2013-07-11-HC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES July 11, 2013 Call to Order: A public meeting of the Historical Commission was held in Cary Hall at the Ellen Stone Room, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA on July 11, 2013. The meeting convened at 7:30 pm. Historical Commission Members in Attendance: Mr. David Kelland, Mr. Frank Kern, Ms. Sally Zimmerman HC Member(s) not in Attendance: Ms. Marilyn Fenollosa, Mr. Wendall Kalsow AGENDA ITEM #1 (Time:7:30 pm) Demolition Application for 346 Concord Avenue APPLICANT(S) PRESENT: Ms. Gail Buresh, Applicant, 346 Concord Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421 Ms. Kristen Garfield, Family Member of Applicant, 22 White Street, Somerville, MA ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: none DOCUMENT(S): 16 photographs of 346 Concord Avenue, interior and exterior views SUMMARY: Applicant/Homeowner, Ms. Gail Buresh, introduced herself as homeowner at the 346 Concord Avenue property since 1995. Ms. Buresh outlined her reasons for the requesting demolition of her property and referred to pictures she took of the house. She described deteriorating conditions such as crack in foundation, water damage, mold, and problematic roof which was later found to have five layers. HC COMMENTS: HC Commission commented that mold is likely present because of problems with the leaking roof over time. This could have also caused problems to occur affecting sections of the house down to the crack in fieldstone foundation. Commission examined the pictures taken by the Applicant and expressed that there is no way to determine if the loss of the structure would be detrimental. It is difficult to tell the extent of mold damage and other deteriorated conditions. They suggested that a professional assessment or report from a structural engineer or building inspector would be a good way to tell the extent of damage and overall condition of the building. PUBLIC COMMENTS: none MOTION: moved by Sally Zimmerman and seconded, find the building at 346 Concord Avenue preferably preserved, therefore recommended that no demolition permit be issued at this time. VOTE: 3 -0 in favor. ACTION ITEM: Commission suggested Ms. Buresh get a building inspector to examine the structure.