Following are some highlights from the Planning Board meeting of 10.08.09.

36 Central Avenue – Developers were looking for a variance regarding the height of the building. The board did not feel that there was sufficient cause. Mr. Whiteside said that the reasons given by the developer (e.g. units will be more saleable) did not meet the requirements for a variance. However, he did suggest that the ground floor could be amended, reducing it from 11 feet to 9.5 feet and use the difference to increase height of the top floor. “We have gone to extreme lengths to accommodate you,” Whiteside stated. They also requested an easement which no one had objection to.

540 Harland Street – This is a knotty issue that has to do with redrawing property lines, preserving open space and maintaining neighborhood character.  Complicating this further was the fact that recently amended plans had not been recorded. It appears that the amended plans yet to be recorded were going to be amended again. “I’m speechless,” said Alex Whiteside. Whiteside said the failure to record the plan “makes this a legal mess.”

Temple Shalom Redevelopment – Jackson opened the discussion by explaining what the board would present at the Oct 19th Town Meeting. It will be a summary of activities done to date; e.g. advisory committee etc. There will be no official matter before Town Meeting and there will be no recommendation forthcoming at this time. Jackson went on to  clarify and add to comments he made at the last planning board meeting. He reiterated that he is in support of limited commercial development. He went on to acknowledge that the lack of a master plan made this exercise particularly problematic. Were there a master plan, the board could evaluate development initiatives like Temple Shalom against a larger strategic plan rather than on a case by case basis. He went on to say that he did not support the notion that the board could not consider commercial rezoning. “The town has to be adaptable.” Jackson also felt some of the neighbors concerns had been overstated and could be addressed by proper zoning. “It is not a zero sum game.”

Ms. Innes relayed a phone call she had with Laura Cahill a realtor and neighborhood resident. Ms. Cahill expressed that she and other neighbors viewed this situation as an opportunity to get something back to a neighborhood that had seen many things taken away, something wonderful for an area that had been neglected. Ms. Innes is still in favor of a “third element” that would enhance the neighborhood and contribute to the sense of community.

Whiteside felt a pharmacy and new temple offer what Cahill wants. He took exception to the notion of introducing a grocery or other “third element” into the mix.

Whiteside emphasized that a rebuilt Temple Shalom and Campbell School would be ” a huge benefit to the neighborhood.”

Other items included:

• Mr. Duffy revisited a statement he had made at the previous meeting. At that meeting he stated that no residential properties had been rezoned as commercial since 1938. Jackson believed him to be mistaken. He said in fact property had been rezoned in the Fifties. Duffy proved that was not in fact the case with additional research he conducted over week past. Jackson conceded he stood corrected.
• There was also a discussion about two bridges across the Neponset that are to be renovated. Jackson was of the opinion that the planning board should have the zoning officer enforce the DCR permit to fix the bridge that runs between Milton Landing and Dorchester. Milton Landing property residents are opposed because the bridge would enable access to Medway Street in Dorchester. The other members of the board did not disagree with Jackson but wanted to look at the permit first. At issue is the ability of DCR to pay for permissioning if there is inordinate delay.