Members Present: |
Ingrid Carls, Ed Hand, Bob Broder, Helen Robertson, and Sheila Dinsmoor Planner: Ethan Parsons |
Also Present: |
John Winslow, Katherine Babson, Suzi Newman, Sarah Norwood, Alex Pitkin, Peter Lukacic, Dan Gordon, Yasser Lawendi, Lennard Roberts |
Mr. Broder brought the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. Mr. Dan Gordon, Landscape Architect, was present in order to provide an opinion on the High School Planting Plan.
1. |
7:30 pm |
Wellesley Housing Authority |
50 Linden St. |
Minor Construction |
DRB 05-09M |
Mr. John Winslow of Winslow Architects came before the Board, on behalf of the Wellesley Housing Authority, requesting approval of a minor construction project consisting of improvements to the façade and porches of two of the three buildings at the Wellesley Housing Authority’s 50 Linden St. location. Mr. Winslow explained to the Board that the Housing Authority seeks to modernize the buildings since they are about 80 years old. Mr. Winslow showed the Board the parking layout and explained that the Housing Authority would like to rearrange the lot slightly to provide for a better layout.
Mr. Hand stated that he had visited the site and felt that an area in the rear (northwest) corner of the lot might provide a good seating or recreation area. Mr. Winslow described how the ledge and slope of the property were significant constraints.
Mr. Gordon asked Mr. Winslow to discuss the paved parking areas and travel lanes in greater detail. Mr. Winslow stated that the Housing Authority would like to explore the use of surface material other than asphalt but they were undecided on the actual material. Mr. Winslow explained that contractors would re-grade and direct water into an on-site system and then into the Town’s drainage system on Linden St. The Board discussed the permeable pavement opportunities presented at a meeting where they reviewed the High School’s off-site parking plan.
Mr. Winslow presented elevation drawings and floor plans (although not under review) of the buildings. He stated that the interior construction would be the most significant change to the properties and that the buildings would receive new heating, cooling, and other systems.
Mr. Gordon asked Mr. Winslow whether the retaining wall along Linden St. would remain, whether a parking spot could be relocated to the rear to provide for more screening in the front, and whether the step in the rear that is out of place could be removed. Mr. Winslow said that the retaining wall would be moved and the extra step would be removed. He said that the ledge and slope in the rear of the property would prevent the Housing Authority from creating an additional space in the rear.
The Board felt the columns on the porch of the rear building could be enlarged. Mr. Gordon asked whether the Housing Authority could relocate the barrels from in front of the buildings to the rear or sides of the buildings. Mr. Winslow indicated that this would be a decision of the Housing Authority. Mr. Gordon suggested simplifying the plantings rather than including such a wide variety.
Mr. Broder was troubled that the Housing Authority hadn’t really thought out the program or at least their program was not apparent at the meeting. Mr. Hand stated that he would like to have one central receptacle for the trash. Ms. Robertson expressed her concern about windows being enclosed since the units were small. Mr. Broder asked Mr. Winslow why a photo on his presentation board showed a path leading to a bulkhead but the basement plan doesn’t show the bulkhead. Mr. Winslow said that they would install a retaining wall and steps that would lead down to the bulkhead.
The Board continued the review to the following meeting. The Board asked Mr. Winslow to invite someone from the Housing Authority to come to the upcoming meeting.
2. |
8:45 pm |
Wellesley High School |
50 Rice Street |
Major Construction |
DRB 16-08M |
Mr. Lukacic of SMMA presented the Planting Plan presentation to the Board as part of the Major Construction project review for the High School proposal. Mr. Lukacic began with the Illustrative Planting Plan. He explained that the designers were trying to keep the building anchored by planting more near the corners of the school building. Mr. Lukacic presented the Parking Lot Island Trees, Street Trees- to be London Plain trees, Overstory Trees, Ornamental Trees, Restoration Overstory Trees, Evergreens, the Bioswale, and Green Roof Plans. Mr. Lukacic described and showed photographs of the various types of trees to be planted. He explained that there would be grass on the areas closest to the school, while the areas outside the parking lot and driveway areas would be natural and would not
require mowing. Mr. Lukacic highlighted seating wall areas to be constructed near the front entrance, the location and function of the bioswales in the parking area and the location and function of the green roof. He explained that the green roof would be a functional learning environment while also providing an important ecological purpose.
Mr. Hand asked Mr. Lukacic to describe the function and design of the bioswales in greater detail. Mr. Lukacic explained that the swales would be planted primarily with grasses, anchored with trees. The bioswales would be depressed a few feet in order to collect the water that runs off from the parking area. Mr. Lukacic stated that the water should infiltrate very well into the ground because of the types of soils that exist on the property.
Mr. Broder stated that several of the Seaver Street abutters were concerned about their view of the new school building. He asked Mr. Lukacic to describe how the proposed planting and landscape improvements would provide a screen. Mr. Lukacic stated that a variety of trees and shrubs, varying in height and canopy size, would be planted, including white pines, oaks, and non-deciduous trees. He said that attention must be paid to the heights of trees because there is an elevation change from the grade of the high school to Seaver St. Mr. Broder asked about a bus idling rule. Mr. Lukacic said that buses would not be allowed to idle and signage would be installed to help encourage compliance with the no-idling laws.
Ms. Carls asked whether the bioswales would be installed in the wetlands area. Mr. Lukacic stated that the bioswales would not be within the wetlands area, but they would absorb the water very quickly. He explained that there would still be infrastructure within the paved portion of the parking area to capture and release stormwater. Mr. Lukacic explained that there would be no irrigation initially but the infrastructure would be installed just in case it becomes necessary at a later date to irrigate.
Ms. Robertson asked about the location and use of the cupola. Mr. Pitkin explained that the final location and use of the cupola has yet to be determined. Mr. Gordon asked about the extra travel lane toward the north of the parking lot. Mr. Lukacic explained that the travel lane allows for some flexibility in circulation and it provides dedicated circulation routes in order to remove cars traveling through the lot from those parking within the lot. Mr. Gordon felt that the plant selection is good and had no concerns about the design.
The Board continued the review.
3. |
9:30 pm |
Wellesley North End Pizza |
7 Washington St. |
Wall, 2 Window Signs |
DRB 25-09, 26-09, 27-09 |
Mr. Lawendi, business owner, and Mr. Roberts, architect (designed the renovations to the subject building), came before the Board to request approval of a proposal for a new wall sign and two new window signs at Wellesley North End Pizza’s 7 Washington St. location. Mr. Roberts presented photographs of the existing building prior to a recent renovation and a photograph of the building as it currently appears. He explained that each business space would have a similar sign design. He informed the Board that the building is handicap accessible and the restaurant has a second public entrance in the rear, which would allow them to install a third sign. Mr. Roberts showed the Board a sample of the awning material and color to be installed on the Washington St. side of the building.
Mr. Roberts presented samples of the size, texture and color of the letters to be used on the sign. He stated that the letters would be matte and have a profile that would allow for them to be read easily from different perspectives. Mr. Roberts stated that the 8 inch letters would be the standard size for the building.
Mr. Roberts presented the logo to be affixed to the front window. The Board had no objections to the design or placement of the window sign on the front of the business. Mr. Roberts presented the second window sign, to be placed on the rear door, which would be a smaller version of the window sign on the front of the business.
The Board, after a brief discussion, established the proposed wall and window signs meet the Design Review Guidelines and moved, seconded, and voted unanimously to:
“Recommend the Building Inspector approve the proposed wall and window signs proposed for Wellesley North End Pizza at their 7 Washington St. location.”
The Board adjourned at 10:00 pm.
Ethan Parsons
Planner
Minutes Approved: 6/10/09
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