2014-03-19-HC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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HC COMMENTS: Mr. Kalsow suggested that Mr. Dvorak include existing elevations as well as proposed elevations when submitting future project plans. Mr. Kalsow asked Mr. Dvorak why the proposed garage height is so tall. Mr. Dvorak explained that there is a challenge with storage space and that the new garage would be built on top of the present garage. Ms. Zimmerman asked if the garage plan would be a slab on grade. Mr. Dvorak agreed that this was indeed the plan. Mr. Kelland asked if the proposed house would be square versus rectangular. Ms. Zimmerman also commented that the proposed house would project out more than the existing structure. Mr. Kelland asked the Commission to consider whether the demo would be detrimental to the neighborhood and cultural resources. Mr. Kelland reviewed the Demolition Delay Bylaw. Mr. Kelland stated he would like to see some delay in making this decision and perhaps a more settled design in keeping with surrounding houses. Ms. Zimmerman mentioned that the scale is inconsistent in the proposal with the houses in the existing neighborhood and told the applicant there is a real art in fitting something in a compatible way. She explained that these were intended to be small houses. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mr. Bob Kirsch, 2 Grimes Road, explained that the previous owners left the house in 1996. He continued that he felt the house doesn’t look bad and that there is some termite damage. Mr. Kirsch also told the Commission that the house needs air conditioning to help eliminate the dampness and humidity that enter through the slab which sweats in the warm weather. The resident from 58 Turning Mill Road explained that their house also has similar holes and questioned Mr. Dvorak if the holes were really the result of termites or was from woodpecker damage, this resident continued that all houses do have mold to some degree as well. The same resident voiced that he would prefer to see the existing house repaired and not demolished and replaced with a new larger structure. Ms. Betsy Sorows, 36 Turning Mill Road, expressed that the proposed project worries her. She relayed that she is concerned that builders will try and make the new house look mid century and modern and it will not fit with the neighborhood. She told the Commission that she likes the area as is. Mr. Darren Conway, 17 Dewey Road, express his concerns that this project could potentially open the door for other homeowners to sell their homes and the whole character of the neighborhood could disappear if million dollar homes are built in their place. MOTION: moved by Mr. Kalsow and seconded to find the house at 56 Turning Mill Road preferably preserved and the report submitted by John K. Martin, P.E. does not indicate it is not feasible to repair and restore the house. VOTE: 3-0 in favor. Town of Lexington Historical Commission Public Hearing Date: March 19, 2014 AGENDA ITEM # 2 (8:19PM) Public Hearing on Full Building Demolition Application at 116 School Street APPLICANT(S) PRESENT: Mr. Chris Dugan, on behalf of homeowner, Ms. Debra Johar Mr. Johar, 116 School Street, Lexington ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: None 2