HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-11-07-DAC-min.pdf Design Advisory Committee(DAC)
Minutes of November 7,2000
Present: Steve Hurley,Chairman,Members:Betsy Whitman,Olga Voronina,Carl Oldenburg,John Frey, Karen Bechtel
(scribe),Barbara Hulsizer, Sally Harkness,Eva Kasell
1. October 3 minutes approved.
2. Reminders:November 20 Design charrette meeting for Battle Green Park, 11/20/00 6:30-9pm Hancock Church and
Tree committee meeting 11/9/00 7:30 Selectmen's Room.
3. Nextel,Cranberry Hill#100: Nextel proposed several 48' high plastic antennae to be facade mounted on the side of
the building up at the roofline.They would be painted to match the building. Cables on the roof would be below the
roofline,the section of cable that runs up over the parapet would be painted to match the building.Radio equipment
would be in the basement.It was noted that other companies have antennae that stick up over the roofline.This was an
informal meeting. The DAC did not have objections to the design and waived the requirement for sightline photos
since the building roofline cannot be seen from all angles.
4. Rational Software, 12 Hartwell Ave:A representative from the sign company provided further detail on the proposed
sign for Rational Software. The DAC recommended that"the"and `company' be in black on the tagline. The number
'12' in the address line should be the same height as the letters in the address, This may require that the letters be
spaced out a bit,but they should not be larger than proposed
5. Belmont Savings ATM machine,Marrett Square:a representative from the sign company showed drawings
proposing signage in the sign band at the corner of Grapevine Ave and Waltham Street(facing Waltham Street)and on
the front of the Anton's Cleaner's building.The DAC felt that the signage proposed was excessive—too many signs on
which the type was too large—and that the signage was confusing since it implies that the ATM is inside the Anton's
Cleaner's building. The DAC felt that there should not be any signage on the building and that the awning with logo
that currently exists over the ATM should be sufficient.
6. Boston Properties, 181, 191,201 Spring Street:A request was submitted to illuminate the sign along Spring Street in
( the early morning and evening during certain months.Boston Properties feels the lack of lighting creates a dangerous
situation since drivers stop in the road to look for the sign.Lights are proposed flush with the ground,6'9' apart,3'6'
from the stone wall.The DAC would like more lighting details—tamping,optics,wattage and cutoffs—before making
a recommendation.
7 Historical Society Building,Depot Square:A request was submitted to allow a temporary construction sign that is
larger than what is allowed by right. The DAC was concerned that the Depot Square name refers to the entire area and
perhaps not just to the building—will this be confused with the Emery Park Project?The committee liked the shape of
the sign,but was also concerned that passersby might not be able to read all the detail on the sign which is proposed to
be mounted 11'off the ground.
8. Illusions Signage,231 Bedford Street: The DAC recommends that a `sandwich sign' reading 'Walk Ins Welcome'
not be approved. The committee is concerned with setting a precedent for this type of sign which, if used frequently in
town, would create sign clutter.
Next meeting December 5. Olga Voronina, scribe.