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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
MEETING OF MAY 11, 2011
A regular meeting of the Lexington Planning Board in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Town Office
Building was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Vice Chairman Richard Canale with members Wendy Manz,
Charles Hornig, and Michelle Ciccolo, and planning staff Maryann McCall-Taylor, Aaron Henry and Lori
Kaufman present. Greg Zurlo was absent.
The Board took a moment of reflection in memory of Gail Wagner, transportation coordinator, who
recently passed away.
DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
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39 Grandview Avenue, street determination:
The applicant has requested a waiver from the submittal requirements and asked the Planning Board to
proceed straight to a determination of adequacy of the road.
On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, 4-0, that Grandview Avenue is a way shown on a
plan approved and endorsed in accordance with the Subdivision Control Law and reconstructed in 2008
in accordance with such plan and, based on conditions as they currently exist in the vicinity of 39
Grandview Avenue, the road is presently of adequate grade and construction to provide for the needs of
the proposed use of the land.
Mr. Canale said that when discussing the Board of Selectmen goal setting there is interest in complete
streets and sidewalks and they should look at the town policy.
REGIONAL INTERTOWN ISSUES
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CLURPA, Legislative Hearing May 18:
The Board discussed the proposed Comprehensive Land Use Reform and Partnership Act (CLURPA),
which could be an important tool in planning throughout the Commonwealth. It would provide clarity and
updating of the Zoning Act and the Subdivision Control Law. CLURPA would provide the tools to allow
communities to address changes that have taken place since then and plan for the future.
Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of May 11, 2011
On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, 4-0, to have staff draft and submit a letter of general
support of CLURPA, but comment on concerns about the unfunded mandates that should be addressed in
the bill. Another concern is the “opt in” provisions, which provide certain planning tools only to
partnership communities. If these are good planning tools they should be made available to all the
communities the in Commonwealth.
TOWN ISSUES
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South Lexington Study Draft RFP:
The Board discussed the South Lexington RFP and scope of study. The following were Planning Board
Members’ concerns:
Should the definition of the area to be addressed be the generation area and the impact area?
There is concern of scope creep making the area too large and need to focus resources correctly;
It is important to address the increasing traffic and the cut through traffic that will be created at
peak times; liveability in the surrounding neighborhoods should be considered;
What are the zoning goals? What would be the advice given to the consultant in which direction
to go? This is putting the cart before the horse;
What would be acceptable buildout, acceptable impacts and appropriate mitigations?
Can more development take place and still protect the surrounding neighborhoods?
The Cecil Report gives scenarios for buildout in that area for an increase in the FAR;
Request non-mitigation monies to supplement the town-wide study and use mitigation funds for
the Spring Street/Hayden area;
What is the time limit? Ms. McCall-Taylor said there is one year left to expend the funds;
Have the consultant advise the Town how to resolve the town-wide issues;
There needs to be clarity regarding who would be in charge of the process and consider the
Planning Board to have input and oversight on this project; and,
Request itemized costs to help narrow down priorities.
Minutes for the Meeting of May 11, 2011 Page 3
Board of Selectmen Goal Setting:
The Board of Selectmen (BOS) requested that several boards and committees submit in writing input for
their goal setting meeting on June 28, 2011. The following were items suggested by Planning Board
Members:
Implementation Plan for the Hartwell Avenue TMOD;
Request the BOS look at collaboration and cooperation among the many different groups
involved in transportation, energy, sustainability and global warming. There appears to be
duplication of the committees and is this the most efficient use of volunteer groups;
The Planning Board feels the planning department has been understaffed with a position for .4
left open while determining the best use. With the possible upcoming reorganization, the
Planning Board is requesting the BOS review what the Planning Department will be taking on
and evaluate what will be needed to ensure efficiency in staffing while moving ahead;
Regulations for Stormwater Bylaw Implementation;
Take a look at town policy on complete streets and sidewalks and consider accessibility for
walkers and bicyclists. The Planning Board is requesting the BOS take a leadership role and set
some specific goals or endorse an initiative.
MINUTES
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On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, 4-0, to approve the minutes for April 27, 2011, as
amended.
PLANNING BOARD ORGANIZATION, SCHEDULE
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The next meeting will be May 25 to discuss the revisions to the Zoning Bylaw. June 8 there will be a
public hearing on 1377 Massachusetts Avenue. On June 22 will be the reorganization, election of officers,
committee liaisons and goal setting.
STAFF REPORTS
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Mr. Henry said that the Luongo Farm development sidewalks are complete, Dee Road is complete, but
Mr. Hornig said that there was a bad puddle at the bottom of the road after a rain storm that needs to be
Page 4 Minutes for the Meeting of May 11, 2011
addressed. Mr. Henry spoke with Town Counsel about the Walnut Street appeal and Town Counsel had
some questions regarding the definition of impervious surface.
PLANNING BOARD REPORTS
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Mr. Canale attended the Regional Transportation Advisory meeting with the MPO staff to adopt a long
range plan for 2030. There are financial constraints and some projects are being removed. There was
discussion on whether to do larger projects that impact more regional concerns or many little projects.
The meeting was recorded by Lexmedia.
The following documents used at the meeting can be found on file with the Planning Department:
1. Letter and photographs from Bob Finnegan, dated April 26, 2011, for determination of adequacy
of 39 Grandview Avenue (3 pages).
2. The Comprehensive Land Use Reform and Partnership Act and draft letter (4 pages).
3. Draft Scope of Services for South Lexington (6 pages).
4. Draft Scope of Services for South Lexington modified by Mr. Canale (6 pages).
5. Mr. Zurlo’s notes from meeting with the Board of Selectmen Chair (2 pages).
On a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:01 p.m.
Michelle Ciccolo, Clerk