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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-03-DAC-min.pdf DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TOWN OF LEXINGTON Meeting Minutes April 3, 2001 Present: Steve Hurley (Chair), John Frey, Olga Voronina, Barbara Hulsizer, John Davies, Betsy Whitman, Eva Kassell, Sally Harkness, Karen Bechtel, Carl Oldenburg Scribe: Carl Oldenburg Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 8.05 PM by Steve Hurley Approvals: The minutes of the meeting of February 6, 2001, were approved as submitted. Discussion: 1 Nextel. 519 Appleton Street (Route 2\Wireless Communications Facility: Daniel Rosemark, Nextel. The petitioner presented a proposal to locate additional antennae on the existing telecommunications tower and to construct a new equipment shelter building at the base of the tower Antennae would be located at heights of approximately 90 feet and 100 feet above ground on the existing 230-foot-high tower The equipment shelter will be comparable to existing adjacent structures. This proposal had been presented to the DAC in a previous meeting. The DAC had no objections to the proposal. 2. Grace Chanel. Worthen Road - Additions/Alterations: Tim Ponzani, Director of Operations, Grace Chapel; Bob Galloway Architect; Dana Baker, Architect; Petitioner presented a new model and drawings depicting an updated design which incorporates some of the earlier suggestions of the DAC, particularly rooftop mechanical screens, windows, and brick detailing. The project is now in design development, Lighting, signage, and certain other issues raised previously by the DAC have not yet been addressed. Proposed rooftop mechanical equipment screening is to be effected by brick "dormers" and sloped slate roofing. An alternative of extending brick parapet walls high enough to screen the equipment was discussed but was not considered by the DAC or the project architects to be as desirable. The DAC was generally favorable to the design improvements. DAC Meeting Minutes—April 3, 2001 Page 2 of 3 ( The DAC is to have the opportunity to review final drawings prior to submission of the building permit application. It was suggested that the petitioner meet with the DAC in September and again in October in case changes are required. Samples of brick with the proposed V-joint detail should be brought to the meeting. Landscape drawings and lighting proposal also need to be reviewed. 3 Lexington Club. 475 Bedford Street— Outdoor Swimming Pool and Parking: Gary Graham, Architect; Virginia Stanard, Architect; Bruce Buckbee, Lexington Club. Petitioner is applying for a special permit with site plan review to replace existing outdoor tennis courts with outdoor pools and related facilities, and expansion and reconfiguration of the existing parking lot. 79 additional parking spaces are proposed (to the exiting 201 spaces). The pool area will have no more impervious surface that the existing tennis courts, according to the petitioner The DAC recommended that the petitioner review setback requirements and landscape transition zone requirements, because of some uncertainty about conformance as shown in the drawings. The DAC had concerns about site lighting, specifically that the proposed building-mounted parking lot lighting is not desirable and may not be allowed, and that it would be preferable to remove the existing building-mounted parking lot lighting and replace it with pole-mounted fixtures in the parking lot. The petitioner should come back ( to the DAC with an updated lighting plan for review Otherwise, the DAC was generally in favor of the proposal. 3 Tree Committee — Article and Town Meeting Proposal: Patrick Mehr—Tree Committee John Frey - DAC Eva Kassel] —DAC The proposed "Tree Bylaw" was discussed. The DAC is very much in favor of the proposed bylaw Steve Hurley will draft a statement of support from the DAC 4 Underground Utility Proposal: Patrick Mehr Mr Mehr expressed considerable concern about the increasingly unsightly overhead utility lines, transformers, telecommunications nodes, and other pole-mounted elements. He proposed that Lexington consider putting all utilities underground over the course of perhaps 50 to 100 years, and that the Town should appoint an ad-hoc committee to explore this issue and make recommendations to the Selectmen, and to raise community awareness about the aesthetic issues through a photo contest for the"ugliest pole in town' The DAC is interested in the issue, and there will be further discussions about it. 5 Wagon Wheel. 927 & 945 Waltham Street—Renewal of Special Permit: DAC Meeting Minutes— April 3, 2001 Page 3 of 3 ( The DAC has no objection to the renewal of the Special Permit for the Wagon Wheel to conduct business as usual at its existing location. 6 Gingerbread Construction Company 10 Woburn Street—Proposed seasonal ice cream stand: A seasonal ice cream"cart", approximately 12 feet by 6 feet, is proposed to be located near the existing Gingerbread Construction Co building, adjacent to bicycle path. The DAC is intrigued with the concept, however more information is needed to warrant review 7 Stone Meadow Golf. 675 Waltham Street—Amendment to Special Permit regarding site lighting: Steve Politi, attorney; Hank Thorpe, electrical/lighting consultant; Anthony Garno, manager at Stone Meadow Golf. Petitioner indicated that Stone Meadow Golf presently illuminates their driving range for approximately one hour after dusk for purposes of cleaning up golf balls by staff after closing. They propose to be able to keep lights on until 11.00 PM so that they can offer evening golfing to their customers. They are not proposing changes to the existing physical lighting configuration. Adjustments were made recently to the lighting to provide more even illumination. Petitioner described the existing configuration as being twelve lighting fixtures mounted on four poles (three fixtures per pole), approximately 100 feet apart, located behind the driving spots. Fixtures were described as being 1500-watt mercury vapor An aerial photograph was presented which purportedly shows the existing lighting configuration. The DAC requested additional documentation, including a site lighting plan which shows fixture locations, heights, and foot-candle levels, and cuts of the fixtures. Although concern was expressed about light pollution and impact on residential areas, the DAC does not object to the proposal, pending review of requested additional documentation. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 PM. Next meeting: The next meeting is Tuesday, May 1, 2001 at 8.00 PM.