HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-22-MMC-min
Monuments & Memorials Committee, Lexington, MA
Minutes of Meeting
August 22, 2024
Parker Room, Town Office Building
In Person and By Zoom Teleconference
Members Present: Linda Dixon, Chair; Glen Bassett, Bebe Fallick, George Gamota, Liz
Huttner, Leslie Masson, Mirela Vaso.
Members not present: Avram Baskin, Nick Wong.
Guests: Bill Poole and Regina Sutton, adjunct members; Dave Pinsonneault, Director, DPW;
Karen Tyler, Veterans Services Director; presenters Barry Cunha, Miriam Gusevich, Larry
Borins and Matthew Siegal; and community members Dawn McKenna and Mr. Gonz.
Business
Chair Linda Dixon opened the meeting at 4:05 and declared that a quorum was present. She
announced that this was a special meeting for the purpose of hearing the proposal from
representatives of donor Howard Wolk (the Donor Group) to install a monument to
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commemorate the 250 anniversary of the Battle of Lexington.
Lex250 Presentation
Barry Cunha, Team Leader for the Donor Group, introduced his fellow presenters: Artist Miriam
Gusevich; Project Manager Larry Borins; and art consultant Matthew Siegal of LexArt. Miriam
Gusevich began by describing the proposed monument as a “sculptural reenactment to convey
the bravery and vulnerability of the American Patriots when they confronted the overwhelming
force of the British army regulars.” Two groups of iron poles would be installed in geometric
battle formation opposite each other across a fully ADA compliant square plaza. The group of
blue rods represents the Patriots, with each rod bearing the name and dates of a patriot who
participated in the battle. The more numerous red rods represent the British regulars. The visual
impact helps the viewer experience the Patriots’ courage and vulnerability. An Audio QR code
will allow each visitor to listen on their phone, making the story come alive and overcoming
visual and language barriers. The environment will look like a “natural garden” with walkways,
open space, and benches (with and without backs), encouraging the visitor to linger. Larry
Borins answered questions and provided additional facts as necessary.
In answer to several questions, DPW Director Dave Pinsonneault provided clarification on the
landscaping work. There are two separate projects going on simultaneously: the creation of a
public park/garden; and the monument design and installation. The park will be paid for with
Town funds as part of the Battle Green Master Plan while the monument is funded by private
donations and some federal funds. Some of the plant materials and removal of greenery shown
on the artist design are not part of the landscape plan. The paths on the design plan appear
somewhat wider than on the landscape plan.
The Belfry will remain physically inaccessible, but a new set of stairs will be installed. In
response to a committee comment that railings on these stairs are essential, Dave agreed to take a
second look at the stairs. There are no plans to install wiring or bring electricity to the site.
There are lampposts on Clarke Street and Mass. Ave that can shed some light. A QR code will
bring the listener to remote audio narratives.
Referring to the Battle Green Master Plan, Dawn McKenna noted two items: 1) the existing
Lafayette marker at the entrance to Belfry Park must remain as-is; and 2) the plan does not call
for opening Belfry Park to Clarke Street with significant tree and shrub removal.
The Donor Group has planned meetings with the Tourism Committee and the Historic Districts
Commission over the coming weeks. They plan to establish contact with the Commission for
Disability, and will give an update to the Select Board of their work to modify and enhance the
design according to Select Board feedback. By the time of the Monuments Committee next
regular meeting on September 12, they should have conducted their “due diligence” for the
project.
The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Next meeting: September 12, 2024.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Dixon, Chair