HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-08-26-GMA-Design Criteria docx
Grain Mill Alley Steering Committee
Status of Defined Criteria for Permanent Installation Design as of
8/26/15
1. The Steering Committee supports the concept of an alternative
transportation “node” adjacent to the Minuteman Bikeway that includes the
following elements: a) the space should be prominent so that it attracts users
from both the Bikeway and the adjacent parking lots; b) it should provide
space for bicyclists and others to pull over safely from the Bikeway; c) it
should add to the existing bike parking capacity; d) it should provide
permanent, vertically-oriented maps, showing both the town layout and the
Bikeway as a whole, and e) that the one oversized parking space to the east
of exiting walkway should be taken and incorporated into the node . The
committee would like to see designs for the node area that include an
improvement of the entry from the Depot parking lot.
2. The committee supports the concept of the installation of a raised speed
table (i.e., a long raised hump with a flat section in the middle and ramps on
the ends) to calm traffic on Edison Way at the point where bicyclists and
walkers will cross vehicular traffic. The design should take into account
composition, visibility, drainage, and access by emergency vehicles.
3. The committee requests designs where pedestrian and vehicular traffic
ways are clearly defined and separate, beginning at the Bikeway and
extending through to the pedestrian walkway on Mass Ave. The design
should take into account existing conditions (e.g., vehicular parking and
traffic on Bank of America property) and include some form of signal and/or
barrier to encourage cyclists to dismount at the entrance to the private space
between the buildings.
4. The committee supports design with the following criteria for the private
space between the two existing buildings: a) Design should be for uses
which are more passive than active, with design for the public space nearest
Mass Ave be for uses which are more active. b) Seating should be fixed;
tables to be avoided in the private space. c) We define no need for formal
“shelter” but elements providing for shade would be welcome. d) Low
height plantings (no higher than 18”) would be welcome, as would trees with
a higher canopy (per bank’s requirements).
5. There should be lighting of the pedestrian pathway to provide safe
passage in darkness; other lighting might be decorative, creative, productive
of ambiance. If streetlights are included in the design, they should conform
to those extant in the Center, and not introduce new design.
6. General Considerations: a) Provision in the public space nearest Mass
Ave for flexibility and interactivity with some visual and protective barrier
at the Mass Ave curb. b) Provision for possible exhibit of art in both the
public and private spaces, possibly with elements which signal family-
friendliness. c) Sensitivity to the need for low cost ongoing maintenance of
whatever is built in the spaces.
7. Budget: The committee recommends limiting the budget for the
permanent installation at between $200,000 and $300,000.
Excerpted from meeting minutes by Fred Johnson 8/31/15