HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-05-10-DAC-min.pdf DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Tuesday, May 10, 1988
Attendees J Frey, Chair. , N Bogen, T. Coffman, A. Huang,
W. Pierce, B Whitman, J Eddison, Sel Liaison
Attending from East Lexington M. Kabat-Zinn, C Wilson, J E.
Beauchemin, M. J. Sullivan, G S Grey, M. Grey
From Countryside : J Vinton From LCC M Hastings
John Frey discussed the scope of services desired and asked for
ideas from East Lexington.
Myla (president of East Lexington Association) was pleased to
be enabled to have the opportunity to speak to the area business-
men and perhaps form a steering committee She spoke of possibly
more trees, awnings , the sodium lights in Arlington and how to
prevent their spread to Lexington, and in the future the hope of
a history museum focussed on East Lexington. She distributed a
sheet about lighting to DAC members
John Good to get these merchants involved as those in the center
have been.
Walter clarified "East Lexington" Precincts 1 and 2 are the geo-
graphical area The western boundary at Shell station at Maple St
In the center the commercial and historic districts are almost
interchangeable, so some controls are already in place In East
Lexington the historic district goes as far east as the graveyard
and Oak St
Tom Type of services in East Lexington offer more to the shopper
than those in center Gentrification may happen there also
Norma Good visual design is an economic tool
Jack Suggest Myla speak with Norma, Mary, and Marge Battin to
study procedures of the CRC and LCC.
Eugene (vice-pres . ELA) spoke about nice sign at Marrett Rd. It
was agreed that it would be desirable to have appropriate signs
at all the vehicular entrances to Lexington
Discussion of private sector with Betsy suggesting we could
recommend and consult and Walter describing that these are guide-
lines, not design, that everyone can live with. He spoke of the
concept of kinds of signs.
Eugene asked if businesses may paint their choice of color. Yes .
George There are conflicts between large business and residential
He cited trees, lighting. Most of those in E. Lex. are service .
Myla Commercial block has single owner; he might be persuaded to
improve the visual quality of his block.
Tom Everyone spends money to make signs Encourage improvement
It was pointed out that Lex. Square got their own guidelines from
the owner. It was put in their leases
Norma Studied Concord A case of owners in residence, interested.
John V Will town do these things?
We own public property and can have an impact in the public
sector to demonstrate good design Walter pointed to the recon-
struction of 22 years ago.
May 10, 1988 page 2
John V. Trees , continuity of sidewalk materials can be peaceful.
Discussion of curb cuts being reduced, i e . "Movies and More"
Questioned if Arlington had mandated design review Highland
Supermarkt improved design simply by a nice awning
Walter Brookline requires off-street parking to be screened.
Jack Lexington has those by-laws, although some may be grand-
fathered.
John V. spoke of Countryside 's concerns Caldor Mall, amount of
opne area, spots for development, population increas, commercial
area will increase as well. 4th corner at Woburn St is town park
Tt was suggested zoning by-law may limit distance form intersection
to curb cuts . Countryside Assoc . is 2 weeks old. They have felt
pressure of Pheasant Brook enlargement, Kelly-Perry project
Jack In summing up, we can guide public projects, where feasible
we can encourage private sector. For most parts of town similar
priorities emerge signs , street furniture, awnings , lighting, etc .
East Lex and Countryside might investigate what maps exist and use
members to produce a 50 scale one Get neighborhood to draft
priorities Town engineers might help with map.
Walter Are we embracing all commercial districts and do we need some
of the $25,000 for funding a plan for E. Lex ?
Michael described the scope of the amendment to be all commercial
districts in town.
DAC urges ongoing liaison. Members of E. Lex. ,Countryside, and
any others are welcome at meetings . Minutes available in Marion
Snow' s files
John A subcommittee to be formed to prepare a Request for
Proposal. The RFP must be advertised, time be allowed for re-
sponses and final selection The committee to prepare this
consists of John Frey, Tom Coffman, Norma Bogen, John Vinton
and Walter. Pierce. They will meet on Tuesday, May 17. They
will bring in the document draft to the next DAC meeting.
Future agenda Art. 34 motion for reconsideration, the future
of Pine Meadow
The meeting closed at 10 20. Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Whitman, scribe
NEXT MEETING OF DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
8 00 p m. JUNE 14, 1988 ROOM 111