HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-12-11-LCC-min.pdf LEXINGTON CENTER COMMITTEE
December 11 , 1986
Selectmen' s Meeting Room
PRESENT: Margery Battin, Mary Hastings, Dave Wells , Norma Bogen, Carla Fortmann,
Marian Powell , Bob Ossman, Leo McSweeney, Selectmen ' s Liaison.
ABSENT: Chris Venier, William Bowen
The job of taking the minutes will be rotated. Carla Fortmann will record
today' s minutes.
I . All members introduced themselves.
II . Marge asked for questions or comments on the Committee's responsibilities
as outlined by the Selectmen. None followed.
III. Items referred by Selectmen:
a. Police Booth
A Lexington family has proposed and donated funds to build a new police
booth in Lexington Center to replace the telephone booth shelter now
used.
The plans were submitted to the Historic Districts Commission last month
and will be reviewed again on Wednesday, December 17th.
The police have been respresented at all the meetings about the booth.
After some discussion of the drawings shown , the following points will
be presented to the Selectmen from this Committee on Tuesday, December 16th.
1 . Two important views of how this building will look on site should be
presented before final approval is made.
A. A view from Waltham Street with the present buildings, proposed booth,
and people shown in scale. A photo with a cut-out of the building in
scale would be suitable or simply a scale sketch.
B. A cross-sectional view down Mass. Avenue from the area near the
crosswalk at Pewter Pot - again with buildings in scale and people.
2. The building should be viewed with an eye toward its function.
A. The policeman should be able to see out clearly in all directions .
B. The booth should be visible but not obstrusive - an extension of the
policeman working there.
C. The booth should be far enough from the curb to escape snowplow and
car damage.
D. Leo McSweeney will seek Chief Furdon' s comments on these items before
Tuesday' s Selectmen' s meeting.
-2-
3. This Committee recognizes the generosity of the group involved in
this project, and understanding all the effort involved in satisfying
all the town committees, wishes to express its appreciation for this
donation.
b. Driveway Between Bank & Liquor Store
The Committee' s approach to this request was discussed. Dave Wells
declined comments on this issue since his business is adjacent.
More information is needed before suggestions can be made. Comments
and information will be sought from the following groups before an
informed discussion can be held:
1 . Abutters of the driveway
2. Fire Department
3. Police Department
4. Chamber of Commerce Members
Bob Ossman commented that all alleys and driveways in the Center are
poorly marked for traffic. There are no stop signs, no information
at all for drivers using these by-ways as to the priorities and rights
of way.
The Decelle's exit and Clarke Street and Muzzey Street problems are
similar.
In January, we will try to identify the problems hopefully with some
data to support the issues.
IV. Fire Damaged Area
Three representatives of the owners of the Mass. Avenue building damaged
by fire spoke to the Committee on the issues of rebuilding.
Sam Kostick of Salter & Kahn
Walter Abrams, Lexington resident and one of the owners
Leonard Loitherstein, Construction Consultants for the owners
Mr. Kostick summarized the 6 goals of his rebuilding team:
1 . Good appearance of the new building from Mass. Avenue and from
the parking lot.
2. No additional parking burden as a result of rebuilding
3. Lively mix of retail tenants - Waldenbooks and BelCanto are definitely
interested in rebuilding
4. Priority will be given to the .old tenants
5. Well-planned amenities will be included in the reconstruction
6. The financial health in the long term (50 years) of the building is an
important part of the estate owners. The estate trust is to provide
income to the 7 grandchildren of Abram Salter.
-3-
The immediate problems currently in progress :
1 . Securing the buildings.
Removal of the oily water is now completed
Finishing the demolition is delayed untile the police investigation
of arson and the insurance appraisals are completed.
2. Complete demolition and hole will fenced by a 4 - 5 ft. wood fence
(availability for community art work will be discussed) .
3. Design of replacement building with minimal delays.
If rebuilt similar to building lost, the space will be limited and
rent will be high.
Increase in floor space is being considered but the lack of land for
the additional parking requirements renders this nearly impossible.
Input on this issue is being sought from town boards and planners.
Dave Wells commented that the tragedy of this fire can be an oppor-
tunity for our town. The Committee members all recognize the
opportunity if the parking issues can be resolved. Marge Battin
referred the group to Bob Boyer, the Planning Board members, and
the Board of Appeals. This Committee will be happy to discuss the
parking and rebuilding issues in the future.
V. Work Plan for the Year
Due to time constraints, this discussion only assigned committee members
to the areas of work.
Sub-committee on Design
Norma, Bob, Mar/
Sub-committee on Amenities
Marian, Carla
Sub-committee on Access and Parking
Dave, Chris, Bob
The next three meetings were set:
Friday, January 9th - 12 to 2 pm
Thursday, February 5th - 12 to 2 pm
Thursday, March 5th - 12 to 2 pm
Respectfully submitted
Carla Fortmann