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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12-07-DAC-min DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TOWN OF LEXINGTON Meeting Minutes December 7 2005 Present: Coln Smith(Chair) John Fre` Bets\ Whitman, Parker Hirtle Greg Zurlo Bahig Kaldas,Alenka Slezak, Enc Brown Scribe Cohn Smith Call to Order The Meeting was Called to Order at 7 30PM b\ Cohn Smith Approvals Minutes of the November 05 meeting were approved with minor corrections Presentations/Review Captain Parker Arms Sign Design Review postponed until the next DAC meeting on 1/4/06 Gulf Station(324 Marrett Road) The Committee feels that several improvements have been made to the site which include locating the entrance and exit dnveways awa` from the intersection (thus reducing the number of access points) increasing the landscape buffer space along the abutting residential propert\ line locating the garage service doors awa` from street view and general car circulation improvements Trees and a six foot high fence are proposed along the west lot line (abutting residential side) however because of grade variations it appears as though a six foot high fence will not adequatel` screen the project from the windows on the first floor of the abutting house A higher fence was discussed to improve the screening The abutting residential neighbors are \Ten concerned about the size height and location of the proposed canoe` There was some discussion to learn if there was the possibilit\ to locate the canoe` further from the abutting residential neighbors and to lower the canoe` to the minimum allowed for truck access The Committee requested additional information from the applicant before a definitive recommendation can be made to the Board of Appeals These items include a photometnc site plan ensuring there is no light spill onto adjacent propert\ light fixture specifications for the canoe` and freestanding light poles, and sample of material/finish of the proposed fencing to be used. In addition to the landscape screening along the western lot line the Committee is interested to know what landscaping will be provided along the intersection planting bed (preferabl` to include trees similar in size and spacing to what is currentl` across the street at the Mobil Station) The existing freestanding sign structure and internal illumination will remain and a new facing will be applied to update the look of the sign. The Committee would like to see an image showing the proposed sign improvements The biggest concern the Committee has with the proposal is the scale of the project. The capacit\ of the pumping station will be increased 50%over its current capacit\ (6 existing to 9 proposed pumping stations) The proposed canoe` will be larger than the canoe` of the Mobil Station and because of sloping grade conditions will appear to be a massive structure In addition, a food store is proposed further increasing the intensit\ of use on the site There is a strong feeling that the increased intensit\ of use on this site will further burden an alread` congested intersection. The Design Advisors Committee recommends the review of this proposal be continued until further information is supplied and the size of the project is reconsidered. Nextel Communications (1666 Massachusetts Ave-Rooftop) Although some of the documentation presented suggests the proposed faciht` is not visible from ground views,the Committee is not convinced this is the case The roof plan and elevations provided suggest the antenna faciht` will be visible from abutting properties Therefore we request that a mock-up be performed(staking the corners of the proposed structure at the proper location and height)to better understand the impact the project will have on the roofscape and surrounding town views The mock-up should be documented through photographs taken at each corner of the building from a distance The Design Advisors Committee recommends the review of this proposal be continued until further information is supplied. Center Parking Plan (CVS Lot) Carl Oldenburg presented a plan for the Center Parking Lot showing 90 degree parking with nine additional spaces,new curbing/sidewalk,planting beds and bike path access points The DAC recommended reducing the number of bike path access points into the parking lot to two areas and that the\ align with the main circulation routes The proposed sidewalk area in the Dunkin Donuts alle\ should be studied to allow for the functioning of the adjacent loading/garage area. The DAC recommended this project be developed,think through the logistics of construction (where do people park dunng construction ) obtain a cost estimate to further the realization of this project. Other Business Sidewalk design(concrete versus bnck) for the Center was discussed and the DAC believes it is necessary to establish design guidelines that are the result of discussions with the Sidewalk Committee Commission on Disabilrt` and the Department of Public Works Bets\ Whitman suggested we contact David Tabeling about having the DAC s picture taken for the Town Report publication. Ideall` this would happen at the next DAC meeting on 1/4/06 Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at approximatel` 10 OOPM. Next Meeting: Scheduled for Wed. Januar\ 4 2006 « 7 30PM. Cc Board of Selectmen Planning Board