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Home My WebLink About1989-05-09-DAC-min.pdf MEETING OF LEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE May 3, 1389 PRESENT J Frey (Chair), N B..gen, E Whitman, J Eddison (Selectman), K Brandin MINUTES The minutes cf the DAC meeting cf April 11 were approved MEETING/ NEIbHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICTS The meeting on May lo at Estabrook, when David Dixon and Ass..ciates will meet with business people from East Lexington and Countryside t, discuss design guidelines, was noted TREE LOLATIONS Jnhn Frey reviewed the meeting nn the Battle Green on March 18 with Dale , Gaasland m tree locations, planting, and mis. ellaneous design items TRASH RECEPTAULES Jnhn Frey noted that Dale would like to replace some trash receptacles, particularly at Emery Fark DA' members felt that it was impnrtant that replacements sh..uld be cf the type selected as a result cf the Design Guidelines process Those present liked the steel basket (S-4�) recommended by Craig Halvorson (without the 'hat ) and preferred a black- green rolnrr I-ENTER LIGHTS Those present did nct are for the '.enter lighting fixture suggested by Dixnn -- t. fussy Lights re. _amended for the parking lcts were felt t.0 be simple, but without character John Frey will talk to Dixen and tell him we would prefer something between the twc - i e , simple, but also with snme _haracter The need for g. od cutoffs to eliminate glare is also essential BENCHES A wrod that is harder than teak is preferred Ipe, a S..uth American hardwood was suggested Benches will have to be attached to the ground SIGNS Will Dixon actually design the signs' Nc. -- he will provide sc•me general guidelines --c lor, type of font, etc -- and snme catalogue items The custom design of actual signs is not within the scope of the contract LEFT TURN AT THE UREEN The new traffic pattern at the Green will be on a trial basis. There was concern b..th about whether this would work and the visual effect HIERARCHY OF IMPROVEMENTS Di 0_111 has listed the hierarchy of public improvements in the fcllowing order (1 ) Lighting; (2) Trees, planting, paving; (3' Signs DAC members felt that trees, planting, and paving were most important and that improving the alleys and parking 1 is and int%egrating them with the street would provide continuity A TREES There was discussi -n about the variety cf trees suggested by Dixnn Same type rf rhythm is essential Existing trees need more TLI IMPLEMENTATION OF GUIDELINES Jack Eddison noted that it is expected that the Town Manager will start tc put items for implementation in the budget once the Guidelines are completed EMERY PARR A plan for Emery Fark should be a high pri _rrity item Dixon will not do an actual design plan but will make some general recommendations We will need to ask the town fir money fur a plan and then obtain money for implementation A passible sulutinn fir funding fnr implementatiin may be to ask for contributions from local businesses and others nnre the plan has been prepared GUIDELINES REPORT It was suggested that the Guidelines repnrt innlude the boundaries cf the Historic District for reference THE PROCESS Hnw can the pru' ess be implemented' Hnw can the DAC fit in- The HD' has regulatory powers. The DAL's only pnwers are through educati -n and suasion It is necessary for the DAL tc get in very early in the pr 'cess. Maybe we ould send a flier to all the owners if cummee_ial buildings and the tenants as well tc let them know rf the design guid,ines and our expectati 'ns and where tc get inf rrmatiun DIXON AND ASSOiIATES Those present cnmmented :n the en'rrmous amnunt f time that David Dixon and Associates are spending un this project The feeling was that the firm has a strong i commitment to it OTHER Dale Gaasland is interested in sumenne tc do designs for the upgrading cf small areas He wnuld like to have plans in file fuer traffi islands, fpr example DAC response. Would it be possible to recruit landscape architects in the town to each "adapt" nne small area and prepare a design plan fur it We would like to have Dale work closely with the DAC nn projects that have a design cumpnnent Hnw ran we du this Some pnssibilities are for a one- to-one conference to discuss this, or a DAC brainstorming session with him to find nut what would work well for him NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the DAC will be on Tuesday, June 13, at 8 ou p m. Respectfully submitted, Norma &igen