Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-12-12-DAC-MIN LEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE December 12, 2006 To: Board of Appeals Re: 286 Lincoln Street ; Arlex Oil Corporation (Sunoco Gas Station) At its regular meeting on December 5, 2006, the DAC was presented with proposed renovations to 286 Lincoln Street, formerly a Sunoco Gas/Service Station. The most significant change to the property is converting the existing garage service bays into a convenience store (w/ Dunkin Donut vending area), small addition along the southern edge of the structure and freestanding fence enclosure for dumpster. The DAC is generally supportive of the proposed design, with the following comments. 1. Site Design: a. The parking space calculation stipulated in the Zoning By-Laws requires 17 spaces and one loading bay. The By-Laws do not take into account the 8 parking spaces at each service pump and in fact require 1 additional space for each pair of pumps. The DAC strongly recommends relief be granted to the 17 required parking spaces to a total of 13 spaces (3 removed at rear of building and the first space nearest Marrett Road). Removing the three spaces along the rear lot line would improve the landscape buffer to the adjacent residential property (3’ provided, By-Laws requires 20’) and would also improve fire truck access/circulation around the building, currently at 11’ wide, 14’ wide is the standard for fire lanes). Removing the first parking space along Marrett Road would allow for additional landscape space (with street tree) and reduce the excessive curb cut that currently serves the site. The vehicular nature of this site (the majority of this site is asphalt paved) and the significant encroachment of the pump station canopy on building setbacks results in a relatively desolate piece of land in this otherwise residential area. b. Likewise, the applicant is encourage to increase the freestanding landscape island along Lincoln Street (within the property and with the town on modifying the 10’ sidewalk). This not only increases the landscape buffer area but also creates the opportunity to plant a street tree. c. Consider replacement of worn stockade fence along rear of building, to match the newer adjacent fence. 2. Building Design a. Full cut-off lighting “dark sky” is recommended for the building lighting. b. Recommend a total of three trellises along the West façade with cap to match window headers. In addition, we would recommend the trellis along the East façade be enlarged to better match the scale of wall that it is going on. c. Recommend painted metal panel for canopy facing in lieu of wood clapboard and trim. The DAC recommends this project be approved, with the above-mentioned comments. Respectfully submitted, Colin P. Smith AIA, Chairman Lexington Design Advisory Committee Cc: Board of Selectmen LEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE December 12, 2006 To: Board of Appeals Re: 1720 Massachusetts Ave. The Commons at Lexington (formerly BGI) At its regular meeting on December 5, 2006, the DAC was presented with modifications to the design. The intent of the presentation was to review comments and suggestions made at the last DAC meeting on November 7, 2006. 1. Lighting: The quantity of light fixtures has been reduced and the architect is researching light fixtures that are classified as “dark sky” . 2. Street Trees: The lack of street trees along Waltham Street remains a significant drawback to the streetscape of the Center. It was suggested previously that two trees be introduced to the sidewalk in front of the storefront along Waltham Street. The architect has reviewed this with the project landscape architect and has cited the overhead power/telephone lines would make this difficult. Therefore the option of increasing the sidewalk into the street at each end of the parking garage entrance to make proper allowance for street tree planting. This would require manipulating the parallel street parking and possibly loosing one metered space. This solution has the added benefit of making the garage entrance safer for pedestrians and vehicles by improving site lines. This solution is strongly supported by the DAC since there do not appear to be any other alternatives for an allowance of street trees in this part of the Center. 3. Materials: There was continued discussion regarding the type of brick to be used. Both the water struck and sand struckbrick samples are used on surrounding buildings. A mock up panel was discussed in order to make a final decision on site with the HDC. The most recent changes to the building materials along Waltham Street (less precast concrete and more wood), as was suggested by the HDC is appropriate. The economics of using precast concrete over natural stone should be weighed since there is now less material. The difference would be a more durable material and sharper detailing. 4. Courtyard Plantings: The planter detail along the courtyard and garage entrance was reviewed and addresses previous DAC concerns. 5. Railings: The recommendation by the DAC to reconsider the color of the railings (from light color to dark) was given appropriate consideration. For well explained reasons, the applicant prefers to maintain the lighter color railings. The DAC recommends this project be approved, with the above-mentioned comments. Respectfully submitted, Colin P. Smith AIA, Chairman Lexington Design Advisory Committee Cc: Board of Appeals Board of Selectmen