HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-03-COD-minCommission on Disability
November 3, 2011 Meeting Minutes
5: 45pm to 7: 00 pm
Room 111 Town Hall
Members Present: Victoria Buckley, Janice Cyr, Julie Miller, Leonard Morse - Fortier, Janet
Perry and Jennifer Williams.
Members Not Present: Susan Cusack, Michael Martinetti, and Francine Stieglitz.
Staff: Garry Rhodes
Additional Attendees: Maryann McCall - Taylor (Lexington Planning Dept)
Meeting Began at: 5:50 pm Meeting Adjourned at: 6: S7pm
1. Minutes for the September meeting were approved with minimal modifications.
October meeting did not have member quorum.
2. Presentation of Center Streetscape by Maryann McCall - Taylor. The objective of this
project is to make Lexington Center safer and more welcoming for all. Information
presented for the plans included:
a. The sidewalk sizes will remain the same as current.
b. A median has been from Grant Street to Winthrop Street and will be flush to
provide a visual cue for drivers.
c. Crosswalks have been changed to make them safer and bracketed to put
pedestrian out further so they can be seen more easily by motorists.
d. There is a proposal to put bike boxes with bike stops that are forward so the
bikes can start moving before the cars do.
e. There are increased connections to get on and off the bike path and signage
for retailers to encourage use of the center.
f Ramps will replace steps from bike path to center.
g. There is a proposed change in the intersection at Woburn Street and Mass Ave
to provide a safer intersection for pedestrians and motorists; and traffic
lighting at the crosswalks.
h. There will be better access to parking.
i. Materials have not been selected yet for the sidewalks.
The next step will be for the Center Streetscape committee to take comments from all
sources and present a draft of the plan at a Public Hearing on Tuesday, Dec 6 7:00
pm Cary Hall.
There was a discussion regarding sidewalk materials, specifically, the COD
recommending that brick not be used. Len and Jennifer will both send an email with
notes to Maryann McCall - Taylor to provide input.
Commission on Disability
November 3, 2011 Meeting Minutes
5: 45pm to 7: 00 pm
Room 111 Town Hall
3. Susan Barry — Town Celebrations Committee would like help and suggestions from
the CoD on access issues for town events. The next meeting is on December 1 at
7:00 pm Cary Hall. They will begin planning for the 2013 300th Anniversary soon.
4. Report by members about the Community Conversation meeting held at St. Bridgid's
on September 17
Review of past variance requests /issues:
a. Prime Roast Beef on Marrett Road — Victoria sent emails to owner and
architect about CoD's opposition to the variance.
b. Complaint at medical building at 57 Bedford Street — letters have been sent by
Victoria; awaiting response —if none, then go to addressing each tenant, then
to newspaper. CoD decided to wait a little longer for a response.
6. Update from members of group to assist with Shriver grant for Sue Wolf - Fordham —
if needed - Michael (replaced by Victoria due to Michael's medical issues), Jennifer,
and Julie- document to be reviewed by October 11 — lots of work and reading.
7. New business
a. Spaulding Outpatient Center for Children in Lexington — seeking an
architectural variance to put door releases high on walls (60" for safety
reasons in place caring for children with autism — documents reviewed and site
visit done by Victoria — variance will be supported since door releases need to
be childproof and putting them high on walls seems to be best alternative.
Victoria sent letter supporting this.
Next Meeting: December 1, 2011
Meeting Minutes Submitted by: Janice Cyr, Commission Member