HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-11-DAC-min.pdf MEMORANDUM
To. Design Advisory Committee Date: 02/23/97
From: Thomas Coffman Project No. 51120.02
Project: Design Advisory Committee
Re: February 11, 1997 Meeting
Distribution: Design Advisory Committee(MF)
Attendees: B. Hulsizer B. Whitman,J. Davies( Planning Board) J. Ellis, B. Craeger, S. Bridge-Denzak,J.
Nolan, C. Oldenburg, K. Bechtel, S. Hurley,J.Frey( Chairman) B. Edison( Board of Selectman)
1) Civic Improvement Committee: Donna Ryburn, committee representative, -stated the group is an
advocate for beautification of intersections, traffic islands etc. and is interested in improving the
Marret/Waltham Sts. intersection. It does not provide caretaking services. To date she has contacted
the head of the Lexington DPW and State Highway Dept. project manager, Peter
Katrubis(sp)regarding plans for the intersection. The committee is part of the Lexington Field and
Garden Club
The DAC unanimously encourages her group's work and is interested in lending support.
2) Fresenius Medical Care: Eleanor Stout, company representative, requested that the DAC provide input
regarding a proposed wall sign for her company at 95 Hayden Ave. Documents for review were
limited to partial elevations and a single blue color chip. Although the partial elevation showed the
sign individual letters attached to the face of the brick building above second story windows, to be
36'-2' wide by 2'-6' high Ms. Stout stated the actual sign area would be 18' 1 wide by 1 -6' high.
The DAC pointed out that the zoning bylaw limits the primary sign to a maximum 3'-0' wide.
Consensus of the group was not to support the proposal as presented and that Ms. Stout's company
should revise the request. The DAC will advise the ZBA accordingly
3) Minutes: December 1996 and January 1997 meetings' minutes were approved with minor spelling
changes.
4) Sheraton Inn: The DAC reviewed chairman John Frey s letter to the ZBA based on our review and
comments last month and approved it unanimously John Davies stated that a letter from the
Planning Board referred directly to and in support of the comments contained in the DAC letter
5) Shionogin Bioreasearch: Representatives of the company presented proposed changes to an existing
building on Hartwell Avenue. These design changes are still under consideration by the company
and prior to proceeding it was seeking DAC feedback. A site plan and partial entrance elevation
alternatives were reviewed. The DAC encouraged the proposed changes plus more green space in
lieu of existing parking lot currently not used. Shoniogin will submit again in the future.
6) Gingerbread Construction Co. Company representatives presented a proposed site plan and
architectural elevations for the reuse of the former Exxon gas station at Woburn and Fletcher Sts. as
To. Design Advisory Committee
Date: 02/23/97
a bakery. The DAC was enthusiastic about the proposal and encouraged the owner to consider the
following.
• Either limit the curb cuts on Woburn St. to one or close the proposed exit curb cut to Fletcher.
• Increase access to site from the bikeway
• Provide a bike stand.
• Locate patio at the front door in lieu of Fletcher St.
• The architectural character may be too 'cute as shown. One member of the DAC suggested the
image should build upon the existing brick facade in lieu of the proposed clapboard.
• Consider where signs will be located.
7) Depot Square: The issue of conflict of interest regarding members of the DAC responding to an RFP
for the design of the square was discussed. Although the members, in general, believe no conflict
exists it was agreed that thus is an opportunity to seek clarification by town counsel.John Frey will
follow up.
8) Sign guidelines: It was reported that the Board of Selectman approved the proposed guidelines.
Implementation is next phase. Tom Coffman is to provide the originals to Eleanor for duplicating
and use.
9) Newspaper vending machines:Jack Nolan reported he spoke with Steve Fredrickson, town zoning
official, and was informed that town counsel had reviewed the issue in the past and suggested that
the use can not be stopped. The DAC suggested that the intent was not to stop the use but to
organize it in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Tom Coffman suggested Jack contact Mark Zarillo
of his office who is a Brookline Planning Board member and has experience with this issue in his
town.
10) Town Report: The DAC approved John Frey's article submitted as part of the report.
11) Next meeting: March 11.
TAC/TAC/r:WOAD%IEMO.DOT
Page 2