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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-03-DAC-min LDAC EXINGTONESIGNDVISORYOMMITTEE Meeting Minutes: February 3, 2010 Present: Tim Lee (Chair), Richard Friedson, Steve Vincent, Ginna Johnson, Bahig Kaldas, Brigitte Staines, Colin Smith, Bruce Creager, Richard Brown Scribe: Tim Lee Call to Order: The Meeting was called to Order at 7:30PM. Approvals: Minutes of the previous meeting were approved with minor corrections. Presentations/Review: 450 Bedford Street, ViewPoint Sign and Awning – Sign Application The DAC reviewed the revised version of the proposed sign application and had the following comments. 1. The DAC would prefer that only one sign be installed on one side of the entry drive instead of two. 2. The DAC commented that the sign is still too big. The overall length and height need to be reduced. The height and length should be reduced so the proposed sign is no bigger then the existing sign in height and length. Ideally no more then 36” high. 3. The DAC commented that it is a very big lettering on a sign for simply a street address and would like to see the numbering and lettering size reduced significantly from the proposed 17-1/2” and 10” height. The Design Advisory Committee recommended the applicant return for further review after they have made the suggested changes. 33 Hayden Avenue, Wireless Facility – Special Permit Application The DAC reviewed the proposed wireless facility application and had the following comments. 1. The DAC commented that they would prefer to see the antenna enclosures match the material type, (metal) and color (black) of the buildings existing mechanical enclosure and the wireless canister located in the same vicinity. 2. The DAC felt that too many different materials on the roof would make it visually cluttered and draw too much attention to the roof. 3. No sample of the ‘faux’ brick panels proposed was provided for DAC review. The Design Advisory Committee recommended approval with the suggested changes noted above. 330 & 334 Woburn Street & 421 Lowell Street, Lexington, MA – Proposed Bank for TD Bank The DAC reviewed the revised version of the proposed bank facility and site development and had the following comments. 1. Even though the applicant moved the building twenty feet closer to Lowell Street the DAC still feels there is too much parking and paving in general for this site and building function. 2. The DAC commented that the overall site design is very conventional and does not make significant strides in response to previous committee comments. The DAC does not think the design is responding to the ‘fabric’ and ‘Character’ of Lexington. 3. The DAC still thinks there are too many parking spaces proposed and would like the total number of parking spaces reduced further. 4. The DAC noted that the current design plans still do not meet the sign by-law guidelines and would like to see an updated proposal for signage. The DAC noted again that the committee does not like the idea of a freestanding pylon sign and noted that the signs should not be internally illuminated. 5. The DAC commented that the revised building façade did respond to previous comments and was an improvement. Many members still felt the design is still too prototypical and does not respond to the site or community enough. 6. The DAC would still like to see the total number of drive-thru teller lanes reduced to no more then two. The revised design is still proposing three. The Design Advisory Committee recommended the applicant return for further review after they have filed with the Town. 200 Patriot Way, Lexington Technology Park, Lexington, MA – Proposed Office Building The DAC reviewed the revisions to the proposed building and related site development and had the following comments. 1. The DAC generally liked the proposed building style and massing. 2. The DAC commented that applicant has made strides in improving the design and development of the proposed outdoor spaces around the building. 3. The Committee commented that the visual and circulation flow in the space between the buildings was improved by making breaks in the planter wall. 4. The DAC commented that although improved the design of the large paved area in back felt disconnected from the design of the building and the scale still too big to accommodate different user type gatherings. 5. The DAC commented that site sections helped to better understand the building in context with its surroundings. 6. The DAC commented that the revised planting scheme along the perimeter drive near Route 2 was an improvement and blended better with the adjacent landscape along Route 2. The Design Advisory Committee recommended approval of this project with the comments noted above. Other Business: Sign bylaw modifications 1. Committee continued discussions on modifications of the existing sign by-law and sign guidelines Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:00 PM Next Meeting: Scheduled for Wednesday March 3, 2010 @ 7:30PM Cc: Board of Selectmen Greg Zurlo, Planning Board Liaison LDAC EXINGTON ESIGN DVISORY OMMITTEE AGENDA February 3, 2010 1.APPROVALS 7:30 PM Meeting Minutes 2. BOARD OF APPEALS 7:35 PM 450 Bedford St., ViewPoint Sign and Awning Sign Application 7:50 PM 33 Hayden Ave. Special permit application, Wireless Facility 8:05 PM 330 & 334 Woburn Street & 421 Lowell Street Special permit application, proposed bank for TD Bank 8:25 PM 200 Patriot Way, Lexington Technology Park Special permit application, proposed office building, Shire HGT Inc. 3. OTHER BUSINESS 8:45 PM Sign By-Law discussion 8:55 PM ZBA communication/liaison discussion 4. ADJOURN LDAC EXINGTON ESIGN DVISORY OMMITTEE February 3, 2010 To: Board of Appeals Re: 200 Patriot Way - Patriot Partners / Shire Special Permit – Proposed Building 200 At its regular meeting on February 3, 2010 the DAC reviewed the proposed building and affiliated site development for 200 Patriot Way by Patriot Partners / Shire and had the following comments. 1. The DAC generally approved of the proposed building style and massing and found it compatible with the surrounding structures. 2. The DAC generally approved of the proposed site design but encourages the applicant to return to the DAC for further review of the exterior spaces immediately around the building as they are developed. 3. The DAC strongly suggests that the applicant follow through with the proposed trees and landscape to ensure ample screening of the building and parking areas from neighboring properties. The Design Advisory Committee recommends Building 200 and associated site development is approved with the above mentioned comments. The DAC appreciates the applicant’s thoroughness and responsiveness during the review of this project. As future phases of development gets underway, the applicant is strongly encouraged to continue to work with the DAC, well in advance of upcoming Board of Appeal Hearings, to develop a design strategy that is sensitive to the surrounding neighborhood and Lexington’s context. Respectfully submitted, Timothy D. Lee, ASLA, Chairman Lexington Design Advisory Committee Cc: Board of Selectmen LDAC EXINGTON ESIGN DVISORY OMMITTEE March 5, 2010 To: Board of Appeals Re: 33 Hayden Ave. Wireless Communications Facility At its regular meeting on February 3, 2010 the DAC reviewed the proposed wireless facility at 33 Hayden Ave and had the following comments. 1. The Committee suggested and preferred that the antenna enclosures be constructed of a different material then the faux brick panels proposed. The DAC suggested using a dark, black, metal or similar material that matched the existing black mechanical screen enclosure and wireless antenna enclosure in the same vicinity as the proposed antennas. No sample of the proposed faux brick material was provided therefore the DAC could not fully evaluate it appropriateness. The Design Advisory Committee recommends this project be approved pending compliance with the recommendations noted above. Respectfully submitted, Timothy D. Lee. ASLA, Chairman Lexington Design Advisory Committee Cc: Board of Selectmen