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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-06-28-CSDRC-min Town of Lexington Center Streetscape Design Review Ad Hoc Committee Tuesday, June 28, 2016 8:00 – 10:00am Minutes by Anne Laurin Eccles Wendall Kalsow, committee member, introduced Tom Hopkins, Director of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (AAB). Mr. Hopkins has worked in this capacity with both historic and disability issues, writing specialized access rules. Mr. Hopkins compared the Boston City Hall paver versus the square-cut pavers and stated that in 2007, over 2,000 complaints went to the Access Board regarding the City Hall paver. He described the Smart Level (an electronic level) as the premier instrument to measure cross cut slope. The level must be the 2’ version. He said that 2% is the maximum cross slope by ADA and AAB, and 5% is the maximum running slope, except for exemptions for existing sidewalks. This exception applies to sidewalks, not walkways. (Mr. Hopkins referenced Sections 20, 21 and 22 in the Regulations.) Sidewalks must be slip-resistant, firm and stable with no rise greater than 1/4” as the ideal surface. He described the technique of ‘chinking’, where City Hall pavers have been cracked to fit around drainage grates or utility valves, etc., and described these areas as particularly troublesome. The Access Board has been looking into the placement issues for the ‘Truncated Domes’ (tactile pads at curb ramps) and working with the Perkins School, as tactile warning strips assist the visually impaired. The Access Board will issue variances on old curb cuts, and for non-compliant cross-cut slopes particularly in historic settings. Mr. Hopkins stated that the Access Board recognizes the issues in existing and historic sites and knows that trees must be considered. He reiterated that the ideal width is 36” path of travel, but they can give relief for maintaining mature trees. 36” wide for an accessible route is required by AAB. Ideally, the change in level of a surface is no greater than 1/4” and he explained that a rough ride is very difficult for those who are incontinent. At the same time, he mentioned that a rougher surface is better for brittle bones. Maintenance is key. Mr. Hopkins said the wire-cut paver is accessible when laid with tight joints. Even S & H (Styles & Hart), the producer of the original City Hall paver, now makes a wire-cut paver. Public discussion began, and Mr. Hopkins was asked if Boston, in replacing the Boston City Hall paver, has chosen a wire-cut style. He knew of no single choice. He mentioned that the new wire-cut S & H paver had been used and was still being created in their old beehive kilns. When asked about any preferences for crosswalks, he answered the AAB oversight stopped at the street gutter, where 1/2” is allowed where the gutter/curb cut meet. Asked about any preference for herringbone pattern, he said he has no recommendations, and reiterated that the simple requirement was for a “smooth, firm and level” surface. Mr. Hopkins stated that wire-cut pavers can and do meet that requirement if installed properly. When asked about new ADA requirements for vibration, he didn’t feel any change was coming soon and noted the last rule-making on ADA was 2010. He said his board would not ban brick and that brick (wire-cut pavers) can provide a similar experience to concrete. Mr. Hopkins stated that slope is the most important thing to pay attention to. A general discussion ensued about maintenance funding in Lexington. Although there has been movement to increase the annual funding, the financial pressures on the town, particularly from the schools, make that challenging. After Mr. Hopkins’ exit, the committee discussed the “Workplan Draft” under consideration, and Pam Shadley verbally described an approach for the committee to work on two parallel paths, both technical and visionary. She emphasized that lighting is critical as well and will require understanding of both the vision and character of the Center. She strongly recommends the committee make an effort to keep both tracks going at the same time (technical and visionary, and lighting and pavements). Howard Levin, Chair, set up alternating Tuesday mornings for the meetings, and committee members suggested materials to be available on the website, including the Beta Group plans, the original Sasaki report, a summary of a charrette created for an earlier Center study, and a link to the Veteran’s Administration/U. Pittsburgh study on vibration.