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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-01-19-LCC-min.pdf LEXINGTON CENTER COMMLLTU January 19, 1989 - Noon Present: Mrs. Battin, Mary Hastings, Marian Powell, Bob Ossman, Bill Bowen, Ed Barsamian, Dave Wel]S, Norma Bogen, Fay Bussgang, Morton Kahan, Carla Fortmann. Also in attendance were: Selectmen Leo McSweeney, and Jack Eddison; John Frye, DAC; Planning Board members Martha Woods and David Williams; MAPC Alternate Myla Kabat-Zinn; Arts Council Chairman Kerry Brandin and Liz Banks, Lexington Minute Man. MINUTES The LCC minutes of the October 13 and November 17, 1988 meetings were accepted as presented. DESIGN GUIDELINES PRESENTATION - David Dixon & Associates David Dixon Review of Workplan Summary presented by David Dixon and David Spillane of David Dixon Associates. (see attachments) David Spillane The need for a public policy for prioritizing areas in a time of limited resources was urged by Mr. Spillane. The group was asked for ideas as to best use of the Emery Park (Depot Square) space and for an overall plan of the other side of Mass. Ave. David Wells What is the expected time frame for completion of plan? David Dixon Hopefully less than 3 months from now. EMERY PARK Mary Hastings The park should definitely be functional and must be geared for use by all age groups. Bob Ossman Walkways at this time are wrong. Entrances should be from corners. Historic research is needed as to how the park use was intended. Norma Bogen Feels that it was used as a pedestrian path from the train. Mrs. Battin There must be facilities for citizens to sit and talk on the site. Bill Bowen Flexibility is the key. Mrs. Battin Post Office Square, Boston is a good example. Norma Bogen Easy maintenance is an important feature. The site is possibly a good space for a sculpture to be placed. Bill Bowen Could benches be used as a shield for trash receptables? Bees are attraced to trash containers, could be a problem to those sitting on benches. Jack Eddison A stone fountain similar to one in the Sparks St./Brattle St. section of Cambridge would be a wonderful addition. Myla Kabat-Zinn Agreed that the use of water in the design plan should be considered. Fay Bussgang Asked how much it would cost to run a fountain. Bill Bowen A recycling pump would be used. Carla Fortmann Hoped that a drinking fountain for bicyclists would be a possibility. Covers over the bus stops have been requested by commuters. Kerry Brandin Arts Council State Lottery monies may be funding possibility for a sculpture. Bob Ossman A combined fountain sculpture that looks good with or without water (season) should be considered. Martha Woods Questioned the need for buses and taxi stands in the same area. - Fay Bussgang The bus stops are a good use of park. Diversity of ages who use space. Norma Bogen Taxi stands do need to be near bus stops for convenience of commuters. -2- Bill Bowen Across from Cary Library there is MTA space not used by the T. Could taxi stands be moved there? Carla Fortmann Push carts and/or flower carts by existing firms on temporary basis have been suggested for Emery Park. These would require permits - how best to determine who would be allowed permits? David Dixon Suggested that permits be limited to existing firms. PARKING AREAS/REAR ENTRANCES - (Second front doors) Marge Battin Parking meter/permit monies are available. Available parking spaces and their measurements are known now due to extensive work by the committee. Mary Hastings Businesses are interested in improving rear entrances i.e. Mario's. Carla Fortmann Walkways between buildings to Mass. Ave. need to be upgraded, better signs, hidden dumpsters, etc. Pedestrians need to know which areas are public and private so that they can use these walkways freely. David Dixon As parking areas improve narrow walkways between the buildings to Mass. Ave. will follow. Marian Powell Flowers put in by the Shawmut Bank have greatly softened the area in the back parking lot of the bank. The view of the back of the library is also good. Other businesses would respond if guidelines were developed. Most owners wish to be be good neighbors. David Williams Which alleys are legitimate walking paths? The access to the rear of the library needs to be better identified. John Frye As residents of the towns the committee should provide help to David Dixon Associates to better identify these areas in which walkways could be developed or improved. David Dixon If the walkways were named that would prove helpful. Bob Ossman Asphalt areas do not encourage walking - look like extentions of driveways. Why not use a different surface, like brick? David Wells The flowers in the pots in the Center have contributed to the atmosphere in the town. More open trees are needed in the top right section of Depot Square and in sections of the bikepath. David Dixon A new look is needed for secondary public ways. How to maintain these areas better must be decided. MISC. ITEMS Jack Eddison Funding for the Bikepath has been delayed by the State. Bill Bowen The elm trees on the Pastern half of the Battlegreen are very barren and will not survive. How can this be corrected? Jack Eddison A new Park Director/Tree Officer will be appointed next month. There is a chemical problem around the statue. The area has been resodded but was not successful. The new Director may have a solution to this ongoing problem. John Frye Could the Historic Districts Commission possibly influence the chain stores to do away with or upgrade the paper sindow display signs? It was suggested that zoning by-laws be reviewed to see if current signs in windows are illegal. TOUR BUSES Marian Powell Chamber has approached the tour bus companies regarding bus parking Each company has its own routing schedule and very often overlap with one another. Bill Bowen Bedford St./Mass. Ave. area of Battle Green generally has spaces for buses to park. Carla Fortmann She has counted 20 buses at one time during the high tourist month of October. -3- David Dixon Asked if it was possible to park for short term in front of the First Parish Church. David Wells Recommended Worthen Road parking as being a more logical area for buses because of the width of the street. It was suggested buses drop tourists off and then return at a specified time rather than wait by the Battle Groon. MISC. ITEMS Reference was made to the following items: . Systematic use of container collection for better litter control. . Facade and sign guidelines to help create variety and excitement in business districts. . Changes in the Craft Cleaners site - 4/5 individual stores under control of the Historic Districts Commission. . Outlying areas priority - East Lexington then Countryside. . List of location of amenities needed for Design Guidelines. Carla Fortmann and Marian Powell will provide, . Rather than reinvent signage already available, the use of existing material, with adaptation to our needs, was reinforced. MEETING SCHEDULE Tuesday, Feb. 14, 1989 - 3:00 p.m. combined LCC/DAC, Estabrook Hall Cary Memorial Building Thursday, March 16, 1989 - 12:00 Noon, combined LCC/DAC, Selectmen's Meeting Roan, Town Office Building. LIGHTING TOUR Lighting Tour with Planning Board, Board of Selectmen, all other interested parties will take place on Monday, January 23, 1989, at 6:30 p.m. Groups will meet at Cary Memorial Hall to arrange transportation as a group. SODIUM LIGHTS Jack Eddison When all information is compiled, the issue of lights will be an agenda item frau the Selectmen for joint discussion on cost, etc. and alternatives. They will ask for LCC and DAC input. Carla Fortmann There are 6 different kinds of lights just around the Battle Green. CROSS [ALES Ed Barsami-an The proof for the Bumper Sticker, "I CROSS AT CROSSWALKS", has been prepared. Discussion ensued regarding best color shades and size of lettering. Group decided that mid gray background with red lettering would be best. Liz Banks Distribution through newspaper cannot be done. Too costly and time consuming. Carla Fortmann Information regarding street banner to publicize public education week will be needed soon. BASE MAP UPDATE Bob Ossman Recognition of VoTech students who helped develop the Center Base Map has not taken place as yet. Subcommittee group made up of Leo McSweeney, Jack Eddison, and Bob Ossman will explore best way to accomplish this task. With the exception of one area, the Base Map has been completed. Reduced copies were available for the members for review. Darrell Cain of the Engineering Dept. has been most helpful in this production. Members of the Committee will provide the information to complete the map. The meeting was adjourned at 1:55 c.m. Respectfully submitted Audrey E. Deshler David Dixon & Associates with Peter Johnson The Halvorson Company,Inc. • Design Guidelines for Lexington's Commercial Areas • MEETING WITH LEXINGTON CENTER COMMITTEE Thursday, January 19, 1989 12AM Selectman's Meeting Room Purpose: to identify the Committee's key concerns and priorities for the Study • AGENDA Part I (10 minutes) 1. Introduction of Consultant Team -- David Dixon 2. Purpose and Scope of the Study -- David Dixon 3. The Final Product and how it will be used -- David Spillane 4. Work and Review Process -- David Spillane Part 11 (30 minutes) 1. Interview with the Committee (. . . . what are Committee's key concerns, specific priorities for the study . . how can the final product best assist the Committee in its work improvements to Emery Park can help it play a fuller role in the life of the Center--what role should it play, etc. . . . ) DESIGN GUIDELINES for the TOWN of LEXINGTON WORKPLAN SUMMARY Major Meetings Phase I Meeting with Phase II PUBLIC , Boards and Committees to Meeting— MEETING review: review: A • UD Problems and Opportunities • Desicn Guidelines • Statement of UD Goals • Commercial • UD Framework Districts Handbook Mapr Reviews review with Design iti review with Design Advisory, and Lex. Advisory,and Lex. Cntr.Committee Cntr. Co mittee Phase IA Confirm studyi ' Existing areas Conditions Interview key :-. Urban Design - actors Issues and •>: Opportunities: Ti Anal a Existln s<. memos,plans,and YZ g : photo's 3:.:<:-::: Conditions : documenting -sons and facades -. outstanding issues -streetscapes ';. -public space - ' I: -urban design V. 0 Phase IB Statement of Uroan Urban Design Design Goals: Goais a vision for the future—urban design • values for the public and private environments Urban design Framework: a physical plan illustrating the potential for the . Prepare Design _``: Guidelines: Town Center and private development: each commercial district =' e.g.signage,facades, new buildings,parking lot Phase II: frontages,trash storage, Urban Design >: lighting, etc. ublic improvements: Guiaelines P P dna e.g.street landscaping,street Framework furntiture,signs,lighting, parking areas,etc. • public open space: e.g.role of parks,historic spaces. monuments. etc. M Prepare Lexington Commercial Districts Urban Design handbook prepared by David Dixon 8 Associates