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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-03-08-DAC-min.pdf LEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting of March 8, 1988 Attendees J Frey(Chair ) , N Bogen, R Bradley, T Coffman, A Huang, W Pierce, E Whitman, J Eddison ( Select Liaison) , J Davies (HDC) DAC members welcomed new member Albert Huang Minutes of the last meeting of February 9 were approved and accepted with one typo corrected PROPOSAL FOR REPAINTING OF BUCKMAN TAVERN Peter Kelley and Ruth Morey, representing the Lexington Historical Society, presented a proposal for the repainting of Buckman Tavern in ochre and cream--colors that were likely to have been used in 1775 The paint color for the doors would be a very dark green The shutters would also be removed in order to restore the Tavern more closely to its appearance at that time Discussion centered on two issues ( 1) The importance of a more authentic appearance; and ( 2 ) the effect on the Green as a whole The feeling of the DAC was that Buckman Tavern was the "jewel" of the Green and the change in color to ochre-tan would be a more correct historic representation of the building in the Revolutionary period It was also felt by some that the introduction of color around the Green would make the area more interesting Whether property owners around the Green would also choose to have more historically correct colors, based on a Buckman Tavern precedent, was discussed Ruth Morey indicated that there was an agreement among the property owners that they would all use the same color On balance the DAC felt that the color change of Buckman Tavern would enhance the building and the Green, and they voted to support the change in color Comment was made that it was hoped that other changes that might be made to the Tavern in the future (other than necessary modern conveniences ) would continue to restore the building to its status in 1775 { DESIGN PLAN FOR LEXINGTON CENTER Using the material prepared by Elaine Adler as a basis for discussion, the Committee indicated their thoughts on what would be useful to present to Town Meeting to obtain support for funding for a Consultant It was felt that the material should be shortened and written to include only the major points It is essential that the emphasis be correct and the right words used in order to discourage negative feedback It was felt that the word "Plan" should not be used, since it has a connotation of a document that is placed on a shelf and remains there The word "Guidelines" would be used instead to indicate an action orientation John Davies pointed out that the HDC did not want to be directly involved in the development of the guidelines but would like to have them available for use by the private sector Members of the HDC prefer to approach each proposal as being unique and wish to maintain their current ability to use independent judgment The need for overall guidelines and a broad view was noted, as was the need for more specific information to permit early implementation of the public sector portion (benches, litter containers, etc ) The Guidelines should take into account the good qualities that now exist in the Center and seek the enhancement of the Center 's character Reference was made especially to the excellent quality of Brookline 's Guidelines The preparation of a base Map of the Center @ 50 scale is currently underway by 8 or 9 Minutemen Tech students under the direction of Bob Ossman A working group consisting of Betsey Whitman (Lead ) , Albert Huang, Tom Coffman, and Norma Bogen, along with Jack Eddison, will prepare a draft of material (to be ready by mid-April ) for Town Meeting members The group will get together on Tuesday, March 15, at 8 p m at Betsey Whitman 's house, 9 Demar Road Respectfully submitted, Norma Bogen NEXT MEETING OF DAC IS ON APRIL 12, 1988, AT 8 p m IN ROOM 111