HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-04-DAC-min.pdf Design Advisory Committee(DAC)
Minutes of April 4,2000
Present: Steve Hurley Chairman,Members: Betsy Whitman, Olga Voronina, Carl Oldenburg,John Frey Karen Bechtel
(scribe),Barbara Hulsizer, Betty Eddison(Selectman), Sally Harkness, Stacey Bridge-Denzak
1 March minutes approved with spelling correction,Eddison
2. Volunteers reouested: The 20/20 Vision Committee needs volunteers to attend the April 13 meeting.Nobody was
available since it is the start of the Patriots Day weekend.The Communications Advisory Committee requested a
volunteer to assist in reviewing Section 15, Cell Tower By-Laws. John Frey volunteered.
3. Town of Lexington: Dave Carbonneau presented the most recent drawings for the Bedford Street/Harrington Road
improvements. Three companies(Metromedia Fiber Network,RCN and Cablevision)are currently installing cable in
Lexington which creates opportunities to make some improvements.Drawings showed:
• Enlarged 'bump out' at Harrington Road/Bedford Street,which would decrease the road width from 36 to
32' The center line would be realigned
• Low level incandescent ornamental lights with concrete Cobra lights to illuminate the intersection
• Brick paving in front of the Buckman Tavern
Concerns:the "bump-out' appears too suddenly rather than being transitional. Cars will bump into it and bikes
will suddenly have to veer into traffic. It seemed dangerous.The DAC suggested painting or marking with brick or
granite,a more gradual curve.The DAC felt there was an opportunity to create a 'village' feel to this area. Some
felt that Cobra lights would not be ideal. The cost of brick paving is$100-200/linear foot for a 10' sidewalk. Some
DAC members liked the idea of keeping the crushed stone on the 'sacred parkland' and reserving the brick paving
for the "village areas.
The DAC would like to take on the Green as a project. Dave Carbunneau proposes a multi-disciplinary team to
resolve some of these issues.The Selectmen need to approve this committee.Proposed members would include
representation from The Center Committee, IIDC, DAC Traffic Committee, Garden Club,The Historical Society,
The Lighting Committee and individuals, Larry Whipple and Betty Eddison.Neighborhood representation would
be invited to attend meetings.
4. Ston and Shon: Torn Scott and Toni Fenn have already been to the Board of Appeals and were granted approval,but
the Board requested they represent before the DAC. Slop and Shop plans to enclose the loading dock(Worthen Road
side).They will move the wall out 13 There will be a seal to contain the noise from the trucks. At the end of the ramp
there will be a door.The materials will be the same red brick.A spot light is required over the door at the end of the
ramp.The DAC did not have any concerns about this project.
5. St.Paul's Church, Lowell Street: Steve presented drawings for comments by the DAC
• Landscaping: All members fell the plan should be implemented—including the grading. It would be important
to look at trees and parking, buffer zone. Concern was expressed about(lie safety of the drop-off area, which
is not up for redesign.
• Signage: A main sign,entrance sign,exit sign and church office sign are proposed as well as a sign over the
door reading `Child Development Center' It was agreed that the sign on the street should be for church
identification only- other details are not readable by passing ears. Signage specifying the times of the
services and sermon details should be by the front door. It was suggested that the main sign be reversed so the
steeple is towards the front door.There was not agreement on this issue. Some preferred it as is.
• Lighting: Currently lighting is on 30'poles which shines in the neighbors' windows.Two donated globe
fixtures fill the air with light.It was suggested that the wattage on these fixtures be reduced(and changed
from sodium vapor if they are not color corrected)and that the stained glass window be lit from inside,rather
than out.
• Dumpster: The suggestion was to keep it simple.
6. Battle Green:The DAC should take on the Battle Green as a project with the goal of standardizing the light fixtures
(Depot Square style). improving the sidewalks and adding a story sign(ie Dolittle print).
7 It was mentioned that someone had lacquered the benches in the Muzzey Mews. They look bad.
8. Meeting adjourned 10:45
Next meeting May 2, scribe Barbara Hulsizer