HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-06-DAC-min LEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes:
March 6,2007
Present:
Cohn Smith(Chair),John FreN Alenka Slezak,Ti moth Lee,Balug Kaldas,Guma Johnson
Scribe:
Cohn Smith
Call to Order
The Meeting was called to Order at 7 30PM.
Approvals.
None
Presentations/Review
95 Hayden Ave-VistaPnnt Sign
The DAC was presented with a design for a wall mounted sign. The size,color and location of the sign were found to
be acceptable,there were no issues.
128 Spring Street-Wireless FacihN
The DAC was presented with a design for a wireless facihtti to be located on the rooftop of the main building structure,
adjacent to existing vent stacks. The size and location were found to be acceptable and the DAC s only request was
that the antenna be painted to match the existing rooftop stacks.
27 MuzzeN Street
The DAC was presented with a revised site plan in response to previous DAC concerns. Some of the safet, concerns
and amount of impervious surface area raised in the nutial meeting were addressed m the revised plan presented.
However,the DAC did not feel the new plan addressed those concerns adequately enough. This propertti is unusual in
the sense that it is a commercial use in a residential district,and in its current state,the parking lot and dual driveways
results in an overdeveloped parcel when compared to the rest of the block.
In an effort to be supportive of this project while respecting the adjacent neighborhood context,the DAC strongly
recommends the following changes be made to the sketch site plan dated 3/5/07
1 Remove one parking space nearest MuzzzeN Street to increase the landscape buffer area(for a total width of
roughly 20 landscape buffer area),whereas the current 1)N,-law requirement is 25' A tree should be placed m
this area adjacent to the dnvewaN to replace one of the existing trees to be removed.
2 The existing fence along the front of the property (currently screening the parking area)should be removed,
which will improve visibihtti for exiting cars and pedestnan safet, The applicant maty have the option to
relocate this fence along the new parking lot edge.
3 The proposed landscape strip adjacent to the handicap space shall remain as proposed but a tree should be
located here as well(adjacent to the dnvewaN)to replace the other existing tree that is to be removed.
4 The row of parking along the western edge(should now be a total of 10 spaces,including the handicap space).
This area of parking shall remain gravel,not paved.
5 The existing dnve and curb cut along the eastern lot line shall be removed as far back as the existing fence line
and a new fence installed to screen the parking in the rear and service entrance to the basement. This will
establish one curb cut for the property (the condition of all other properties within the residential district),
reduce impervious area and establish a more complete transition buffer area,to better meet the intent of the
zoning 1)N,-laws.
6 To better serve the maintenance entrance and replace the one parking space removed at the front of the propertti
(it ma, be possible to pick up another one or two spaces),the DAC recommends the direction of the parking
be switched back to its current layout(headlights facing fence along rear lot line). This will also elmimate
the tandem parking setup.
The DAC is verb concerned about the densib of this site and views the above comments as minimum requirements that
should be met for this project to gam approval. If site hghtmg is proposed,a site hghtmg plan w/photometncs and
fixture cut sheets shall be submitted for review and approval. A construction plan shall be submitted for final approval.
Lexington DPW
The DAC reviewed the latest building design and site plan for the proposed new DPW facihh, Building
materials were also presented for review There were no significant comments raised with respect to the building
and materials,except for concern about the durabihh, of the metal panel system near the front entrance A
thorough site design presentation was given as well. Comments regarding the site design focused larger on
expanding the bioretention areas specifically the rain garden to engage the building in lieu of the neatly
bordered grass strips and edging along the building. The idea of replacing all or part of the lawn at the front yard
with a meadow or bioretention area was discussed to reduce the maintenance costs and restore a more natural
setting for this large facihh,
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at approxumateh 10.30PM.
Next Meeting:
Scheduled for Tuesda,April 3(d 7 30PM.
Cc Board of Selectmen
Wench Manz,Plammmg Board Liaison