MARCH 25, 1998
| ROLL CALL: | Bruce Richardson-Chairman-Present Thomas Case-Vice Chairman-Present Bernie Rouillard-Secretary-Present Alan Kachanian-Regular Member-Present Wayne Morris-Regular Member-Present John Spinney-Regular Member-Present David Dubay-Alternate-Present Charles Sweetser-Alternate-Excused Russell Wilder-Alternate-Present Margaret Crisler-Selectman-Present |
DESIGN REVIEW - WORKSHOP
The following members of the Community Stewardship Committee were present: Peter Griffin, Sally D'Angelo, John Goclowski, Geri Pelegrini and Marion Dinsmore. Mr. Jack Gattinella was also present. Mr. Griffin opened the meeting and gave a brief history of the design review. A slide presentation followed with Mrs. D'Angelo narrating.
The guidelines would be a way of enforcing issues of design and applicable to all commercial site plans. The objectives would allow a diversity of design. This would ease conflicts between residential and commercial sites. The guidelines will keep the rural and historical ambience.
The guidelines would evaluate location, vehicle movement, open space and landscaping. The orientation of the building would take into account the surrounding area. Car movement would coordinate with signage and lighting. Special attention would be given to pedestrian traffic with screened walkways and adequate lighting. Examples were shown of quality development and poor quality development. Special attention would be given to materials and the preservation of woodlands with no clear-cut. The building design and materials would include expanse, scale, entry ways, foundation materials, and the treatment of mechanical equipment. An illustration of interior parking with landscaped strips was shown. Materials and colors for signs would coordinate landscaping, scale, locations, and address consistency. Utilities and outdoor lighting would address safety and appearance. An example of creative adaptation of historic buildings was shown. In conclusion, the design review guidelines were written in response to concerns stated in the Windham Master Plan.
Discussion followed on the ways to implement, i.e., with an advisory board to the Planning Board or with the Board acting as a design review committee. Mr. Griffin explained the research included materials from Bedford, Concord, Amherst and Salem, NH and Weston, Winchester, Cohasset, MA. The committees usually give assistance and are used as an educational resource.
A question and answer period followed with members of the Board questioning the committee on the makeup of a design review committee. It was agreed the committee would have to be diversified and with an education in the design field, i.e., graphic designers, architects, landscape designers. Discussion followed on the applicability to industrial projects and the process of design review with the type of plans needed for a review. The Planning Board extended their appreciation to the committee and Mr. Jack Gattinella and Margaret Crisler for their time and effort. The Planning Board will hold a workshop on April 1, 1998 after the regular meeting to discuss the wording of the regulations and the process of design review.
CORRESPONDENCE:A purchase order was reviewed for the printing of the master plan survey with a cover letter. Mr. Wilder gave a brief report on the most recent Master Plan Subcommittee meeting. Notice received regarding proposed amendments to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Letter received from town counsel requesting time with the Board. The Board will set a specific time for Atty. Campbell at their next meeting. BR>
Meeting adjourned 10:00 P.M.
Mona Feciuch
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05/12/98