HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-07-DAC-MIN
LEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
November 7, 2006 - Meeting Minutes:
Present:
Colin Smith (Chair), John Frey, Ginna Johnson, Timothy Lee, Parker Hirtle, Alenka
Slezak, Betsy Whitman, Bahig Kaldas
Scribe: Colin Smith
Call to Order: The Meeting was called to Order at 7:30PM.
Approvals: Minutes of the previous meeting were approved with minor corrections.
Presentations/Review:
Battle Green Inn Redevelopment
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The DAC was presented with modifications to the design of BGI that was approved at
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Town Meeting. In general, the
DAC found the changes to be “minor in nature” and an improvement to the project as
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a whole.
Although material samples were provided and specific details discussed, the development
team is seeking advice from
HDC and DAC before finalizing selections. The DAC made the following comments:
1. Reduce the quantity and impact of sign lighting on the surrounding sidewalk. The
lighting should be minimal, enough to support it’s intended function, while allowing
retail storefront and street lighting to light public sidewalks (consistent in effect, with
other sign lighting techniques in town). A “dark sky”, cut off fixture was
recommended for this application.
2. It was recommended that the developer consider two street trees along Waltham
Street (there are currently no street trees along Waltham Street). It was suggested by
the developer that funding for this effort be drawn from the town improvement fund,
created by this project, at the discretion of the Board of Selectmen. The DAC strongly
encourages the implementation of street trees at this location.
3. The “water struck” brick sample was preferred over the “sand struck” sample, for its
color and variation in appearance, similar to brick used on adjacent buildings.
4. The DAC recommended the entry drive courtyard screening element be reconsidered
to address the view from Waltham Street (more planting/view, like what is rendered
on the elevations, but not supported in the details presented).
5. The DAC requested that the color of the railings be reconsidered (presented as white).
Although the proposed color would match the trim used on the building, there was
some concern over the ability to keep the railings clean and white when used on
railings or fencing tends to be more opaque in appearance. A darker color tends to be
softer in appearance, creating a filigree of transparency on the building, minimizing
the overall massing.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:00PM.
Next Meeting:
Scheduled for Tuesday December 5th @ 7:30PM.
Cc:
Board of Selectmen
Wendy Manz, Planning Board Liaison