HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-19-COD-min Commission on Disability
Minutes from January 19, 2021
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Michael Martignetti,Julie Miller,
Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz,
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Assistant Town Manager;Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner; Joe
Pato, Select Board
Commission Liaisons: Bonnie Teitleman-Levin, COA
Guests: David Pollak, Abacus Architects and Planners
NOTE:The meeting of the Commission on Disability was held on Tuesday,January 19, 2021, at
5:30 PM, conducted by Remote Participation, via Zoom webinar, an online meeting platform.
The meeting started with the reading of Governor Baker's orders.
Pursuant to Governor Baker's March 12,2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law,G.L.
c. 30A,§18,and the Governor's March 15,2020 and subsequent Orders imposing strict limitation on the number
of people that may gather in one place,this meeting of the Lexington Commission on Disability will be conducted
via remote participation to the greatest extent possible.Specific information and the general guidelines for remote
participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement to attend this meeting can
be found below. No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted, but every effort will be
made to ensure that the public can adequately access the proceedings in real time,via technological means. In the
event that we are unable to do so,despite best efforts,we will post on the Town of Lexington website or through
LexMedia an audio or video recording,transcript,or other comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as
possible after the meeting. (*as per Executive Order regarding remote participation:
https://www.mass.gov/doc/open-meeti nglaw-order-ma rch-12-2020/down load)
Review of minutes for December:
Minutes were approved with minor edits.
Victoria Buckley, Chair, requested the members pause for a moment of silence to show unity
for the 400,000 Americans who died from Covid-19.
Discussion regarding the Full Inclusion Resolution:
There was a discussion about what to include in the materials and presentation for the Select
Board meeting, covering expectations and requests. The decision was made for a draft to be
written prior to a second January Commission meeting to work on the presentation.
Proposal for Joint Project with Council on Aging— Purple Table Reservations:
Bonnie Teitleman-Levin discussed the need for and benefits of the Purple Table Reservations
[https://www.purpletables.com/l. This model is designed to support individuals with disabilities
so they can have a comfortable and relaxing meal at a restaurant as staff would be trained in
meeting the unique needs of individuals and their families who have requested this service. The
COA is interested in pursuing this kind of support in Lexington restaurants and would
appreciate the support of the Commission. It was also suggested that we could also recruit the
participation of the Lexington Special Needs Parents' Advisory Council. Francine stated that
Purple Table charges fees to the restaurants. Bonnie will try to get additional information to see
if this is an obstacle.
Project with the Human Rights Committee:
Victoria has been in communication with those wishing to be in a workgroup looking at the
effects of the pandemic on those with disabilities. They will be working to build awareness for
these needs and to ensure more outreach and support is happening for this vulnerable
community.
Vynebrooke Village Renovation Project:
David Pollak, from Abacus Architects and Planners, works with local municipalities and housing
authorities. He came to discuss the Vynebrooke Village Project that he is working on with the
Housing Authority. The complex was built in 1971 and funded by MA Housing and
Development; there are four 12-unit 2-story buildings. They are working on Buildings 1-2-3.
They are looking to provide three Group 2 accessible units (barrier-free units). A Group 2
compliant unit cannot be built in the existing 435 sq ft footprint, so they are planning a bump
out of 3'9" to meet the MAAB Group 2 compliant spaces and improvements which includes
accessibility improvements in the kitchens and bathrooms. They will also be fixing the pathways
to improve access from the outside of the building. The spaces have safety features like grab
bars in the bathroom but these spaces are very tight. The kitchen improvements would be
limited to adjusting the reach range, and the bathrooms in these units would replace the tubs
with a shower with an edge or trim that can be removed if it needs to become a roll-in shower.
Discussion:
• Proximity of HP Parking to these new Group 2 Units was questioned since the nearest
spaces are currently 200' away. The Commission requests that the designers identify
and create adjacent parking instead.
• No accessible second egress is possible for these new units due to the existing doorways
and lack of impervious paving—sidewalks would need to be added. By building code,
they do not need a second egress. A second egress would be costly and not useable
since there are no amenities found at the rear of the buildings.
• There will be some loss of green space since the open lawn is needed for rain run-off
management.
• The budget was originally for 2.1 and the current estimates are 3.3M.
• Making 3 units out of 48 for low income and accessible housing exceeds the current
requirements.
• A design review has not yet been scheduled with residents.
• Relocation of the residents will be needed during the project, by vacating 8 units at a
time, or almost 2 buildings at a time.
• Adding more light through windows is outside the scope of the project.
• The other concerns relate to the Design Review Team —storm water plan, sprinklers,
and egress issues.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Sue Cusack