HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-05-DAC-min
LEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Minutes of Meeting of November 5, 2011
A meeting of the Design Advisory Committee was held on November 5, 2011 at 7:30 pm in the Town
Offices building room 111. A quorum of six was present.
Members Present:
Tim Lee (Chair), Bruce Creager, Steve Vincent, John Frey, Richard Friedson, Colin
Smith, Bahig Kaldas, Ginna Johnson
Members Absent:
Alenka Slezak, Betsy Whitman, Richard Brown, Brigitte Steines
Approvals
:
Minutes of the previous meeting were approved with minor corrections
The meeting acted on the following items:
Lexington Center Streetscape Concept Plans
The DAC reviewed the current overall concept plans, the north sidewalk layout options and possible site
elements and furnishings presented by Maryanne McCall-Taylor representing the Streetscape Committee
and provided the following comments.
1.General Overall Plan:
a.Generally liked the additional curb bump outs and curb cut improvements for pedestrian
safety.
b.Committee generally liked the recognition of the bike path and bike routes to the center.
c.Committee generally the addition of bike boxes and new bike road markings
d.Committee generally the closing of the ally next to Bank of America building.
e.Proposed paved median in Mass. Avenue from Grant Street to Woburn Street: The
committee commented that more study is need for this area and traffic in general.
The committee commented that the sidewalks in this area could be increased in width
especially on the south side for added safety and to reduce traffic lanes possibly
eliminating the median altogether.
f.Committee generally like the intersection solution at Woburn Street and Mass. Ave.
2.North Sidewalk Layout Options:
a.Most agreed and preferred option A with some minor adjustments to the area opposite
CVS.
3.Furnishings/Paving:
a.Most preferred the existing make up in the center of wood benches, granite curbing,
existing trash and recycling bins, metal bollards, bike racks.
b.The committee suggested using furniture in some locations.
c.Committee suggested the use of a wire cut brick similar to that used on the south side but
consider using one without the beveled edge.
d.There were varied opinions about the use of a pavers or brick in the crosswalks. Most felt
that it was nice but could be an expensive item and eventually a maintenance problem
especially the intersection of Mass. Ave. and Waltham Street.
e.Fountain: The committee commented that a fountain if located in the right place could be
a nice addition to the center but maintenance should be considered in the design.
f.Banners: The committee generally preferred banner solutions that would be installed and
removed for special events only rather then permanent brackets or banner displays.
4.Lighting:
a.The Committee suggested that the center have a simple uniform light fixture for visual
and aesthetic consistency, reduction in visual clutter and ease of maintenance and
replacement.
b.The committee likes the new fixture recently added around the Cary Hall area and asked
that it be considered as the town standard.
5.Planting:
a.The committee suggested selecting street trees and shrubs with a strong history of
survival under urban conditions.
b.The committee suggested considering also using plants that are compatible with each
other and possibly simplifying the tree selection to one type for simplicity and
uniformity.
c.The committee encourages the design team to evaluate the success of the new street tree
plantings on the south side especially the structural soil.
The following documents/exhibits were presented and reviewed at the meeting:
1.Lexington Center Streetscape – Concept Plan & North Side Design: Concept Plan 10/20/11
2.Lexington Center Streetscape – Concept Plan & North Side Design: Site Elements A,B,C 10/20/11
3.Lexington Center Streetscape – Concept Plan & North Side Design: North Side Layout Options
A-C 10/20/11
Other Business
:
1.Committee discussed beginning the process of updating the “A Guide for Sign Permit Applicants”
booklet at our next meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Tim Lee (Chair, scribe)
Cc:
Board of Selectmen
Greg Zurlo, Planning Board Liaison