HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-06-23-CSDRC-min
Town of Lexington
Center Streetscape Design Review Ad Hoc Committee
Thursday June 23, 2016
Hudson Room on the top floor of the Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Mass Ave
Lexington, MA
8:00 am to 10:00 am
MINUTES
The Meeting was called to order at approximately 8 AM. Attendees were welcomed, and those
who were new to these meetings were asked to provide email addresses if they wished to be included on
the email list for future mailings.
Anne Eccles led a presentation on sidewalk materials and methods and methods of construction,
including both appearance and life cycle performance information on brick and cement construction, and
methods of installation.
The presentation included, but was not limited to the following:
1.Examples of wire cut, square edge brick installations, color selections, mixed colors.
2.Installations from Cambridge, MA, Boston, MA, Portland, OR and Alexandria, VA.
3.Salt tolerance, brick vs. cement.
4.Wheelchair/Curb ramp designs using brick and cement, brick constructed with square
edge pavers, tactile pad; Alternative: Lifted cross walk design.
5.Herringbone installations of various types for aesthetic and possible vibration reduction;
expense issue.
6.Importance of base composition and depth of base, use of cement concrete and
bituminous concrete base materials; tightness of installation.
7.ADA Slope requirements and limitations.
There followed a wide ranging conversation of vibration standards and cost considerations. The
need for both additional information on vibration standards as applied to use of cement concrete material
and different types of brick installations. Tom Hopkins, Director of the MA AAB is scheduled to speak
to the Committee at its next meeting.
Further conversation arose concerning the importance of incorporating our Vision for the Center
into our consideration of all elements in order to provide a sense of place, and aesthetic unity of the
Center. In particular, the importance of the Sasaki mid-century design that was implemented for the
Center and its relevance to any reconstruction of the Center..
The DPW was asked to prepare to report at a future meeting on construction and maintenance
concerns, and experience with existing sidewalk materials in the Center.
The meeting was adjourned a few minutes before 10 AM.