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Lexington Historical Commission
Meeting Minutes
February 21, 2024
Meeting Conducted by Remote Participation
Commissioners Present: Robert Rotberg, Chair, Marilyn Fenollosa, Diane Pursley, Susan Bennett.
Commissioner Absent: Wendall Kalsow.
Associate Commissioners Present: David Kelland.
Associate Commissioner Absent:
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Chair Robert Rotberg called the February 21, 2024 Historical Commission meeting to order at
7:01 pm.
AGENDA ITEM #1: Approval of meeting minutes
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Ms. Fenollosa made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting held on January 11, 2024 as
amended. Mr. Kelland seconded. Motion carried. All in favor.
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Ms. Fenollosa made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting held on January 17, 2024 as
written. Ms. Bennett seconded. Motion carried. All in favor.
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Ms. Fenollosa made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting held on January 31, 2024 as
amended. Mr. Kelland seconded. Motion carried with Ms. Pursley in abstention. All in favor.
AGENDA ITEM #2: Public Hearing regarding the partial building demolition and roof line change
(On-site Relocation) at 91 Bedford Street
APPLICANT (S) PRESENT: Ben Finnegan, Builder
Emily Benoit, Builder
Benjamin Nickerson, Architect
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: Cerise Jalelian, 7 Lois Ln
Tom Diaz, 13 Lois Ln
DOCUMENT(S):
Homeowner Letter: dated January 23, 2024
Existing and Proposed Elevations: dated January 23, 2024
Renderings: dated January 23, 2024
Historical Information: dated January 23, 2024
Individual Building Form from Lexington Comprehensive Cultural Resources Survey: dated January 23, 2024
Legal Advertisement Authorization Form: dated January 23, 2024
89-91 Bedford Dwelling Relocation Plan 2.15.224: dated February 16, 2024
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Existing Dwelling Relocation Front Elevation: February 16, 2024
Existing Dwelling Relocation Right Elevation: dated February 16, 2024
89-91 Bedford St Proposed Relocation: dated February 19, 2024
SUMMARY:
Ben Finnegan and Benjamin Nickerson, builder and architect, explained the proposed on-site relocation
plans for the structure at 91 Bedford Street. Mr. Finnegan stated that the critical part to the design of this
development was going to be the stormwater management, which will be designed by his Civil
Engineering company and reviewed by the Town and Third-party. The stormwater management will be
taken seriously and will be a big part of the design.
The Commission reviewed the proposed on-site relocation plans for the structure at 91 Bedford Street.
The existing house will be moved from the center of the lot to a corner closer to Bedford St.
Cerise Jalelian from 7 Lois Ln and Tom Diaz from 13 Lois Ln, expressed their concerns on the
underground water retention issue.
HC COMMENTS:
The Commission reviewed and approved the proposed on-site relocation plans for the structure at 91
Bedford Street. Mr. Kelland recused himself from the vote because he was away and had not heard this
hearing.
Ms. Bennett stated that if anything would constitute the partial demolition in the treatment of the house as
its move, the applicant would need to come back to the Historical Commission to discuss that. And the
changes to the fabric of the house would need to be evaluated under the demolition delay bylaw. She
stated the commissioners would like to keep an eye on the project as it develops.
MOTION:
Ms. Fenollosa made a motion to find that the structure at 91 Bedford Street is preferably preserved,
but permit the move as described in the plans as presented at the February 21, 2024 Historical
Commission meeting, with the understanding that if any subsequent changes should be made to the
exterior of the house that the applicant will come back for further approval. Ms. Bennett seconded.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Pursley – Yes,
Ms. Bennett – Yes,
Ms. Fenollosa – Yes,
Mr. Kelland – Abstain,
Mr. Rotberg – Yes.
Motion carried 4 to 0 with 1 abstention.
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AGENDA ITEM #3: Input from Commissioners on other matters
Ms. Fenollosa briefly introduced the seminar information regarding the reissued preservation brief on the
use of substitute materials on historic building exteriors to discuss their findings in these preservation
Brief. She will send around the MHC announcement of the seminar with an attendance link for
preservation brief and evaluation of substitute materials for tax credits.
Ms. Bennett nominated Ms. Fenollosa to be the lead of the Housing Partnership Board “Property (formerly
Land Acquisition) Working Group”. Ms. Pursley will be Ms. Fenollosa’ s back-up.
AGENDA ITEM #4: Hosmer House Update
Ms. Bennett suggested submitting a request formally for Special Permit/Zoning Bylaw Enforcement to
Building Commissioner. Mr. Rotberg will serve as the liaison for the Hosmer House working with ZBA.
MOTION:
Mr. Kelland made a motion that Historical Commission accept Ms. Bennett’s request letter with
two changes and be forwarded to Mr. Rotberg for signature and be sent to the Building
Commissioner. Ms. Pursley seconded.
Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Kelland – Yes,
Ms. Bennett – Yes,
Ms. Pursley – Yes,
Ms. Fenollosa – Yes,
Mr. Rotberg – Yes.
Motion carried 5 to 0.
AGENDA ITEM #5: Input from the public on other matters
None
AGENDA ITEM #6: Adjourn
Ms. Bennett made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Kelland at 8:22pm. Motion carried. All in
favor.
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