HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-04-08-DAC-min.pdf DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE APRIL 8, 1997
Present: DAC members John Frey -chair, Barbara Hulsizer,Jack Nolan Karen Bechtel,
Carl Oldenburg,Bruce Creager,Tom Coffman, Steve Hurley,Betsy Whitman,Betty Clark-
liaison LF&GC,Betty Eddison-Board of Selectmen,Paul Messina and David Vickery-
Spaulding& Slye,Tom Barry-W.R. Grace.
1. Meeting called to order at 8:05.Minutes of Feb. 11,1997 should change spelling in
item 5)to Shionogi.Minutes of March 11, 1997 were approved with the correction that
Tom Coffman was there.
2. W R. Grace:Existing plot plan was shown to include 37 acres of which 9 are
wetland. Showed proposed plan, adding a building of 80,000 square feet.This will add
200-225 people to this property requiring 250 additional parking spaces.They propose
traffic mitigation in the nature of monetary benefits,transportation van to Alewife,and
possible arrangement with Lexpress.The rezoning changes the FAR from 0.15 to 0.20.
They spoke of helping with brook cleaning.
They have changed elevation of new building to match existing Hayden Avenue facade.
DAC proposes to match the architectural element of a two vertical members from ground to
roof as in original building.This would break up the very long new facade.
3. Maguire Road Nordic: Nordblum,old Itek building-now Lexington Corporate
Center.This includes 20 acres on both sides of Maguire Road.There will be some removal
of existing buildings reducing the square footage from 375,000 to 285,000.The buff brick
will have new pale green tinted glass with aluminum frames.The sign will be at the SE
corner.The "campus landscaping" will include lower cobra head lights.John urged a
connection to the nearby bikepath with bike parking included.Bruce urged that they be
careful with green glass.They go to the Board of Appeals on April 24th.
4. Harrington Road: Steve Hurley reported that Mort Kahan and Lance Neuman have
gotten a police count of traffic at related intersections.To prevent obstructing the view,the
island should not have the mailbox and the bushes should be removed.The removal of the
Harrington Road fence and the addition of some neckdowns for"road calming" are
recommended.They will meet with the Traffic Advisory Committee.
5. Depot Square / Emery Park: The new owner of the bank at the depot,the
U.S.Trust,has generously offered to let waiting passengers use their roof for shelter.
Carol Johnson's firm is looking into comprehensive plan,consensus plan,legal protection
of west side addition and 15' wide sidewalks on east and west sides.John will
communicate to Rick White the DAC's enthusiasm with the process.
6. Newspaper Vending Machines:Jack reported the prospect of a survey of all the
vendors,putting them on notice that they are being reviewed.Suggestions included 1)not
having them in the historic districts,2)strengthening the restrictions in the historic districts,
3)potential registration fees.Jack will give all addresses of newspapers to John and he will
turn this over to Phyllis Smith for a letter and survey to originate from the Board of
Selectmen.
7 Gingerbread Construction Co. We understand the building is now to be brick.
The size of the sign still seems much too large.John will try to talk with John D'Orsy
8. Sheraton:John McWeeny had spoken with Flatley who might be interested in
preserving some areas,thus saving about$ 100,000.
New business: Steve Hurley questioned if it would not be good to route through the
DAC for consideration requests to BOA for special permits to allow second dwelling units.
Adjournment was at 10:45 p.m.
Scribe:Betsy Whitman
Next DAC MEETING on May 13,1997 in Room 111 at 8:00 p.m.
L