HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12-07-DAC-min
DAC
ESIGNDVISORYOMMITTEE
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
Meeting Minutes:
December 7, 2005
Present:
Colin Smith (Chair), John Frey, Betsy Whitman, Parker Hirtle, Greg Zurlo, Bahig Kaldas, Alenka
Slezak, Eric Brown
Scribe:
Colin Smith
Call to Order:
The Meeting was Called to Order at 7:30PM by Colin 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 driveways away from the intersection (thus reducing the number of
access points), increasing the landscape buffer space along the abutting residential property line,
locating the garage service doors away 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 adequately 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
very concerned about the size, height and location of the proposed canopy. There was some
discussion to learn if there was the possibility to locate the canopy further from the abutting
residential neighbors and to lower the canopy 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 photometric site
plan ensuring there is no light spill onto adjacent property, light fixture specifications for the
canopy 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
(preferably to include trees similar in size and spacing to what is currently 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 capacity
of the pumping station will be increased 50% over its current capacity (6 existing to 9 proposed
pumping stations). The proposed canopy will be larger than the canopy 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 intensity of use on the site. There is a strong feeling that
the increased intensity of use on this site will further burden an already congested intersection.
The Design Advisory 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 facility is not visible from
ground views, the Committee is not convinced this is the case. The roof plan and elevations
provided suggest the antenna facility 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 Advisory 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 they align with the main circulation routes. The proposed sidewalk area in the Dunkin
Donuts alley 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 during construction…), obtain a cost estimate to further the realization of
this project.
Other Business:
Sidewalk design (concrete versus brick) 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 Disability and the Department of Public Works.
Betsy Whitman suggested we contact David Tabeling about having the DAC’s picture taken for
the Town Report publication. Ideally this would happen at the next DAC meeting on 1/4/06.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:00PM.
Next Meeting:
Scheduled for Wed., January 4, 2006 @ 7:30PM.
Cc: Board of Selectmen
Planning Board