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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-06-14-HDC-minTown of Lexington Historic Districts Commission Lynn Hopkins, Chair Tel: (781) 698 -4524 Anne Eccles Britta McCarthy Paul Ross Fax: (781) 861 -2780 Robert Warshawer MINUTES FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2016 Cafeteria, Samuel L Hadley Building 201 Bedford Street, Lexington, MA 4:00 PM Commissioners present: Lynn Hopkins (Chair), Anne Eccles, Britta McCarthy, Paul Ross, Robert Warshawer Associate Commissioners: Nancy Shepard, Robin Lovett, Marilyn Fenollosa Participants: Department of Public Works: BSC Group: Dave Cannon, Chris Filadaro, Joel Custance Tom Laughlin, Kellan Lewis, Monique Hall This meeting was a continuation of the Informal Discussion initiated June 2, 2016 concerning the East Lexington Roadways improvements. A large, continuous plan showing the proposed changes along Mass Ave was on the conference table along with revised landscape drawings for the Pleasant Street and Maple Street gardens. The Power Point presentation from June 2 was also referenced. Chris Filadaro, the Tree Warden, reported he met with the Tree Committee and they had no formal objections to the current proposal. A summary of their recommendations will distributed by Dave Cannon to the HDC. PLEASANT STREET INTERSECTION GARDEN Two options were shown. One version showed the relocated historic monument in the center of the crossing pedestrian paths. The other proposal placed the monument underneath the trees. After discussion the Commission agreed the proposal with the monument in the center of the crossing paths was preferred. No objections were raised to the proposed installation of the monument and base in a circular bed of annuals Orienting the monument so the bronze plaque faces Pleasant Street, rather than towards any single pedestrian path, was preferred. No objections were raised to the 5'+ width, configuration and concrete material of the sidewalks. The commission did not see the need for a bench in the garden at this time. The eventual 65 +/- height and columnar shape of the three trees proposed was questioned. How will these trees impact the view of and from the church beyond? A perspective sketch showing the massing of the proposed plantings, street furniture, control equipment and traffic lights in relation to the existing stone wall and church was requested. Relocation of the traffic control box to a less conspicuous location, ideally camouflaged with plantings, was requested. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 e -mail: historicdistrictscrosn @lexingtonma.gov The small traffic island in front of the garden will be planted. Junipers are proposed as the most durable material for this location. MAPLE STREET INTERSECTION GARDEN No concerns were raised about the proposed design: Two taller, broad trees 6' +/- tall shrubs between the trees Perennials in front of the shrubs, lawn in front of the perennials Bench, trash barrel and bike rack next to the proposed bus stop will match the town standards STREET TREES No concerns were raised about the proposed street trees: Trees will be planted in structural soil in the grass strips between the road and sidewalks, not in sidewalks. 50+ new trees will be added along the Avenue Smaller, ornamental trees proposed for areas below power and telephone wires Taller trees for areas with adequate planting strip size and overhead clearance ROAD CONFIGURATION AND PLANTING STRIPS The town assumes property owners will take care of the planting strips in front of their homes. Massachusetts Avenue did not get wider to accommodate the new turning, bike lanes and dedicated parking places. Only temporary land takings are required for the construction phase of the project. CURB CUTS Adjusting the radius of the granite driveway curb cuts was suggested Especially to facilitate those making right hand turns into narrow driveways MAINTENANCE Concerns were raised about maintenance for the gardens. Consideration has been given to maintenance in the selection of proposed plantings. An on -site water source will be available at both the Pleasant Street and Maple Street gardens. Dave Cannon assured all present the DPW was committed to assuring the gardens are appropriately maintained. Maintenance assistance from the community and near -by commercial establishments may be sought to supplement this effort. SIGNAGE Required traffic signage for the intersection was reviewed. Pedestrian crossing signs will not be required at the traffic lights. Pedestrian crossing signs will be required at pedestrian only lights and crossings. NEXT STEP The DPW will address the concerns raised in today's meeting and then schedule a formal hearing with the HDC clerk to seek a Certificate of Appropriateness.