HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-03-08-DAC-min.pdf LEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Notes of Meeting held In the Selectmen's Meeting Room (First Sitting - 7:30-9:OOpm)
and subsequently In Room 111 (Second Sitting - 9:OOpm-11:00pm) March 8th 1994
Present for first sitting:as attached.
Present for second sitting:
LDAC members:Barbara Hulsizer,Jackie Davison, Vivian Berman,Karen Bechtel, Peg Read, John
Vinton, Betsy Whitman,John Frey(chair) Betty Eddison, Hubert Murray(scnbe)
for Lexington Christian Academy John Wacker,J. Barry Koops
for Dunkin' Donuts: Manuel Moritz,Taylor Moynihan
First Sitting:
1. Discussion of programming and design of Emery Park and Depot Square
Rick White Town Manager: Need to get agreement on design issues.There is funding of$40,000.
Copies of the landscape architect's text and proposals were distributed.
Don Olsen, landscape architect: need to agree on three goals
1 To enhance visual and landscape quality of Emery Park and Depot Square.
2. To provide a more convenient and safe pedestrian circulation through Emery Park to destinations
in Depot Square and beyond.
3. To provide a more hospitable area for the users of L'Express including the physically challenged.
Desire to have a fourth goal(expressed from the floor).Agreed to:
4. Conserve the character of the Square.
There were problems expressed with bus stop. Mr. Olsen explained that various locations had been
examined and this was found the best.
Mr. Olsen pointed out that he was trying to improve the corner between Emery Park and Depot
Square by planting trees. Needs land swap with the bank.
Various options discussed. Generally agreed that the design concept was the best direction.
• Concern expressed about too many activities in one place L'Express, Taxis, MBTA bus, Parking.
• People did not want bollards around the perimeter.
• Agreed to remove six parking spaces on inner curb, leaving the two taxi spaces. This would allow
the pedestrian park space to expand. Two additional parking spaces had been created on outer
curb.
• Concern about adverse effect on businesses if parking were reduced.
• Discussion about the need for a sidewalk around perimeter of park. Some thought it good;others
not.
The LDAC members left for their second sitting; the main discussion continued in their absence.
Second siding:
2. Minutes of 11 January 1994 approved.
3. Board of Appeals:
a. John Wacker presented proposed granite sign with lighting for entrance to Lexington Christian
Academy. Main features are:Handbuilt New England fieldstone wall 30'high,with mortar back up
wrapping around the corner. Rough, light gray Fletcher granite sign 24' high x 120' long with
incised sailed letters 5'high. Lighting is on the ground, operated by a timer. Committee found
the proposal agreeable. Strongly advised talking to the neighbors before presenting to the Board
of Appeals.
b. Sign of Dunldn'Donuts shop at mini mall on crossroads of Lowell and Wobum Streets.Taylor
Moynihan presented the proposal for a standard Dunkin'Donuts awning sign backlit. Generally
not liked. Preferred alternative was a 6k3' externally illuminated panel with fluorescent light above.
White background, colored lettering, gray frame. Possibly the building clapboards could be light
gray with white trim. General discussion about the parking, landscaping and plants.These issues
need to be addressed to the owner of the complex, 'My Cleaner?
4. Bikeway Bridges: Hubert Murray distributed some briefing documents and notes of a meeting held
with Bob MacDonald of the Massachusetts Highway Department. He showed MHD drawings of
alternatives Including the precast concrete culverts, precast concrete arched bridges with stone
facing optional. HM then showed drawings and photographs of the winning design for the Vermont
wooden bridges competition of 1989 (designed by Steve Oles and Dan Schodek)and some standard
wooden bridge designs from manufacturers'literature. Committee generally liked the look of the
wooden bridges. John Frey agreed to take the material to the meeting of the Friends of the Bikeway
on Thursday on the 10th April. Further action might be taken with the Bikeway Committee(appointed
by the Selectmen), interested parties in Arlington and with the Friends of the Bikeway who represent
interests from Bedford to Cambridge. [Additional copies of these notes may be obtained from HM.J
5. Woodland Road: voted by the Board of Selectmen to go to Town Meeting. On 3.15.94 at Bpm in
Room 105 (Comptroller's office) LDAC and LexHab will have a meeting to review the latest proposals
with members of the neighborhood.
6. East Lexington bench: John Frey showed a preferred position near the proposed tree at the entrance
to the Waldorf School. Everybody liked it.
7 Route 2A. no further news. Betty Eddison will ask the Town Manager for news on this.
8. Tree Committee• no discussion.
9. Battle Green no discussion.
Attachment: list of attendees'names at first sitting
Distribution LDAC attendees