2014-06-18-HC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES June 18, 2014 Call to Order: A public meeting of the Historical Commission was held in the Large Meeting Room at the Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, Massachusetts. The meeting convened at 7:00PM . Historical Commission Members in Attendance: Ms. Marilyn Fenollosa, Ms. Sally Zimmerman, Mr. Wendall Kalsow and Mr. David Kelland, Chair. AGENDA ITEM #1Time: 7:02pm () Update on Merriam Hill project by Ms. Anne Grady SUMMARY: Ms. Anne Grady updated the Commission on her work on the Merriam Hill Inventory project. Ms. Grady stated that the packet she had prepared for the Commission included Form A, a sample of the district data sheet, a list of property recommendations, and additional research methodology. Ms. Grady continued that there are 428 properties in the district and 161 have B forms already and 160 have no B forms. She added that 321 properties are over 50 years old and that 52 properties were built in the last 20 years. Ms. Grady also explained that another feature of Merriam Hill is the enormous number of outstanding trees that are over one hundred years old. She thanked Biff Manhard for his help and work preparing the map and photographing the buildings. Ms. Grady continued that the area contains a fine collection of houses in all periods. She added that the smaller homes in the northern part lots tend to be smaller and more intimate. Ms. Grady then explained that it is very important to say this range of style allows one to read the whole history in the buildings. Ms. Fenollosa asked Ms. Grady what was left for her to do on this project. Ms. Grady indicated that four individual building forms, three Willard Brown and one Anna Gorvan be created. She added that she would be happy to help with any other information. Ms. Grady concluded that these houses being listed in the area form should make them subject to the demolition delay bylaw and that she plans to complete the project by the end of June. AGENDA ITEM # 2 (7:25PM) Informal discussion on proposed plan for 41 Bloomfield SUMMARY: Mr. Jon Wardwell and Mr. Jason Brickman returned to the Commission for another informal discussion after taking the feedback from the previous informal with the Historical Commission. Mr. Wardwell explained that the revised plan includes a change in the garage doors which are now perpendicular to Bloomfield and not parallel the garage gable end was spun and not facing the street. He added that he and Mr. Brickman still prefer the original plan. Mr. Kelland asked that if the new garage side entrance included three bays. Mr. Brickman explained that the existing barn is eighteen feet. Mr.Wardwell explained that the revised plan was put in place and it pushes the retaining wall closely to the right side of the house. He continued that he was looking to get more feedback based on the Commission’s suggestions. Mr. Kalsow asked Mr. Wardwell if he has considered reducing the size of the garage to reduce the height of the retaining wall. Ms. Zimmerman added that they consider making the garage a two car garage with an additional parking space. Mr. Wardwell responded that the extra living space above the garage was needed. Mr. Kelland stated that according to the plan it appears that the Commission would need to pass on the demolition of the barn. Mr. Brickman asked if the barn was moved if the Commission would feel favorably. Mr. Kalsow responded that moving a structure falls under demolition. Mr. Kelland read the demolition delay bylaw and it was stated the Mr. Wardwell and Mr. Brickman would return for a formal hearing next month. 1