HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-11-08-CSDRC-minTown of Lexington
Center Streetscape Design Review Ad Hoc Committee
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Parker Room, Lexington Town Hall
8:00 AM to 10 AM
Minutes
Attendees:
Committee Members: Committee Chair Howard Levin, Victoria Buckley (Disability
Commission), Nancy Corcoran - Ronchetti (Planning Board), Anne L. Eccles (HDC),
Margaret Enders (Bicycle Advisory), John Frey (Tree Comm.), Wendall Kalsow
(Historic Commission), Timothy Lee (Design Advisory),
Pamela F. Shadley (Center Comm.)
Liaisons; Elaine C. Doran (Garden Club), Eric Michelson (Retailers), David Wells
(Historical Society)
Invitees: Bob Adams (HDC), Nancy Adler, Jeff Bowman(Irrigation Consultant),
Elizabeth Brach, Kelly Carr (Beta Group), Jay Flynn, Ken Ho (Beta Group), Fred
Johnson, John Livsey (DPW), Gerry Paul, David Pinsonneault (DPW)
Chair Howard Levin called the meeting to order at 8:04AM and passed the
attendance sign in sheet. The October 25 minutes were approved.
Levin noted changes to the Revised work plan.
Kelly Carr from Beta Group presented her report on the current plan's tree
selection, placement and design.
Existing trees (Pear, Linden and Ash) need to be assessed prior to removal or
replacement. Tree bylaw must be taken into account and permits obtained.
Trunk flare, canopy growth and quality of nursery stock all must be taken into
account when choosing species. Some suggested species: Gingko, Honey Locust,
Linden, Elm, Zelkova, Tulip. Selection does not have to be limited to native
varieties. Tall species preferred in order to prune bottom branches so as not to
cover storefronts (and store signage). Chosen species must be proven to do well
in an urban setting. A mix of species preferred, so possible disease wouldn't effect
entire planting.
J.
The current plan shifts from Sasaki's concept of using a double row of trees and
proposes 24 grouped trees and a single row of 12.
Kalsow commented it is important to keep the Sasaki Plan and tree placement as
it is and work with the existing design both on a historic and technical basis. He
encouraged looking at this project as preserving a historic landscape.
A suggestion was made to color code the existing tree locations on the plan so to
get a better idea of proposed (new) placements.
It may be possible to add a few trees on Waltham Street.
Tree planting will require larger wells, structural soil and careful thought to
irrigation. Depot Square, Emery Park was noted as a successful planting as the
trees there are thriving.
Tree grates allow water penetration and reduce soil compaction. However, trunk
flare (growth) can outgrow the grate and the grates collect debris.
Jeff Bowman, Independent irrigation consultant presented a report on urban
irrigation of trees. There are three basic methods of irrigation; drip rings, drip
stakes and root watering. Drip rings and root watering canisters may not
sufficiently penetrate tree's root ball. Drip stakes are placed directly into root ball
and offer the best results. Soil structure is also a key factor for water absorption
and retention. Irrigation systems in order to be successful must be managed and
maintained.
Timothy Lee reported on Tier 2 progress. The committee continues to go through
the various components on the list. They have chosen components that they
would like to see eliminated from the plan.
Anne Eccles reported on Tier 3's progress: Committee is currently discussing
signage and its placement. Would welcome input and ideas from larger
committee.
Levin suggested to the committee that he would like to see more evocative
materials and ideas for historic context, and general interest - something beyond
the usual that shows people Lexington's history. We should think beyond
signage. We can then consider whether a novel idea is appropriate.
Meeting adjourned at 10:15AM.
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