2024-02-08-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes of the Lexington Zoning Board of Appeals Virtual, Via Zoom February 8, 2024 Board Members: Chair – Ralph D. Clifford, Nyles N. Barnert, Norman P. Cohen, Martha C. Wood, and Associate Member Kathryn Roy Alternate Member: David Williams Administrative Staff: Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner, Julie Krakauer Moore, Zoning Administrator, and Olivia Lawler, Administrative Clerk Address: 1729 Massachusetts Avenue The petitioner is requesting a SPECIAL PERMIT in accordance with the Zoning By-Law (Chapter 135 of the Code of Lexington) section(s) 135-5.2.10 and 135-5.2.4(3) to allow a sign to be painted directly on the exterior surface at the rear of the building. The petitioner submitted the following information with the application: Nature and Justification, Photographs, Elevations, Certified Plot Plan Waiver Request, and Mural Removal Plan. Prior to the meeting, the petitions and supporting data were reviewed by the Building Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Board of Selectmen, the Planning Director, the Historic District Commission Clerk, Historical Commission, Economic Development, and the Zoning Administrator. Comments were received from the Zoning Administrator, Historic Districts Commission, and Economic Development. The Hearing was opened at 7:59PM. Petitioner: Liza Shirazi on behalf of Revival Kitchen and Cafe Liza Shirazi presented on behalf of Revival Kitchen and Café. She described the proposed plan of adding a mural to the rear of the building at 1729 Massachusetts Avenue and shared images of the proposed painting. Ms. Shirazi spoke to her knowledge of improving cultural districts and emphasized the benefit of adding community art to public spaces. She highlighted that painting a sign is a cheap and easy way revitalize the space. It was stated that the Historic Districts Committee approved the proposed mural/sign at their February 1, 2024 meeting. Ms. Shirazi outline their removal plan for the paint as being either painting it over in white when they vacate the property as requested by the landlord or utilizing paint remover if necessary. She stated that the art was design by a local artist by the name of Chole Rubenstein and the intention was to integrate the word “Café” into the artwork and not have it utilized as a sign. Associate Board Member, Kathryn Roy, questioned if it is possible to add an ADA accessible ramp in the rear of the building. (Yes, it would be possible, a removable ramp could be utilized. Funds are not currently available to create a permanent ramp.) Board Chair, Ralph D. Clifford, questioned if the front entrance of the property was ADA Accessible. (Yes) Alternate Board Member, David Williams, questioned if a canvas or other removable option was considered or could be utilized. (It was considered but it adds another expense that they do not