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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin of planning brd 09/20/00 ~ r TOWN ~rF~kVED Planning Board Minutes ,~ lIS OFFICE September 20, 2000 00 OCT , 2 Uti . Present: H. Thomas French, Chairman~ Bernie Dolan, Clerk~ Roger Achille, Scott Fra'rtR~. , 3 Tom McShane~ Mark Cook~ Kenneth Torman~ Jay Barrows, Walter Jenkin~F'JELD Prestwich, Carl Briggs, Rich George MASSACHUSETTS Shaun P. Burke, Director ofPlannin and Develo ment The clerk read the public hearing notice. Public Comment Richard Gordon, 407 West Street, asked if any industrial land would be rezoned residential. Mr. French said it would not, and Mr. Burke explained the proposed zone line for the Planned Business District. Larry Christian, 287 School Street, asked why the line was down the middle of School Street rather then at the train tracks, where it is currently. Mr. Frank explained the intent was to attract office-type uses to that area, rather than having it become a retail strip. Mr. Christian was concerned the proposal would restrict the use of those properties. ,-- Mr. French asked Mr. Christian if he and his neighbors had decided whether they wanted to be included in the new zone or left in I-I. Mr. Christian said they would like to remain I-I. Mr. Dolan said those properties should remain I-I rather than be included with the industrial park, and they should be zoned the same as the land across the street. Motion: To move the PBD zone line to the train track, where the I-I line is currently (Dolan-Achille) Mr. French suggested the boards wait until the end of the hearing before making motions. Motion withdrawn. Walter Jenkins, IDC, explained the goal is to benefit the town while identifying the highest and best use for the properties. Debbie Hall asked if the size of the School Street lots would restrict their uses. Mr. French explained the lot sizes had not been changed, only the allowed uses. Mr. Burke added that smaller lots may be more likely to attract retail uses. Fred Jovino, Chauncy Street, asked what the benefit of the change would be to the town. Mr. Frank said the boards were trying to keep the industrial park's atmosphere by attracting office and R&D uses. Tom Prestwich, IDC, suggested more office uses would be a good way to increase the tax base. ,-- Jim Lazarra, Willow Street, suggested the Golden Triangle should be addressed with the PBD, saying if the boards waited, there could be retail on both sides of School Street. Mr. French explained the Planning Board had committed to looking at the park, and felt that taking the Golden Triangle as well would be too much to deal with in a limited time. /"" Leonard Flynn, 102 Jewell Street, was concerned about increased traffic on School Street and said Dr. Mullin advised the land in the park is too valuable to remain warehouses. He said the open space requirement should remain 35% because it makes the park attractive to good businesses. Mr. Jenkins said the IDC had met with Cynthia Salver, who works for a large landowner in the park~ she said the type of building they construct depends on location and access. Mary Hourigan, 475 Chauncy Street, said she was concerned about how the changes would effect residential abutters, especially if the allowed height is raised. Mr. Burke said the proposed 75 foot height is higher than most buildings in the park, but said the proposed footnotes were intended to address the issue of tall buildings adjacent to residential properties. Philip Hourigan said 75 feet would be too high, and a building of that size would generate a significant amount of traffic in the park, where traffic is already a problem. Mr. Walsh said the town should be prepared for businesses moving farther away from the city, especially with intersection improvements, which would help manage traffic. He added he would be against the Golden Triangle land being included in the PBD, and said the PBD zone line should remain where the I-I line is now. ,r- Ken Parsons, Williams Street, suggested talking with all of the landowners in the park. Motion: To close the public hearing (Dolan-Cook) All in favor. PASSES Motion: To move the zone line back to the railroad tracks on School Street, where the I- I zone line is currently. (Dolan-Achille) All in favor. PASSES Motion: To adopt Footnote (4) under Density and Dimensional Regulations; when an office lot abuts or is within 75 feet of a property line of a residential use or residential zone line, the maximum building height shall be 60 feet. (Frank-Barrows) All in favor. PASSES Mr. French asked about changing the open space to 30%. Mr. Burke did not think there was a compelling reason to change the requirement. Motion: To put the PBD zoning amendment on the Special Town Meeting warrant as amended above. (Dolan-George) All in favor. PASSES Motion: To adjourn at 9:45 p.m. (Barrows-Dolan) All in favor. PASSES Date of next meeting: September 27, 2000 at 7:30 p.m. ~,Qu.- . gnature of Clerk ~, ./j; UJ ,...; Date of Approval ,---