HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-10-13-DAC-min DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
Meeting Minutes:
October 13 2005
Present:
Coln Smith(Chair) Bruce Creager John Fre` Bahig Kaldas,Alenka Slezak, Bets\ Whitman,
Greg Zurlo
Scribe:
Greg Zurlo
Call to Order:
The special meeting was called to order at 7 30PM b\ Coln Smith
Presentations/Review:
Battle Green Inn Redevelopment
This Special Meeting was called b\ Chair Coln Smith at the request of Erik Rhodin of Line
Compan\ Architects for input from the DAC on the revised proposal for the redevelopment of the
Battle Green property referenced b\ the developers as The Commons in Lexington Center
Present from the development team was Erik Rhodin, Gwendolen Noves, and Arthur Klipfel
DAC members received plans and elevations of the project and a project companson matnx pnor
to the meeting via email Distributed this evening was a cover letter describing the most
prevalent project revisions Erik Rhodin led the presentation.
The following items were discussed.
1 On street and below grade parking layout.
2 Increased setback dimension along the East propert\ line (adjacent to Cohoes lot)
3 Setback along the West (Waltham St) elevation was realigned to be responsive to the
Windspeed and Vinn\ T buildings,which results in a wider sidewalk.
4 Along with the alread` proposed handicapped access at the pnman residence entr\ on
Waltham Street,the Mass Ave entr\ has been revised for accessibilit\ as well
5 Reasoning for the Waltham St parking ramp entr\ and the issue of traffic was discussed.
It was explained b\ the presenters that although the ongmal decision for the relocation of
the entr\ drive to Waltham Street was for more retail frontage on the Mass Ave Through
the approval process this decision for the relocation has been supported b\ vanous traffic
studies Other items discussed include
a. The greater distance the new Waltham Street entr\ curb cut is compared to the
distance of the Mass Ave curb improves visibilit\
b Sight lines are further improved b\ providing a shallower ramp slope A
transition slope is also shown allowing better visibilit\ and improving pedestnan
safet\
c The current Mass Ave dnvewa\ location presents numerous vehicular and
pedestnan safet\ issues (adjacent roads/dnveways, crosswalk, 4 lanes of traffic &
sightlines)
d. Arthur Klipfel described a `traffic mock-up performed b\ their traffic consultant
that found short dela` times turning into the Windspeed dnvewa` and supporting
the notion traffic back up being minimal compared to a Mass Ave location.
6 The Chair and Committee concurred with the advantages of relocating the garage access
location.
7 Members of the Committee noted the elimination of the fourth floor modification of
cornice lines, and gentler projection of upper story dormers, all of which improve the
overall scale of the project versus its preceding design.
8 The overall facade detail treatment was reduced and described b\ Bruce Creager as
being a more fnendl` neighbor
9 John Fre` showed plans of a trenched tree root planting detail `treewa` that was used
around Depot Square and some discussion focused on seeking opportunities to appl\ this
and other planting options into the project. The presenters agreed to review this detail
and its applicabilit\ to the Waltham Street sidewalk.
10 It was asked how and if sustainable strategies would be incorporated into the project.
The presenters explained it was common for their projects to incorporate these ideas For
example the\ select projects that are close to public transportation reducing traffic and
promoting walking or use of public transportation, like Lexpress Erik Rhodin noted that
prefabncated wall construction techniques are being considered for their sustainable
qualities and the speed of construction for a bus\ town center
The DAC responds positivel\ to the prehmmarn design plans presented thus far Final comments
from the Committee include a request to see developed details, color selection, and matenals of
the building as the project moves forward. The Committee members unanimousl` support the
proposal as presented and the Chair has offered to provide a letter of support for publication in
the Lexington Minuteman.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at approximatel` 9.00PM.
Next Meeting:
Scheduled for Wed. November 2, 2005 « 7 30PM.
Cc Board of Selectmen
Planning Board