HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-01-09-LCC-min.pdf LEXINGTON CENTER COMMITTEE
January 9, 1987
PRESENT: Margery Battin - Chair, Bill Bowen, Marian Powell,
Mary Hastings, Bob Ossman, Norma Bogen, Leo McSweeney -
Selectmen's Liaison.
Also, Bob Hutchinson (part); representatives of
Baybank (part) - Helen Van Nostrand, Albert Morel,
Carol Powers; Samuel Kostick and Charlie Hagenah
(part); Liz Banks - Lexington Minuteman; Robert
Domnitz (part) .
ABSENT: Dave Wells, Chris Venier, Carla Fortmann
. The minutes of the December 11 meeting were approved.
. A scrapbook of newspaper articles pertaining to the Center
will be maintained by Mary Hastings.
. Burned-Out Building
Bob Ossman reported on his meeting with the owners of the burned-
out building, their consultants, and Bob Bowyer, held so that
the owners could gain a better understanding of town regulations
pertaining to the Center. The meeting was followed up with a
memo from Bob Bowyer explaining the zoning requirements and
various options.
The owner reported to the Committee that he has chosen an
architect (Hagenah) and has ordered a survey. The concept they
are starting to work on is for a two storey building that will
not have a basement for storage. The design of the back of the
building, as well as the front, will be an important
consideration, as will the materials selected and the building's
relationship to the streetscape. They are looking into possible
amenities such as walkways and will be determining the cost of
constructing basement space that can be used in the future as
garage space or as an entrance to a parking structure.
The Baskin Robbins building is not for sale, but Mr. Kostick is
trying to develop a cooperative solution with the owner.
Kostick is interested in retaining Walden Books, Bel Canto, and
Driscoll's, and possibly the insurance agency in the new
building and was interested in any suggestions from the
Committee as to new enterprises. A sportshop, hardware store,
women's shop, men's shop, and Brookstone's were mentioned; and
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the owner mentioned a gourmet food shop, and a woman's fashion
store.
Committee members felt that maintaining a variety of uses in the
Center is extremely important.
Robert Domnitz, representing the Meriam Hill Association,
indicated that they were concerned about the height of a two
storey building.
Marge Battin commended the owners for working closely with the
Committee and the town and suggested they continue their contact
on a regular basis.
. Sprinklers and Wire Checks
Marge Battin requested that Bob Hutchinson obtain a report from
the fire chief on the implications of requiring existing
restaurants to install sprinkler systems. A report on the
feasibility of yearly wire checks for retail and restaurants was
also requested.
. Driveway Between Baybank and Liquor Store
Bob Hutchinson explained the reasons for his desire to eliminate
traffic from the driveway between Baybank and the liquor store:
. There is a public safety problem and a liability
problem for the town;
• The "no left turn" sign is often violated;
. Exiting from the driveway interrupts the traffic flow;
. People try to cross Mass. Ave. there, although there is
no cross walk.
The bank representatives were concerned with the effect on
business if no exit is allowed to Mass. Avenue.
The liquor store owner is concerned about deliveries if the
driveway is closed to traffic.
The possibility of making the driveway one way, with no exit to
Mass. Ave., was discussed. Bricking-in the sidewalk to continue
the pedestrian way on Mass. Ave., drawing cross-walk lines,and
towing cars in the driveway were also discussed.
Marge Battin asked Bob Hutchinson to put the various options in
writing so that the Committee can make recommendations. A
legitimate trial period should also be suggested.
. LCC members were urged to attend the meeting of the HDC on
January 14 when the design concept of the police booth will
be discussed.
. Bill Bowen was appointed to the Amenities Subcommittee of
the LCC.
. The next meeting of the LCC will be on February 5.
Respectfully Submitted,
Norma Bogen