HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-10-11-CSDRC-min
Town of Lexington
Center Streetscape Design Review Ad Hoc Committee
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Parker Room, Lexington Town Hall
8:00 AM to 10 AM
Minutes
Attendees:
Committee Members: Committee Chair Howard Levin, Anne L. Eccles (HDC),
Margaret Enders (Bicycle Advisory), John Frey (Tree Comm.), Jonathan A. Himmel
(Tourism), Wendell C. Kalsow (Historical Comm.), Timothy D. Lee (Design Advisory
Comm.),Pamela F. Shadley (Center Comm.)
Liaisons; Elaine C. Doran (Garden Club), Wendy Manz (Capital Expenditures),
David Wells (Historical Society), Eric Michelson (Retailer's Assoc.), Glenn Parker
(Appropriations Comm.), Ada Wong (Chamber of Commerce)
Public: Nancy Adler, Elizabeth Brach, Mark Connor, Jay Flynn, Fred Johnson, Gerry
Paul, David Pinsonneault (DPW), Francine Stieglitz
Today's Speaker: Jay Emperor, PressleyAssociates
The meeting was called to order at 8:08 AM. Chair Levin welcomed attendees
and passed attendance sign-in sheet. Copies of the revised Work Plan, today's
agenda and Sept. 27th minutes were distributed.
The minutes of the September 27 meeting were accepted and approved noting
the following correction: Page 3: Enders will present on bicycle/parking
accommodation at October 25th meeting.
Tier 2 Sub-Committee Chair, Timothy Lee, updated the committee on the results
of the meeting held on Thursday, October 6th at 7PM at the Community Center.
One of the most important issues discussed were the selection, quantity and
placement of trees. It was suggested that a consultant would be helpful. The
group's overall consensus was to widen the sidewalks where applicable, use brick
sidewalks and extend the tree alley to unify the design throughout the center.
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Levin reminded the Committee it needs to nail down recommendations by
November 8th. Will need presenters to go through each aspect of the plan.
Need resources in order to set up speakers on aspects of Tier 2.
It will help if Beta can furnish technical assistance on details and make a
presentation.
Levin welcomed Jay Emperor from PressleyAssociates, who then proceeded to
give a presentation of the Streetscape Plan drafted in 2011. Note: The
PressleyAssociates plan is available on the Streetscape Committee's website.
Presentation:
This 2011 plan took one year to complete and included five community
workshops, using that input as an integral part of their design. The plan's purpose
and intent focused on the circulation between public and private and safety
issues for traffic and pedestrians. The plan focused on the area between Meriam
and Woburn Streets and called for brick sidewalks and brick treatments for
crosswalks. This plan was overwhelmingly desired by the community and was
accepted by the Design Advisory Committee.
The plan included a mix of seating and gathering opportunities. Bump-outs were
incorporated to reduce crossing distances at crosswalks. The Sasaki Plan (note:
also available on Center Streetscape's website), was reviewed as part of Pressley's
final plan.
Trees that are less dense and therefore allow more light and visibility through the
branches are desirable so storefronts are more visible. Also less branches may
discourage birds from roosting.
Emperor stated that tree installation technology has many more options today to
prolong the life of trees. Wider sidewalks provide an option for larger planting
areas, which in turn is helpful and healthier for trees. Some recommended species
are: Honey Locust, London Plane, Zelkova, Red Maple, Ash. A smaller caliper tree
(planted) will mature faster than a larger one. Smaller caliper will also cost less.
When sidewalk work is underway, appropriate sub-structure soil and planting
beds can be installed.
Emperor stated that wire cut brick, properly installed on a concrete bed is their
(Pressley's) most preferred treatment. They are very confident for its use as a
material; no slipping, longer lifespan and less maintenance compared to cement.
Installation of brick is higher cost but there are more savings in the long run.
Pressleyplan also called for incorporating a 'Bike Box' at each crosswalk.
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Cities are moving away from all brick crosswalks and using brick edged and/or
painted graphics.
Discussion within Ad-Hoc group ensued with the following
comments/suggestions:
Pinsonneault (DPW) commented that North Side of Mass Ave treeway would
benefit from structural soil. DPW will work on providing a couple of scenarios with
specifics and costs and deliver in a couple of weeks.
Levin: Consider using a native species of tree.
A suggestion was made to plant fewer trees on the southside of Mass Ave to
allow for more root growth for each tree (sidewalks are narrower than North
side).
Committee needs more information on why the design can't include raised detail
(re. parades).
Lee commented that DAC previously recommended wider sidewalk from Post
Office to Woburn Street; might be good to incorporate that in design now.
More discussion followed on direction for Tier 2 Sub-Group;
Tier 2 Group is in agreement that the current Memorial Bench Program is good
but is open to exploring other options for creating additional conversation areas
in the plan. There is a need to follow up on cleaning methods used on benches
(with vendor) and address what may be a mold problem on existing benches.
Noted that there are funds for bench maintenance built in to the purchase of a
memorial bench.
Existing trash receptacles working nicely. DPW in favor of additional solar
powered receptacles as they are easy to empty.
Levin maintains the subject of maintenance and best practices consistently
resurfaces. "This is the sleeping giant of the project". The report should include
the costs of all the design elements including sidewalks, benches, lighting ,
trees etc.
Meeting Adjourned at 10:10 AM.
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