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HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES March 19, 2014 Call to Order: A public meeting of the Historical Commission was held in Cary Hall at the Ellen Stone March 19, 2014 Room, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA on . 7:30PM The meeting convened at . Historical Commission Members in Attendance: Mr. David Kelland, Ms. Sally Zimmerman and Mr. Wendall Kalsow AGENDA ITEM #1 (Time: 7:33 PM) Public Hearing on Full Building Demolition Application for 56 Turning Mill Road APPLICANT(S) PRESENT: Mr. John Dvorak, 3 Dewey Road Lexington ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: Mr. Bob Kirsch, 2 Grimes Road, Lexington Ms. Betsy Sorows, 36 Turning Mill Road, Lexington Mr. Darren Conway, 17 Dewey Road, Lexington Homeowners from 58 Turning Mill Road, Lexington DOCUMENT(S): Report from John K. Martin, P.E., 342 Lexington Street, Watertown, Ma 02472 Proposed rear, front, left and right elevations Photograph of exterior Photograph of basement water damage Photograph of basement ceiling Photograph of mold and flooring damage in living space Photograph of first floor ceiling and wall water damage Copy of Water and Sewer bill dated 9/24/2013 indicating last payment was from 3/2/2004 Copy of letter written by John and Joyce Dvorak, 3 Dewey Road, to neighbors outlining the project Copy of signed letter from Patrice Cleaves, Mountain Road, stating she is not opposed to the project Copy of signed letter from Mary Ann Partridge, 2 Dewey Road, stating she is not opposed to the project Copy of signed letter from David and Alex Dohan, 57 Turning Mill Road, stating they are not opposed to the project Copy of signed letter from Bob Creech, 2 Grimes Road SUMMARY: The house at 56 Turning Mill Road has been unoccupied since 1996. Mr. John and Mrs. Joyce Dvorak purchased the house with the hope of removing the existing structure and replacing it with a similar style home. Mr. Dvorak expressed that he intends to produce a residence that is stylistically appropriate and follows the major design themes of a mid-century contemporary home. He also seeks to capitalize on the energy efficient capabilities of present day. Mr. Dvorak relayed to the Commission that his family would not be moving into the new house the proposed plan is a real estate project. Mr. Dvorak explained that the current condition of the house is extremely poor. He stated the problems include major termite infestation as well as water damage and mold throughout the interior and exterior of the structure. The applicant reported that there is a strong stench of mold in the house as well. Mr. Dvorak continued that a structural engineer has deemed the property to be unstable and dangerous in its current condition. The report by John K. Martin, P.E. concluded that because of the termite damage and poor structural integrity the house does not merit a restoration and should be demolished for safety reasons. 1