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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-07-29-GMA-min Grain Mill Alley Ad Hoc Steering Committee Meeting Minutes 27 July 2015 In Attendance : Fred Johnson (Chair), Cristina Burwell (Note-taker), Joe Pato, Michael Boudett, Kerry Brandin, Melisa Tintocalis, Ginna Johnson, Paul Ross, Joseph Trani, John Frey, Eric Gunn, Michael Boudett Guest : Emily Passman, Lexington Council for the Arts Meeting began at 9:05am Peter provided hand-outs for the document he created that organized the Committee’s original group of questions into categories. Fred began the meeting noting that the group was charged with providing design guidelines for the design firm - noting special opportunities or problems to be incorporated in the designs. Cristina agreed to have today’s minutes ready for Fred to send along to the design firm (GroundView) so that they could be prepared for their meeting with this group in August. Last meeting’s minutes were approved unanimously, with a motion by Mike and second by Ginna. Regarding the other questions posed in today’s agenda, following is the Committee’s consensus: 1. Design in the private space should be for uses which are more passive than active, and design for the public space nearest Mass Ave be for uses which are more active. 2. Seating in the private space should be fixed; tables to be avoided in the private space. 3. We define no need for formal “shelter”but elements providing for shade would be welcome. 4. There should be lighting of the pedestrian pathway to provide safe passage in darkness; other lighting might be decorative, creative, productive of ambiance. 5. Low height plantings (no higher than 18”) would be welcome, as would trees with a higher canopy (per bank’s requirements). 6. Provision in the public space nearest Mass Ave for flexibility and interactivity. 7. Provision for exhibit of art in both the public and private spaces. 8. Sensitivity to the need for low cost ongoing maintenance of whatever is built in the spaces. 9. If streetlights are included in the design, they should conform to those extant in the Center, and not introduce new design. A motion for this concensus to be added to the minutes of GMA meeting of July 29 was made by Michael Boudett and seconded by Kerry Brandin. draft 7.29.15 cburwell 1 of 4 Discussion 1. Field test of furniture and lighting Melisa shared photos of the current layout with a giant checkerboard near Mass. Ave, 3 tables with 4 chairs each, and 2 umbrellas. Lights were requested by BOS to have low-cost testing. These are solar at $12 each. DPW provided power cords. The design is flexible and light. Four barrels of flowers shelter the checkerboard area from the street. It was decided that it would be good to have more barrels, both near street and in the private walkway space by the furniture. 2. How to measure success of field-tested furniture and lighting Melisa noted that previously pedestrian and cyclist activity was recorded and those metrics could be used to help measure success. Fred noted that the group needs to be able to respond to the need to show results beyond gathering data. Fred showed the image of a sandwich board at the site that promotes community feedback. Cristina inquired about sharing this public feedback mechanism on the town listservs and Melisa noted that she could activate social media sites on My Sidewalk and Facebook. This would provide a “thread” for folks making comments. Ginna offered to put this information out on the town meeting members’ listserv, and Cristina offered to put it on the town listserv. This request put to town would include encouraging folks to spend time in the space and providing feedback. Melisa was volunteered to compile this feedback for next meeting. 3. Flexibility of use John Frey noted that the checkerboard was very nice and it might be good for this area (near to Mass. Ave.) to be considered for changing “exhibits” rather than something permanent. Michael noted that perhaps there could be some oversight to this arrangement by the high school or arts council, etc. Kerry suggested that this would provide another reason to visit the space if it were changing. Fred noted that there would need to be some sort of responsibility for groups to pt something there as well as maintenance for something once there; ownership of it. Cristina suggested that this might be something the Lexington Center Alliance might be interested in. 4. Public art Fred commented on a talk he attended last week on the value of public art installation - and of note, the act of providing the experience of the unexpected, and the building of memories. Cristina confirmed the Council for the Arts’ experience likewise and noted that the Council granted state monies for town use in the arts each year. The grant application deadline is October 15. Jay pointed out that if art is put in the private space, there should not be anything planned for the blank wall of his building (which could open up with windows at some point in the future). Mike and Cristina noted that it was possible to have some stand-alone piece there (mosaic, mural, etc.). 5. Comments by landlords, etc. draft 7.29.15 cburwell 2 of 4 Jay commented on behalf of his building’s tenants (1775 Mass. Ave.) that there is a concern for increased noise with the current design. Committee members thanked him for getting this information out now in the design process.Eric noted that the bank’s understanding in this process was that the designs in the private passageway between the two buildings was more of a throughway than a place to lounge. With respect to noise, Ginna reminded the group that the current noise was seasonal. Likewise, perhaps lighting would remind visitors that after-hours is a fine time to use this space to linger. Ginna also pointed out that tenants will change over time so that should be part of this group’s thinking. Eric reminded the group that the bank is basically a 24-hour business (w ATM) and so designs need to be mindful of this. 6. Specific areas Mike noted that there were specific considerations needed for the private property, and the Committee should focus on the town area for any design that might promote visitors to linger. Melisa provided a quick sketch showing a “dumbell” image with the public engagement at either end of the private walkway and parking lot. The group discussed not having the need for a “shelter” but that trees are very nice. Ginna noted that trees are often difficult to establish in urban zones. 7. Simple design Eric noted that his experience showed that a simple design is one that will get the job done with respect to funding. Fred noted the “Oldenburg Plan” that was originally conceived for the space and was relatively simple with plants and benches. 8. Budget The group discussed the difference between a monetary cap we want to design toward, and the potential for town funding. The group reviewed considerations for spending between $200K - $400K. Ginna noted that for $250K we would likely go through the money quickly and may need to go back to ask for more (which is not always a do-able task). A second alternative is to ask for $400K and come in lower. ginna suggested in the $200-$300K range to keep it simple yet, not stifle creativity. * A motion to accept a budget cap between $200K - $300K was made by Mike and seconded by Ginna, with unanimous approval of the group. 9. Streetscape & town design Mike inquired about how this fits into the Streetscape project, noting a visual and sound barriers by Mass. Ave. Fred suggested that this group continue on with plans and if we finish before the Streetscape project that we provide them with something to model from. Jay noted that the Committee stay mindful to HDC concerns in the future. 10. Next meeting The next meeting will be on August 26. Eden from GroundView will be attending. The Committee expects to provide her with these minutes and design notes this week so that she has time to review them, and can come to the meeting prepared for a working session to sketch out some ideas based on this information. draft 7.29.15 cburwell 3 of 4 Meeting adjourned at 10:47am Action Items • Today’s minutes sent to Fred/Melisa this week - Cristina • Request for 3 more barrels with plantings. Interest in finding out if DPW has any around to use - Fred • Set up Facebook page - Melisa • Set up“My Sidewalk”- Melisa • Send PR message about “temporary resolution”(released last week), and group link for social media threads being used as feedback vehicle - Melisa • Advertise this information to residents - All • Advertise this information to TM and town listservs - Ginna & Cristina • Compile residents’feedback to current pocket-park set up - Melisa draft 7.29.15 cburwell 4 of 4