2015-01-08-HDC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Meeting broadcasted by LexMedia Minutes of Thursday, January 8, 2015 Parker Meeting Room 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 7:00 PM Commissioners present: Lynn Hopkins, Chairperson, Paul Ross, Daniel Griffin and Robert Warshawer Associate Commissioners, Marilyn Fenollosa, Britta McCarthy and Jon Wardwell. FORMAL HEARINGS 1009 Massachusetts Avenue: Balam Williemsen presented plans to enclose the porch, eliminate one exterior door, replace remaining door, add two new and replace two existing wood windows on the north side, replace a triple window (slightly larger than original window), on the south, and change a single window to a twin unit on the east. Windows will be all wood Marvin windows with 5/8" simulated divided lites and 2" historic sills. Door will be all wood, two panel with 3 wide 3 high 7/8" simulated divided lite window. CONTINUED HEARINGS 21 Muzzey Street: Moved to next meeting by architect's request INFORMAL HEARINGS 611 Massachusetts Avenue: Thomas Fenn, representing Wilson Farms presented plans to demolish existing three family home and rebuild new two family home. The house was built in 1805. Wilson Farms has owned this property for approximately fifteen years. The tenants were evicted from the house in 2010 because Wilson Farms could no longer get insurance on the property. Demolition by neglect, where an owner abandons upkeep on a property then asks for permission to demolish because the structure is in poor repair, is a strategy of ongoing concern to the HDC. Several members felt that had maintenance of the house been ongoing, extensive deterioration could have been avoided, and the amount of work to bring the building back would be less. The Commission cited other buildings in the district, including 905 Massachusetts Avenue and the St. Brigid's Rectory that were in similar states of disrepair and were successfully renovated. While many of the commissioners understand the expense resulting from deferred maintenance, most expressed the belief that the age of this house and its architectural character merit the effort. There did not seem to be much support for allowing demolition, but many of the commissioners were in favor of restoration. 10 Hancock Avenue: Moved to next meeting by owner's request. OTHER BUSINESS 1775 and 1761 Massachusetts Avenue: A message from Melisa Tintocalis was read. "The Grain Mill Alley will undergo additional design development over the next 6 -8 months. Ms. Tintocalis is scheduled to see the CPC December 18th and amend her request to seek additional design funding and will return to the HDC when is appropriate." Executive Discussion: The Commission discussed making changes to the HDC Application Process and the HDC Guidelines. The members were asked to look over both documents and come back to the next meeting with suggestions for changes.