HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-06-08-DAC-min.pdf MEETING NOTES
DATE. June 8, 1993 cera_,e r (
PROJECT Design Advisory Committee
PRESENT John Frey, Betsey Whitman, Steve Hurley, Tom Coffman, Peg Read, Judy
Ozuransky John Vinton
NOTES BY John Vinton
1 Minutes of 5/11/93 meeting were approved as submitted.
2. Special Permit for Signs: Beth Israel/Childrens Hospital Medical Center Jonathan Harlow of
Choate Hall & Stewart, and Joanne Breiner of Steffian & Bradley attended for the second round of
discussions with the DAC concerning signage for the BI/CH Med. Ctr planned for the corner of
Bedford Street and Hartwell Avenue. DAC comments/concerns were as follows:
• Although reduced in size from the earlier proposal ( 16' x 9' to 10' x 7.5'), the sign
is still large for the site.
• Jug handle turning maneuver is problematic. Trying to solve the sight lines issue by
) making the sign very large is not advisable. A second sign at the entry to the jug
handle seems a likely requirement. Proliferation of signs at the jug handle will be an
issue if the sign turns out to be needed.
• Sign is located quite close to the street for visibility, but this also impedes sight lines
needed for driver safety, especially exiting the site.
• BI/CH offered to set up a mock up on site for DAC review prior to DAC submitting
recommendations to the Board of Appeals. Mockup will be ready for DAC review on
Tuesday 6/15
Mockup was subsequently reviewed on 6/15 with the result that the sign was modified
to be no higher that 4.5' above grade, and was moved inward toward the building to
increase driver sight lines. The final plan was reviewed by DAC members and
approved for recommendation to the Board of Appeals.
• Building sign on east face of the building is too large and high as proposed,
constituting a billboard in the DAC's opinion. BI/CH's desire to have sign visible
from route 128 seems unachievable, and inappropriate. BI/CH will reduce size to an
as of right entry sign above the doorway to the building.
• Any proposed reduction of parking area tree sizes in order to increase visibility of
entry sign on east face was strongly discouraged by the DAC.
a
3 Benches. New locations at Hastings Park will be explored by DAC subcommitttee (John Frey,
Tom Coffman, Steve Hurley) based upon initial information gathered from the DPW by Steve
Hurley Steve also reported that the owner of Lexington Square has expressed interest in placing a
bench or benches in front of the building, per DAC recommendation. Steve indicated that there is
potential for benches in front of the Edison plant as well.
Other bench locations being discussed: Bench at Clark Street looking toward Belfry Hill, bench to
commemorate Matt Santasuosso at the High School quadrangle, and bench at the East Branch of the
Lexington Library
The DAC noted that we need a town wide policy on benches. The benches to date have been street
furniture sited in the center Should a different bench be selected as standard for parks? It is
desirable as much as possible to have a town wide standard.
4 Robbins Park: Area in front of Sacred Heart Church is planned for a memorial tree (sugar maple)
for Jack Eddison and Tom Sullivan. Site has been selected. The sponsoring group also wants to
locate a bench in front of the tree. The DAC questions whether this is a good location. Who would
use? Needs further consideration.
5 Emery Park: Steve Hurley reported that Depositors Trust is interested in the remote teller design
but is has some concerns relocating the 14 parking spaces in front of their building that is a
necessary component of the teller site design. Further discusion following this meeting may have
opened options regarding the 14 spaces that will appear to allow the design to go ahead.
Next steps: bring town committees together again to start the process. There are funds available for
landscaping including $10 000 from Jack Eddison.
6. Battle Green Signage. The DAC discussed the signage from several points of view Peg Read
and John Vinton had prepared draft material for consideration of the committee. It is still the
intention that a letter be prepared for the Selectmen expressing DAC's concerns. The letter is to
focus on the importance of the green as a national monument, the fragility of the present
environment, and the need for a clear policy that will regulate modifications and additions.