 359 North Emerson Road— Variance from front yard setback to add garage to a single - family dwelling
The Planning Board agreed to suggest that the applicant reapply with a plan showing a one -car
garage, which will be more conforming than the current proposal and that the application for a
two -car garage be denied.
Minutes for the Meeting of June 28, 2000 2
■ 451 Lowell Street — Special permit for free - standing signs at St. Paul's Evangelical Church
The Planning Board defers to the Design Advisory Committee on this application.
The Board had no comment on the following applications to be heard on July 13, 2000:
■ 10 Pine Knoll Road - Variance from front yard setback to construct new front entrance steps
■ 50 Paul Revere Road -- Variance from rear and side yard setbacks for addition to non - conforming
single - family dwelling
■ 25 Charles Street -- Variances for an addition to non - conforming single - family dwelling and excavation
of a driveway
■ 19 Farmcrest Avenue — Variance from front yard setback for front entry and steps
■ 9 Smith Avenue --- Variance to extend dormer
■ 7 Muzzey Street — Special Permit for projecting sign
■ 74 Winter Street — Variance from front yard setback for two -story addition to non - conforming single -
family dwelling
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Met. State Hospital Reuse Committee Mr. Garber reported that an upcoming Met. State Reuse Committee
meeting will deal with the entitlement of the square feet in Lexington. The Governor's Housing Initiative
mentions Middlesex Hospital Site as a possible site for affordable housing.
REPORTS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
Planning Board, Subcommittees
20120 Visioning Mr. Merrill reported that the 20120 Visioning process is ending, a major milestone. A
consultant will assemble the material into one document over the summer. Town -wide events will be
planned for the fall, including a presentation to the Planning Board.
Hanscom Noise Workgroup Mr. Galaitsis reported that the Hanscom Noise Workgroup received Massport's
comments on their recommendations on noise and noise mitigation at the Air Force base. He said that
Massport accepts many of the recommendations.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
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