2023-01-17-COD-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Group 2 accessibility requirements for 3 units (1A, 2A, 2B). Group 2 is defined as an approved ADA unit under state building code, when it is constructed. To meet these criteria, they will be making the bathroom showers accessible, lowering the counters in the kitchens, and ensuring front entrances are fully accessible. There are rear exits, but they are not designed to offer the same level of accessibility as the front entrances. The introduction of sprinkler systems at this complex eases the code requirement for second egresses. • There are concerns related to site improvement accessibility and stormwater management since the land is very close to conservation. Improvements will include creating a rain garden, removing invasive species in the back, designing a sloping walkway to the paved area at 4.5% slope. There are no pathways in the back of the buildings. • Priority will be given to those on the waiting list for low-income housing for people who require accessibility, and current residents who need to transition to accessible spaces. There are 4 Units in Greely Village that are also fully accessible. • When asked how many individuals are on the accessible needs list, we were told that the state had centralized the process. The people go to a centralized list and then choose the town they want. Internally, the Lexington list might be 10 people. There is a 5-8 year wait for an accessible unit; about 10 people a year get into the regular units. The community can reach out to Ms. Foley at cfoley@lexingtonhousing.org • The project is being paid for with funds from state ARPA, CPC, and home funds grant money. Vareika Construction won the bid and construction begins early March. It should take 10 months, hopefully under 1 year. Roundabout and Bus Stop Re-Location John Livsey, Town Engineer, offered an update about the bus stop and continued discussion about the intersection of bicycle safety and pedestrians with disabilities in regard to roundabout. Bus Stop Discussion: The Center Streetscape project ended in November. The bus stop in front of the businesses at 1666 Massachusetts Avenue was moved to 1684 Massachusetts Avenue. The new location presents some challenges. It is tight for the bus to pull in and clear the tree and bench obstructions at the front and rear doors of the bus. Removal of one parking space would make access to the stop easier, but there is also the complication of the trees and the bench. • Pam Lyons met with the Tree and Center Committees about the implications of the new bus stop. She shared that any project or construction must comply with the MBTA guidelines of 4-foot wide unobstructed area for bus stops. Pam related that the idea arrived at by the other committees was: accounting for distance between the trees as being roughly 53 feet, there might be enough space to accommodate the bus with only the removal of one parking space and get us out of the obstructed space.