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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