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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-25-NCDTM-min.docx Turning Mill NCD Meeting Minutes 3/25/2025 Attending Commissioners: Diane Pursley, Marilyn Fennollosa, Tina McBride, Glenn Bartolini, Eric Peterson, Michael Schanbacher Hearing for 24 Turning Mill Road addition. Applicant Murali Pathivada Also present: Priya Pathivada, Zoe (Civil Engineer), Akhiris Newlands (Architect) Summary: The Turning Mill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission meeting focused on the proposed renovation design for 24 Turning Mill Road, with discussions on the property's size (increasing from 3,105 SF to 6,139 SF), visibility, and landscaping. The team also discussed the design of a new roof structure, water drainage system, and roofing and siding options, with suggestions for natural materials and a simple, flat panel design for the garage doors. The next steps for the project include a landscaping plan, material choices, and design feedback, with a reconvening of the Commission to continue the hearing (scheduled for April 1 at 7pm). Detailed Notes: The project includes adding a two car garage plus living area to the front of the house and a large mostly-glass addition to the back of the house. The Commissioners had the following feedback (in summary): - Eric expressed concerns about the size and visibility of the property addition. He noted that the property's distance from the road was a positive factor. Tina agreed with Eric's points and added that the property's seclusion and curved driveway were advantages. She also questioned the property's size and proximity to the property line, suggesting that the exact measurements should be provided. Zoe, the civil engineer, offered to obtain the exact measurements for the commission. - Tina emphasized the importance of maintaining the neighborhood's integrity, particularly in terms of landscaping and glazing. She suggested incorporating taller evergreens to shield neighbors from the space and maintain a natural wooded look. Murali confirmed the use of geothermal systems for cooling and baseboards fueled by propane for heating. - Zoe clarified that they are not clearing the land and are maintaining existing trees and shrubbery. Michael advised them to consider the fossil fuel-free ban in Lexington and consult the building commissioner about whether the project is considered a major renovation - Michael expressed concerns about the unresolved roof piece and its maintenance issues. Glenn discussed the height of the proposed structure, which was clarified to be 27 feet from the ground, and appreciated the use of natural privacy screening. Marilyn raised concerns about the glazing of the windows and the design of the roof line. Murali confirmed that all windows are triple-pane and energy-efficient. Akhiris offered to provide a 3D model to better understand the roof design. - The team discussed the design of the roof structure. They discussed the plans for water collection and filtration, with a system of pipes and subsurface infiltration chambers to manage runoff. The design was compared to other houses in the neighborhood, with some expressing concerns about its complexity and visual appeal. The team agreed to further refine the design, with a focus on simplifying the roof's angles and lines. - The applicant has not decided on materials for the siding, roofing, garage door - The applicant said that the view from Je?rey Terrace was largely blocked by a shed, garage and pine trees in the neighbor’s property. - The team also discussed the design of the stone wall and drainage concerns. They clarified that the wall is 4 feet tall and has drainage slats, allowing water to flow through and be absorbed by the soil. The team also confirmed that there is no basement or usable space under the wall and there will be excavation necessary. - The Commission discussed next steps. The applicant agreed to continue the hearing and reconvene in a week on April 1st. The applicants were asked to provide a landscaping plan, material choices for the exterior, garage door, and roof, and to consider design feedback on the roof pitch and front entrance. Commission members suggest sending materials ahead of time for review. Other (non NCD related) follow-up items: Applicant should contact Building Department regarding the Fossil Fuel ban and how this addition will be subject to it. Next steps: The applicant agreed to continue the hearing to Tuesday, April 1 at 7pm on ZOOM. They will bring the following items in order for the Commission to vote on the project: - 1. Murali/Akhiris to provide a landscaping plan for the project. - 2. Murali/Akhiris to decide on and provide information about exterior materials (siding, roof, garage door). - 3. Murali/Akhiris to consider design feedback on roof complexity and entrance design. - 4. Murali/Akhiris to provide exact measurements of the distance between the proposed structure and property lines. - 5. Murali/Akhiris to send additional project information to commissioners ahead of the next meeting. - 6. Diane to schedule and post the next meeting for Tuesday, April 1st. - 7. Commissioners to review any additional materials sent by Murali/Akhiris before the next meeting..