HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-06-23-DAC-min.pdf LEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Minutes of Meeting of 23 June 1987
Present
Jack Eddison (BOS) ; Don Olson (DAC); Betsy Whitman (DAC);
Walter Pierce (DAC); Bob Bradley (DAC) ; Norma Bogen (DAC, LCC);
Bob Ossman (LCC)
Absent Dick Morehouse (DAC); John Frey (DAC)
A. Several names were put forward as potential additional members of the
Design Advisory Group (DAG) or possibly the Design Advisory Committee
(DAC) These included
Elaine Adler (calligrapher) 861-9179
Michael Weinmayr (landscape architect) 862-9317
B Operational or procedural issues involving the DAC were discussed These
fell into three groups
1 Relationship to the Selectmen.
a Our primary authorization is via the Selectmen
b Jack pointed out that all road, sidewalk and building work
involving town funds must come before the Selectmen.
c Jack also pointed out that while the Selectmen approve the School
Committee's budget, physical improvements are directed through
the Permanent Building Committee
d. Examples of actions proceeding too far too quickly were discussed
e It' was agreed that to be effective, the DAC should be involved
before engineering or architectural recommendations reach a
hearing stage
f Walter suggested that the bylaw be amended to require prior
review by the DAC Guidelines might need to be developed to help
focus appropriate issues
2 Relationship to Other Committees or Officials
a Norma recommended that a "design" person be included on all new
committees or as an additional member of existing committees
This person, presumably a member of the DAG, could call in the
DAC as needed
b In response to a question as to whether the DAC is parallel with
the: LCC, Jack explained that the LCC has only two design
professionals
c Bob Ossman added that the DAC has a broader scope which extends
beyond the Center
d Bob suggested that the DAC might wish to meet with other town
officials to establish a rapport
e Jack reported that although Volmer's contract for the bikeway is
with the DEM, they have agreed to meet with Lexington's Bikeway
Committee Bob Ossman, who is a member of that Committee, added
that their group would welcome the DAC's participation.
3 Relationship to Outside Professionals
a There was discussion concerning the limitations of the DAC
members to provide hands on design assistance
Lexington Design Advisory Committee
Minutes of Meeting of 23 June 1987
Page -2-
b Walter emphasized that work directed through qualified outside
design professionals minimizes problems He also suggested that
the DAC might be of assistance in designer selection if not in
conflict with the open selection process
c It was added that the DAC can at least be of assistance in
defining problems, outlining the potential scope of work, and to
assist in the review of work by outside professionals
C Since it will take a while for the DAC to reestablish itself and to be
drawn into new or ongoing affairs, it was agreed that it should focus
assistance on the Center
1 Norma identified several issues including the sign ordinance, a new
building proposed for 14 Muzzey Street and a possible sculpture for
Emery Park being considered by the Lexington Council for the Arts
2 Don distributed copies of the Arlington Sign Guideline booklet
provided by Dick Morehouse
3 Don also described some of the original Lexington Center improvements
drawings prepared by Mason and Frey and provided by John Discussion
followed
4 Walter suggested that a laundry list of design concerns be developed
for potential DAC action Don added that a sub group of two or three
should take this on and prepare a draft for review at our next
meeting
5 Bob Ossman and Don showed the various base drawings that exist for
the Center Discussion followed regarding format and scale It was
also suggested that perhaps DAG members could assist in the creation
of a base map similar to that prepared by Don for the area between
Waltham Street and Clarke Street
6 It was suggested that such a base would be a useful reference and
should be posted somewhere in the building
7 Jack said he would speak to the Engineering Department about the
updating of the 40-scale base map to reflect recent building changes
8 It was agreed that Walter, Norma and Don would work on the laundry
list of concerns and that Bob Ossman and Don would pursue the base
map issues prior to the next meeting
9 Julian Bussgang joined the meeting at its conclusion with questions
regarding the design for circulation and service behind the new
building proposed to replace the burned structure
10 This concern illustrates the need for design submissions to be
provided on accurate base maps with sufficient context to allow
proper evaluation
J
The next meeting was set for August 11, 1987 at 8 p m. in Room G-15
mgm/6508L
NB 8/6/87
OBJECTIVES
To develop a Visual Design Plan for the Center
to encourage a more distinctive overall
character and a more unified appearance while
respecting the historic nature of the Center;
To implement the Plan for Lexington Center ( i e ,
"Lexington Center Managing Change " )
COMPONENTS OF DESIGN PLAN
Guidelines for facade changes, building signs, awnings
Guidelines for upgrading backs of buildings adjacent
to parking lots
Guidelines for new construction
Recommendations for landscaping, paving
Recommendations for street furniture benches ,
trash containers, flower boxes, fountains, lighting etc
( 4,
„A) Recommendations for improvements in parking lots ( trees ,
.;d9 shrubs, planting boxes )
JVAIP" Recommendations for coordinated designs for all public
signs--informational signs, parking lot entrances and
exits , etc
Recommendations for logo for Lexington Center
Recommendations for the redsign of Emery Park
-Rec-Qmmeadass--igh=/-Iscatio c:Te c
Recommendations for revision of zoning by-law to permit
projecting signs by right
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