HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-03-01-DAC-min LEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes:
March 1 2006
Present:
Colin Smith(Chair),Bruce Creager,Parker Hirtle, Ginna Johnson,Alenka Slezak,Bruce Creager,John
Frey Timothy Lee, Greg Zurlo
Scribe:
Colin Smith
Call to Order
The Meeting was called to Order at 7.00PM by Colin Smith
Approvals.
Minutes of the February `06 meeting were approved with no corrections.
Presentations/Review
Gulf Service Station-Redevelopment(324 Waltham Street)
The project was presented by Mr Frank Monteiro of MHF Design Consultants and Mr Paul Wilson of
Cumberland Fanns. The Committee appreciates the changes the applicant has made to this proposal based
on previous DAC comments and recommendations. The overall project has been reduced in scale
(footprint,height,quantity of pumping stations,etc )and is a more appropriate development for this
neighborhood intersection.
The Committee recommends the caliper of the proposed Honey Locust trees be 3 in lieu of the 2-2 '/
proposed and the trash enclosure material be changed to cedar to match the proposed fence. In addition,
the DAC recommends the width of the decorative columns be increased by 50%-100%to better proportion
itself with the fascia panel above
The Design Advisory Committee recommends this project be approved with the above-mentioned
recommendations.
Private Residence Site Wall(12 Essex Street)
The Committee recommends the scale of the proposed site wall be reduced using a combination of the
following suggestions.
- Terrace the site wall into two parts
- Lower the elevation of the backyard or increase the slope of the yard to reduce the height of the
wall.
- Step down the height of the retaining wall at its highest point,to reduce overall height.
- Utilizing large natural stone boulders(cited Wilson Fanns example)in lieu of concrete blocks.
- Removing the top course of blocks and increasing the height of the railing to minimize visual
height.
- Style of railing should be more residential in appearance,versus highway pipe rail detail(42'
high)
- Landscape plantings along the site wall to provide screening of wall, since a large portion of the
existing buffer vegetation is proposed to be removed.
- Planting of vegetation to stabilize slope of land and potentially reduce overall height of the
retaining wall.
In addition,the DAC recommends the weep holes be increased to 8 centers to relieve any excess water
pressure The constructability aspect should be investigated with a contractor, since there is some concern
about the effect the installation of the geogrid will have on the existing house foundation. The committee
encourages the applicant to begin discussions with several contractors to discuss logistics and pricing, since
it s suspected this will be a very costly project. Scaling back the proposal should help reduce costs and the
visual impact on the bikeway
The Design Advisory Committee recommends the applicant pursue the above-mentioned suggestions and
schedule another meeting with the DAC
Freestanding Sign-Lexington Eye Associates(21 Worthen Road)
Review of this project was delayed so that the DAC could attend the Starwood Hotels presentation to the
Planning Board. The project will be reviewed in coming days via email.
Other Business.
Attended the Starwood Hotel presentation to the Planning Board.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8.30PM.
Next Meeting:
Scheduled for Wed. April 5 2006 7.30PM.
Cc. Board of Selectmen
Wendy Manz,Planning Board Liaison