HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-14-DAC-min
LEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Minutes of Meeting of January 14, 2025
A meeting of the Design Advisory Committee (DAC) was held in the Parker Room in the Town Office Building at
7:30 pm on January 14, 2025.
Members Present: Tim Lee, Minhaj Kirmani, Danit Netzer, Steve Vincent, Chris Johns
Members Absent: Ian Adamson, Elisa Kim, Hema Bhatt
Liaisons: none attended
Others Present: none attended
The Committee reviewed, discussed and acted on the following item(s):
1. Reviewed and discussed the following Planning Board projects:
- 7 Hartwell Ave.
The Committee had consensus on the following comments:
BUILDING
1. Generally, the scale, massing and proportions of the building appear to
appropriately fit into this neighborhood.
2. Consider incorporating natural building materials such as stone, and wood. The applicant
is proposing to use essentially one material for much of the exterior skin. Adding a natural
material like stone or wood we think would help to ground the building to the site and help
the building feel more connected with the surrounding natural environment
3. Is solar or other green energy solutions being consider for this project?
4. Will green and sustainable building materials, products and practices be a part of the
project?
5. Can the applicant explore the use of better quality high density fiber cements with
through-body color for a more variegated material?
6. Can aluminum composite panels be used for the accent material around the rectangular
pop-outs and at other trim, banding, soffit locations?
7. The cosmetic angled portions of the facade both at the main entrance and on the opposite
end is very distracting and foreign to the overall design. Over time these 'moves' could feel
quite trendy. Similarly, for the angled soffits at the balconies. The building has enough
articulation to give it scale; the angled elements seem to detract from the otherwise nicely
proportioned facades.
SITE DEVELOPMENT & LANDSCAPE
1. Consider incorporating pervious paving solutions.
2. Suggest using a diverse pallet of native low water use plants as much as possible including shade trees
for shading paved areas and to help with scale and flowering trees for added interest and wildlife benefits.
3. Ensure that all exterior spaces are accessible to everyone and meet ADA guidelines and requirements.
4. Ensure that the proposed play space provides a variety of activities for the anticipated users and is
accessible to all including those in wheelchairs and both the hearing and visually impaired.
5. Consider incorporating green and sustainable building and site development methods and materials
whenever possible.
6. Identify adequate snow removal areas and its impact to the proposed landscape areas and storm water
controls.
7. Limit barriers, both physical and natural, that would limit wildlife circulation.
8. Collect, reuse and recharge storm water on-site as much as possible.
9. Reference and utilize the Lexington Tree & Plant Guide for plant selections.
10. Ensure that all tree protection requirements and tree removal mitigation requirements will be followed
and maintained throughout and at the completion of the project.
11. Provide appropriate site lighting for wayfinding and safety but also friendly to wildlife.
12. Coordinate development with the current Hartwell Ave. streetscape improvements project.
Other Business: None
Meeting was adjourned
Respectfully submitted Timothy Lee
Cc: Doug Lucente, Select Board Liaison and Michael Schanbacher, Planning Board Liaison