HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-12-14-DAC-min.pdf %
Design Advisory Committee Meeting December 14, 1993
Present: John Frey (chairman), Betsy Whitman, Barbara Hulsizer Betty
Eddison (Selectman Liaison), Steve Hurley Richard Canale (Planning.$oard),
Judi Ozuransky (Arts Council), Marjorie Kent (Garden:Cldb) Jackie'Davii'son
(Planning Board Liaison), Tom Coffman, Carl Oldenburg, Hubert Murray Jane
Buckley James Buckley Gerry Whiting (GardentClub t.Maria„ ne Lazg-rut, ,V.
Louise Kava, Jim Lambie, Bob Ossman-(DAC Assoc. -LCC).
Meeting called to order at 8:00 by John- Frey. Minutes of last meeting
(received early. thanks, Peg.) approved as read. Betsy-read off scribes for
successive months of 1994
Jan. Tom Coffman JiitiaT.orn-Qeffman
Feb. Barbara Hulsizer July Barbara Hulsizer
Mar Hubert Murray Aug. Steve Hurley
Apr Betsy Whitman , Sept:.;Peg-Read
May Karen Bechtel Oct. Betsy Whitman
John Vinton please note For heroic service, you are not on this list even once.
Mailboxes The proponents came to offer a new suggestion for solving the
problem of visibility for their sign. DAC reminded that the sign needs to be(for
identification, not advertising. They'showed two signs, oho freestanding sign on
two posts, another with a single post.
The DAC's comments included: the need for photographs wittiali.that is
going on there, measurements and plot plan are required, elevations with cars,
people and sign, color sample and descriptipn,of material of signs; tbm
suggested the need fora.cross section'ifroni street to building at this busy
intersection. Hubert said we should not rule out projecting sign from building.
We understand their concern and look forward to a proposal which will give us
the material to make an informed and useful opiniOrt. '
Lexington Ridge: Two proponents of.signs'near Waltham Street presented
their proposal two unlighted wooden painted signs combined; :one,nnart ng-
"Lexington Ridge" and another stating rental information, amid a stonewall 2' or
3' high and stone pylons 6' high with a picket fence at the rear
tor
Richard Canale observed that this was roughly''2"+i'25'+2r'in"'width. 'Someone,
showed that we were talking of 84 square feet of sign: Hubert pointed out that
the length of usefulness of a development sign-was 2 years. Tom, suggested,that
the development should strive to be a part of the Lexington cd nmbnity At rriostit
might have a modest and hot strident sign of 12 square feet. This proposal is a
billboard. Hubert commented that the wall part is.aplinth.
The proponents said that it needed to alert the public because it was a rental
development. It was pointed out that "Katandin Woods Apartments", is rental
and has a sign of 12 square feet. "Brookhaven's"Iis laige - 15 square feet.
The Planning Board recommends the smaller dimension; they would go to
the larger only if the DAC felt that it was needed for visibility
The consensus was that this is unacceptable. Jackie suggested that they ask
the Board of Appeals for a continuation or "withdraw without prejudice" If it is
presented and fails, they may not return for 2 years, plus having paid their fee.
Locke Village Peter Kelley Dick Perry and Laurie, from Larson Associates,
brought in a more developed plot plan. Evergreens are used as buffers giving
scale and privacy instead of fencing. With the new numbers there are fewer
patios and they are more separated from one another There is a fence at
Building one because of a public stairway There was discussion of particular
varieties of plantings.
The path to the Mall has been relocated. It eliminates the stairs and is a 6%
slope. This is a private path: owned by "Locke Village" and the Mall owners.
Maintenance is their responsibility It is situated near the entrance of the
development and may be an easier way for neighbors on Lowell St. to walk to
the Mall.
DAC felt it was a good job.
Route 2A Intersection Jackie presented the proposal calling for the road
widening froml4" to 60" 5 lanes. The Planning Board feels that it is
overdesigned at our expense. Dick Cooke, the project manager, has hired
Lexington Engineering to do the design.
Hubert suggested reducing the design speed and sign it accordingly The
lane widths could then be 10' or 11'
This is a problem only at commuter time. The proposal moves Sheraton's
driveway to opposite Forbes road. The driveway is now 19' wide, they propose
32' They plan a traffic light at that intersection (and they think they will reduce
the backup on 128?) and at the Mass Avenue and Minuteman Drive
intersection. There is a dangerous location proposed for the Public works
access.
Tom suggested status quo. John thought we might talk with traffic engineer
Lance Neumann. John had a list of excellent questions and thoughts. Jane
Buckley said it is presently one of the most attractive entrances to
Lexington.Hubert has worked with Central Artery folk and thinks he could be of
assistance. Jackie will get together with Hubert and John.
Woodland Road LexHAB wishes to have Minuteman students build a house
on this town-owned strip of land. They are anxious to get started.
In 1947 the town took lot#122 for a path to the Fiske School for students
and residents. It is a lovely area of sloping woodland. The house would be like
other LexHAB ones. Tom said they can't plunk down a cookie-cutter house
without considering the architecture and the landscape. The path would have to
be moved, losing the straight vista downhill. While all support LexHAB, DAC
hates to disturb something that is so very nice already If it gets done, do it well.
John will write to Selectmen.