HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-12-12-DAC-MIN
LEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
December 12, 2006
To:
Board of Appeals
Re:
286 Lincoln Street ; Arlex Oil Corporation (Sunoco Gas Station)
At its regular meeting on December 5, 2006, the DAC was presented with proposed
renovations to 286 Lincoln Street, formerly a Sunoco Gas/Service Station. The most
significant change to the property is converting the existing garage service bays into a
convenience store (w/ Dunkin Donut vending area), small addition along the southern
edge of the structure and freestanding fence enclosure for dumpster.
The DAC is generally supportive of the proposed design, with the following comments.
1. Site Design:
a.
The parking space calculation stipulated in the Zoning By-Laws requires 17
spaces and one loading bay. The By-Laws do not take into account the 8 parking spaces
at each service pump and in fact require 1 additional space for each pair of pumps. The
DAC strongly recommends relief be granted to the 17 required parking spaces to a total
of 13 spaces (3 removed at rear of building and the first space nearest Marrett Road).
Removing the three spaces along the rear lot line would improve the landscape buffer to
the adjacent residential property (3’ provided, By-Laws requires 20’) and would also
improve fire truck access/circulation around the building, currently at 11’ wide, 14’ wide
is the standard for fire lanes). Removing the first parking space along Marrett Road
would allow for additional landscape space (with street tree) and reduce the excessive
curb cut that currently serves the site. The vehicular nature of this site (the majority of
this site is asphalt paved) and the significant encroachment of the pump station canopy on
building setbacks results in a relatively desolate piece of land in this otherwise residential
area.
b.
Likewise, the applicant is encourage to increase the freestanding landscape
island along Lincoln Street (within the property and with the town on modifying the 10’
sidewalk). This not only increases the landscape buffer area but also creates the
opportunity to plant a street tree.
c.
Consider replacement of worn stockade fence along rear of building, to match
the newer adjacent fence.
2. Building Design
a.
Full cut-off lighting “dark sky” is recommended for the building lighting.
b.
Recommend a total of three trellises along the West façade with cap to match
window headers. In addition, we would recommend the trellis along the East façade be
enlarged to better match the scale of wall that it is going on.
c.
Recommend painted metal panel for canopy facing in lieu of wood clapboard
and trim.
The DAC recommends this project be approved, with the above-mentioned comments.
Respectfully submitted,
Colin P. Smith AIA, Chairman
Lexington Design Advisory Committee
Cc: Board of Selectmen
LEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
December 12, 2006
To:
Board of Appeals
Re:
1720 Massachusetts Ave. The Commons at Lexington (formerly BGI)
At its regular meeting on December 5, 2006, the DAC was presented with modifications
to the design. The intent of the presentation was to review comments and suggestions
made at the last DAC meeting on November 7, 2006.
1. Lighting:
The quantity of light fixtures has been reduced and the architect is
researching light fixtures that are classified as “dark sky”
.
2. Street Trees:
The lack of street trees along Waltham Street remains a significant
drawback to the streetscape of the Center. It was suggested previously that two trees be
introduced to the sidewalk in front of the storefront along Waltham Street. The architect
has reviewed this with the project landscape architect and has cited the overhead
power/telephone lines would make this difficult. Therefore the option of increasing the
sidewalk into the street at each end of the parking garage entrance to make proper
allowance for street tree planting. This would require manipulating the parallel street
parking and possibly loosing one metered space. This solution has the added benefit of
making the garage entrance safer for pedestrians and vehicles by improving site lines.
This solution is strongly supported by the DAC since there do not appear to be any other
alternatives for an allowance of street trees in this part of the Center.
3. Materials:
There was continued discussion regarding the type of brick to be used.
Both the water struck and sand struckbrick samples are used on surrounding buildings. A
mock up panel was discussed in order to make a final decision on site with the HDC. The
most recent changes to the building materials along Waltham Street (less precast concrete
and more wood), as was suggested by the HDC is appropriate. The economics of using
precast concrete over natural stone should be weighed since there is now less material.
The difference would be a more durable material and sharper detailing.
4. Courtyard Plantings:
The planter detail along the courtyard and garage entrance
was reviewed and addresses previous DAC concerns.
5. Railings:
The recommendation by the DAC to reconsider the color of the railings
(from light color to dark) was given appropriate consideration. For well explained
reasons, the applicant prefers to maintain the lighter color railings.
The DAC recommends this project be approved, with the above-mentioned comments.
Respectfully submitted,
Colin P. Smith AIA, Chairman
Lexington Design Advisory Committee
Cc: Board of Appeals
Board of Selectmen