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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-05-13-DAC-min.pdf DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes May 13, 1997 Present: D.A.C. John Frey (Chair), Karen Bechtel, Bruce Creager, Stacey Bridges-Denzak (Associate Member), Betsy Whitman,Tom Coffman, Barbara Hulsizer, Carl Oldenburg; Other: John Davies-Planning Board liason, Betty Clark-Lexington Field &Garden Club,Eva Heney-Lexington Minuteman Minutes prepared by- Carl yCarl Oldenburg Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 8:05 PM by John Frey Approvals: The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and approved. Discussion: 1 Craft Cleaners Building Sign: Proposal by owner of building,Belmont Manor Realty Trust, for sign on rear of building(facing bike path)was discussed. The proposed sign has been approved by Historic Districts Commission. Planning board has not taken a stand. Proposed sign identifies individual retail tenants of the building and not the name or address of the building itself. The DAC approved the general concept of a sign on the building,but could hot evaluate the specific sign as submitted because of insufficient information. The DAC had general comments and suggestions for the design of the sign. As submitted,it appears mundane, more like a sign on a professional office building than on a retail building, and unlikely to add visual interest to the building or to achieve the purported goal of attracting business from the bike path. It was suggested that other devices such as awnings,planter boxes, etc.be considered. It was suggested that the sign itself be made of individual small board signs hanging from each other, possibly with store logos and specific graphics on each sign to distinguish individual businesses. 2. Bicycle Racks: Design Advisory Committee Page 2 Meeting Minutes May 13, 1997 There was discussion of the various types of bicycle racks seen in the Lexington Center area. The"Com' type is approved by the Historic Districts Commission and is the preference of the Bicycle Committee and of the D.A.C. It was agreed that the design of bicycle racks should,where practicable, be consistent, like other street furniture such as benches and trash barrels.Non-conforming racks which have been installed by merchants may be grandfathered, but future racks subject to approval of the H.D.C. should be the"Cora"type. 3 Vending Machines: Jack Nolan's fmal draft of a letter from the Selectmen to newspaper companies requesting vending machine information was reviewed. A response form is to be included with the letter. D.A.C. members suggested that the beginning of the first sentence be revised to read 'The Design Advisory Committee, appointed by the Board of Selectmen. ", and for the word `prohibition"near the end of the second paragraph be changed to "restriction" 4 Mobil Planting: The new owner of the Mobil station at the corner of Marrett Road and Waltham Street is changing some of the landscaping. The station was subject to restrictions on signage,plantings, etc.when it was re-built several years ago; the previous owner had fully cooperated. The new owner apparently wishes to cooperate as well,but does not have a proposal for landscape modifications. He has been asked to provide one. 5. Enterprise Rent-a-Car Concern was expressed about the new sign on the building,which was deemed "gross"and"offensive",but apparently in conformance with zoning requirements. John Frey indicated that he will discuss the issue with Marianne McCall-Taylor. This may lead to further examination of sign requirements,housekeeping and language changes in the bylaws. The D.A.C. should look into other changes and clarifications regarding sign bylays; a study group may be formed to make recommendations to the planning board. 6. Seasons Four The existing sign was recently knocked over by an errant car. The proposed new sign was reviewed and discussed. The proposed new sign is to be approximately the same size and proportion as the existing sign,but with an oval shape for the main sign. Approximate size 8 feet high, 7 feet wide. Lighting to be the existing lighting,repaired,with the meter and timing box relocated. D.A.C. recommendations were to examine relocating the address numbers by lowering them on the post to align with the center of the oval. Design Advisory Committee Page 3 Meeting Minutes May 13, 1997 The D.A.C. is generally in favor of the proposal. The presentation was considered to be particularly good. 7 34 Hancock Street: Older house next to the Hancock-Clarke House has been purchased by a developer, who is renovating it speculatively The developer had proposed vinyl shutters, replacing all of the windows, and adding a two-story garage-apartment structure and sliding glass doors. The project is going before the H.D C. for review Meeting scheduled for June 5 D.A.C. members expressed concern over the sliding glass doors visible from the Hancock-Clarke House and other aspects of the proposed renovation. 8. Flags: Certain retail establishments such as various gas stations and Lexington Ace Hardware have been displaying multiple American Flags, apparently as a promotional device. There is a question as to whether these are "banners" or patriotic expressions. Banners are not allowed by zoning regulations. Betsy Whitman indicated that she will discuss the matter with Marianne McCall-Taylor. 9 Bush Barrier The island at the intersection of Hancock and Bedford Streets has several large,dense rhododendron shrubs which block the view of oncoming traffic from vehicles turning left onto Hancock Street from Bedford Street via the Harrington Road extension. This is considered a dangerous situation. The D.A.C. recommends that the shrubs be removed or transplanted to a safer location. The mailbox is also a visibility problems, and removal of it may be indicated. A draft memo from the D.A.C. to Brian Gilbert(Public Works)recommending shrub removal/transplantation was reviewed and approved. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 PM.