HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-02-14-DAC-min.pdf 11 P r'
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MEETING MINUTES
Project Design Advisory Committee
Prepared by: Thomas A. Coffman,SMMA Date: 3/14/95
Re: February Meeting of D.A.C.
Distribution: Attendees
Attendees: Carl Oldenburg, Kathy Green,Bob Ossman,Steve Hurley,John Vinton,John Frey,Terry
Rookard,Walter Pierce,Betsy Whitman,Betty Eddisin,Tom Coffman
DISCUSSION
1. Minutes of January meeting were approved.
2. House at 1988 Mass.Ave. Walter Pierce, HDC, presented concern regarding St.Brigid's plans
to demolish existing house. Church would like more presence on Mass.Ave. Thirty to forty
years ago,town granted St.Brigid's the right to demolish two houses. One was taken down at
that time. Town has recently denied the church the right to remove the building at this time.
HDC has attempted to set up meeting with people at St.Brigid's,however,to date this has not
taken place.
Most recently the church has stated it will be applying for demo within permit. HDC has
unanimously voted against allowing this.
Note: the six(6)month waiting period between application for permit and actual demolition
does not apply in Historic District.
3. Benches: Report in progress. No other action to discuss.
4. Signage Guidelines: Tom Coffman provided guidelines for John Frey to give to Board of
Appeals,Board of Selectman and Planning Board for review John to follow up with each.
5. D.A.C.Membership: D.A.C.unanimously recommended Carl Oldenburg to fill committee
vacancy
6. Bikeway Bridge: Plans still not received. Hopefully coming soon.
7 Emery Park: Project has been dormant since November. Steve has been attempting to contact
Don Olson. He also will bring the study group together soon.
The preferred plan is to extend the walk on east side of the square for Lexpress drop-off. The
study group needs to prepare arguments why this is the preferred scheme for a meeting with the
Board of Selectman in the spring(April or May)and bring this to closure.
8. Note: Balance of meeting minutes taken by John Vinton to follow
9 Next Meeting: March 14, 1995.
TOkbu/Ulusers/dactc.doc
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MEETING NOTES
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DATE. 2/14/95
PROJECT. Design Advisory Committee
SUBJECT. Continuation of meeting minutes
(please see minutes by Tom Coffman)
NOTES BY John Vinton
10. House Demolition Guidelines: Jackie Davison and David Kelland attended for this
discussion which covered options for the regulation of demolition and reconstruction on
existing house lots. Discussion focused on mechanisms for protecting the fabric and
rhythm of existing neighborhoods. Concern that large houses replacing small may meet
existing zoning but overwhelm surrounding houses.
Regulatory dilemma: how to control development without stipulating style, or imposing
too strenuous a framework, or overly compromising development rights which ensue from
ownership of the property
Other towns have design controls and review, such as Nantucket and Wellesley
Lexington does not. David Kelland noted that the DAC could influence development
( through suggestions and recommendations, without having the force of law The
Historical Commission is notified of demolitions by the Building Officer, and can delay
them for 6 months if the LHC fords the property historically significant.
This would represent an extension of DAC's mission which would have to come from the
Board of Selectmen. Discussion with the Planning Board and the Historical Commission
will be continued.
11. Two lot subdivision planned at Snencer Road was presented for DAC information.
12. Harrineton Road: reviewed present options. Stop light option is not feasible since this is
a state road and approval will be too complicated and take too long. John Frey and John
Vinton will meet with Peter Chalpin to explore other options including land taking at the
Mason's property Will discuss possibility of doing this in exchange for parking in the
town leased spaces in the Church of Our Redeemer lot. Mother option is being explored
which involves joining the island to the Mason's property, and closing the roadway
extension that is directly opposite Harrington Road. Right hand turns from North
Hancock onto Bedford Street will be allowed, but will be more than 90 degree turns.
Will have to discuss feasibility with the Fire Department.
Temporary closure: Considering installing a gate fabricated by the town from pipe rail
sections. Alternative is buying several bike racks for use elsewhere when not needed
here.
cc: attendees
9 May 1995 1