2008-01-08-DAC-MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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2. A parking structure in the "piano lot" would greatly reduce the impervious area of the site, centralize parking, screen from public view and create a common entrance courtyard space the applicant expressed an interest in creating for the building fronts. 3. Consideration needs to be given to the location of Building 200 and whether or not it should be flipped with the proposed parking lotto help screen and centralize the parking. 4. The Town needs to work very closely with the applicant to determine the exact number of parking spaces required, in an effort not to overbuild the site 5. The office parks along Route 2 & 128 in Lexington are screened well and sensitively located within their context. There are very few examples of large parking lots along the highway in Lexington and the DAC feels this is a very dangerous precedent to set for future development and specifically protect Route 2 as a gateway to and from the National Park/ Walden Pond, this project is a good place to start. Signage: 1. There were no issues with the sign package as presented, except to say that internal illumination is discouraged and if the signs are to be lit, light fixture cut sheets should be provided for review. The Design Advisory Committee recommends Building 400 be approved with the above-mentioned comments. As the next phase of development (Building 200 & parking lot) gets underway, the applicant is strongly encouraged to work with the DAC, well in advance of upcoming Board of Appeal Hearings, on developing a site design strategy that is more sensitive to Lexington's context. 1 Cranberry Hill- Sprint Wireless Antennae Installation The DAC reviewed the proposal and there were no issues. 2 Morgan Road- Sprint Wireless Antennae Installation- The DAC reviewed the proposal and there were no issues. 440 Bedford Road The DAC found the placement of the new restaurant and related site modifications and additions to be suitable as there is no further encroachment towards the wetland along the south property line and, for the most part, the project is working within the existing footprint. The committee would prefer that the green space along Bedford Street not be reduced by new parking but understand the existing site conditions and that parking requirements need to be met. If there is a way to reduce the impact the applicant should explore those options. The committee would like to see an upgrade from concrete and bituminous curbing to granite curbing. Because the front doors open out the committee suggests that the sidewalk along the building and at the entrance be increased in depth by 1'-0" to 2'-0". This will create a landing at the front door and allow for better pedestrian circulation along the building. The committee would like the trees over 4" in caliper size being removed to bereplaced ortransplanted on-site as part of the new planting installation. We encourage the applicant to use native plant material wherever possible especially within wetland buffer zones. The committee would like to see an increase in the amount and size of the proposed planting, especially trees. We suggest resubmitting the final planting plan for review. The committee would like to see additional information for all proposed exterior lighting fixtures and signage. The proposed freestanding sign should be located in the same location or no closer to Bedford Street then the existing sign. The sign should not exceed the existing sign height and the width and depth be reduced proportionally. The center "99" logo on the building mounted sign exceeds the 3'-0" height limitation for mounted signs and should be reduced to conform. Both signs should be illuminated externally. Because this submittal was at a reduced size it was difficult to review the proposal in detail. We would like the applicant to resubmit an updated full size set for further committee review at the appropriate time. The Design Advisory Committee recommends this project be approved with the comments outlined above.