HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-01-06-DAC-min
LDAC
EXINGTONESIGNDVISORYOMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes:
January 6, 2010
Present:
Tim Lee (Chair), John Frey, Richard Friedson, Steve Vincent, Ginna Johnson, Betsy Whitman, Bahig
Kaldas, Lynn Hopkins, Brigitte Staines
Scribe:
Tim Lee
Call to Order:
The Meeting was called to Order at 7:30PM.
Approvals:
Minutes of the previous meeting were approved with minor corrections.
Presentations/Review:
330 & 334 Woburn Street & 421 Lowell Street, Lexington, MA – Proposed Bank for TD Bank
The DAC reviewed the proposed bank facility and site development and had the following comments.
1. The DAC would like to review another site design plan that pushes the building closer to Lowell
Street and eliminates or drastically reduces the parking in front of the building. The DAC
understands that this may require an alternative building design to accommodate site layout with
building entrance in rear.
2. The DAC suggested reducing drive through lanes to one or two, instead of the proposed three.
3. The DAC commented that there is too many parking spaces proposed and would like the total
number of parking spaces reduced by 7-9 spaces, sixteen required and twenty-five proposed.
4. The DAC noted that the current design plans do not meet the sign by-law guidelines and would
like to see an updated proposal for signage. The DAC noted that the committee does not like the
idea of a freestanding pylon sign and noted that the signs should not be internally illuminated.
5. The DAC would like to see more development of the building façade design specifically the
massing, fenestration and type and amount of materials used. The Committee was split on the
preferred style and suggested some type of hybrid.
6. The DAC would like to see the storm drainage concept presented.
7. The DAC asked that the applicant provide fencing and heavy planting along the residential
property edges for screening and headlight glare.
The Design Advisory Committee recommended the applicant return for further review at the February
meeting.
200 Patriot Way, Lexington Technology Park, Lexington, MA – Proposed Office Building
The DAC reviewed the proposed building and related site development and had the following
comments.
1. The DAC generally liked the proposed building style and massing except for the brick
components shown for columns and some veneer sections. The Committee suggested another
material more compatible with adjacent materials, possibly terra cotta tiles
2. The DAC commented that the site work for the proposed outdoor spaces around the building
needed a lot more development. The Committee felt the visual and circulation flow in the space
between the buildings was interrupted by the brick planter and the large paved area in back was
too big and not well organized.
3. The DAC asked that site sections through the site and the building be provided for better
understanding of how the building relates to the adjacent buildings and the surrounding
landscape. The Committee was notable to fully understand the impact the building will have on
the site neighbors, Spring Street and Route 2.
4. The DAC commented that the amount, type and design of the proposed planting were generally
good. The Committee did suggest that the planting along the perimeter drive near Route 2 be
planted in a more ‘naturalistic’ arrangement with a variety of plant types so it blended better with
the adjacent landscape along Route 2.
The Design Advisory Committee recommended the applicant return for further review at the February
meeting.
Other Business:
Sign bylaw modifications
1. Committee continued discussions on modifications of the existing sign by-law
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:45 PM
Next Meeting:
Scheduled for Wednesday February 3, 2010 @ 7:30PM
Cc: Board of Selectmen
Greg Zurlo, Planning Board Liaison