HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-11-22-CSDRC-minTown of Lexington
Center Streetscape Design Review Ad Hoc Committee
Tuesday, November 22, 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.), Jonathan A. Himmel
(Tourism), Wendall Kalsow (Historic Commission),
Timothy Lee (Design Advisory), Pamela F. Shadley (Center Comm.)
Liaisons; Elaine C. Doran (Garden Club), Wendy Manz (Capital Exp),
Eric Michelson (Retailers), Glen Parker (Approp.), David Wells (Historical Society)
Fred Johnson (Chamber)
Invitees: Nancy Adler, George Burnell, Mark Connor, Dick Friedson,
John Livsey (DPW), Gerry Paul, David Pinsonneault (DPW)
Chair Howard Levin called the meeting to order at 8:07AM and passed the
attendance sign in sheet.
Lee circulated updated Tier 2 Draft Report. Discussion ensued regarding the use
of rehabilitation, renovation or preservation to describe project's purpose.
The selection of tree species is key to overall design and practicality. Trees must
be tall enough so branching doesn't obscure store frontage or signage. Over time,
the tree shape will rely on proper maintenance (pruning).
A suspending paving system, Silva Cell seems to be the ideal choice for planting.
This method creates volume and allows for maximum growing space for root
system. Bartlett Tree expert's test study proved trees planted with Silva Cell
method outperformed trees planted in structural soil. This method does not
impact installation of brick sidewalks. A cost comparison is needed for Silva Call
vs. structural soil.
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A suggestion was made to make a definitive decision to remove all trees in order
to create a consistent design.
The report recommends a palette of trees to choose from, eliminating varieties
with flowers or berries. The report should include criteria that includes growth
habits for each suggested variety.
In addition to the irrigation system, it was suggested an under layer of concrete
be added in order to capture stormwater.
Recommendation made to ask Beta Group to evaluate the East end area of the
plan to include a tree lined carriage path from the Edison Building to Fletcher Ave.
This would include adding a row of trees to the existing one in order to create a
double row.
Anne Eccles commented on Tier 3 progress. A Power Point presentation that
includes budgeting and DPW input is forthcoming.
John Himmel: Beta should be making the cost assessment to reflect the
committee's changes. We aren't qualified to estimate costs in DOT format.
Time constraints (report deadline) prohibit pursuing cost budgeting now. Best to
identify where savings can be made and identify the elements we can eliminate
from the design.
The Selectmen will need some form of costs when looking to approve the
plan /report.
Glenn Parker: The Appropriations Committee will look at the plan in the most
practical way for funding, therefore offering a Plan A and Plan B alternative in the
final report will be helpful. Also the use of a five year plan that includes three
phases: Design, Construction Document and Construction.
Himmel suggested Beta's 25% plan be rewritten to reflect the committee's
changes.
The existing Teak Bench Program is working well and Tier 2 recommends keeping
it in place. Adding a backless seating area(s), such as in the Grain Mill Alley design
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and that coordinates with the existing benches would be desirable. Also, adding a
few seating options with either middle arms or single chairs that also coordinate
with the existing benches to accommodate those with disabilities or in
wheelchairs.
The plan also includes the suggestion to re- configure some of the seating
arrangements in order to create more conversation areas.
Reserving some open space in the plan to create utilitarian areas, such as for
temporary art installations is desirable.
Tier 2 recommends the addition of tables and chairs to be the responsibility of
individual businesses.
Tier 2 members expressed interest in the use of some temporary seasonal parking
for bicycles such as an additional parklet.
Suggestion was made to remove singular bike racks in favor of more clustered
racks. Creating a hub of racks in a designated area such as at the Edison Building
was suggested. Suggestion made to re- locate coat hanger style racks to other
areas in town.
The existing whiskey barrel planter containers could be replaced with a suitable
model, with similar dimensions, made of fiberglass or other lightweight material.
Existing tree curbing serves good purpose in protecting trees, providing extra
seating and discouraging bicycle tie -ups. The use of tree grates on the South side
of Mass Ave. where space is limited is recommended.
Sub - groups will meet next week. The next Ad -Hoc Committee meeting is
scheduled for December 6th at 8AM.
Meeting adjourned at 10:05.
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