2017-08-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

70-439 Summit 1 —August 2, 2017 Tonight, Ms. DiNisco asked the assembled committees to approve the LCP location so that a schematic design, including a stormwater management proposal, can be ready by September 6 and approved at the next Summit on September 13. If funding passes this fall, LCP occupancy is envisioned for September 2019. An in-depth analysis of the Pelham Road property has found wetlands, a vernal pool with wood frogs, ledge, a steep slope near Pelham Road, an existing detention pond, and places where an elevated ground water table exists. Although the Conservation Commission views matters on a case-by-case basis, recent experience with other building projects has led DiNisco to believe that construction will be allowed within the 100' wetland buffer, although not within the 50' buffer. DiNisco's building proposal now shows a seven-classroom facility with room enough on the site for an adjacent four- classroom extension. The design team's goal was to minimize site costs without adversely affecting the program or future potential for an expanded Community Center. The new building would achieve Lexington's sustainability standards. It is envisioned as a one- story structure as educators do not support a taller building that might house a non-conventional grade configuration with kindergarten classrooms on a second floor. Superintendent Dr. Czajkowski stated the new space, not including the possible 4-classroom extension, is designed to accommodate 187 slots, an addition of 30 slots from the current LCP capacity. The morning program is more desirable for special needs students; regular education students more often stay the full day. LCP Director Ms. Billings-Fouhy said four of the planned seven classrooms can accommodate afternoon programs. There would be 75 parking spaces to accommodate LCP plans. Additional Community Center parking has not been discussed at this stage. Mr. Kelley suggested that inclusion of the 4-classroom extension building shell be considered, even if the space is not strictly needed at this time. Mr. Kelley further recommended not to allow vehicular entrance and exit via Massachusetts Avenue due to poor sightlines. He conveyed the hope that an agreement can be reached with the Scottish Rite, which has agreed to permit existing traffic through the museum property. Mr. Goddard summarized the meeting's conclusions: there is no objection to the LCP siting as proposed; the design team will proceed with a schematic design estimate, including sustainability estimates based on an all-electric power source, for approval at the next Summit on September 13, 2017. After caucusing to discuss the extended shell concept, the consensus was not to include it since the proposal without the shell is intended to satisfy program needs for 10 years. In a final note, Dr. Czajkowski noted that there are now 200 more students registered than at this time last year. An additional kindergarten section and an additional fifth grade class will be added at Estabrook but classroom aid coverage there has now reached maximum capacity. Ballot Questions for Potential Debt Exclusion Vote Three issues were considered: