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<br /> <br />Lexington Historical Commission <br />Meeting Minutes <br />March 30, 2023 <br /> Meeting Conducted by Remote Participation <br /> <br />Commissioners Present: Susan Bennett, Chair, Wendall Kalsow, Marilyn Fenollosa, David Kelland. <br />Commissioner Absent: Diane Pursley. <br />Associate Commissioners Present: Robert Rotberg. <br />Associate Commissioner Absent: <br />HDC Liaison: Lee Noel Chase <br />Staff Present: Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner, Julie Krakauer Moore, Zoning Administrator, Siqing <br />Pan, Department Assistant <br /> <br />th <br />Chair Susan Bennett called the March 30 2023 Historical Commission meeting to order at 3:59 <br />pm. <br /> <br />AGENDA ITEM: Hosmer House Reconstruction <br />DOCUMENT(S): Hosmer House Letter from MHC dated March 23, 2023 <br />SUMMARY: <br />The Commission discussed the Hosmer House and the demolition of the historic elements of the Hosmer <br />House. Members agreed it violated the RFP and violated the Zoning Code Ch 135-6.0 Special Regulations <br />– Historic Preservation Initiatives. <br />Mr. Colin Smith, architect, briefly introduced his preservation work on the Hosmer House back in 2011 <br />and 2017. <br />HC COMMENTS: <br />Ms. Fenollosa stated that the reconstruction of Hosmer House was not only in violation of RFP but also <br />in violation of the Zoning Code Ch. 135-6.0 Special Regulations. <br />Mr. Kalsow stated that it was clear that the actions of the developer had significantly destroyed the <br />remaining fabric of the house. The house no longer qualifies for an MHC – approved perpetual <br />preservation restriction. In addition, the house no longer meets the zoning requirements for the creation <br />of a new lot and the requirements of the RFP. <br />Ms. Fenollosa stated that it is a matter of enforcing the zoning laws. <br />Mr. Kelland stated that it was not a historic house anymore. There was an agreement made with the Town <br />which has been violated. He stated that if this process is allowed to stand, of making an agreement to <br />preserve a historic house and then demolishing it, a dangerous precedent will have been established for <br />historic houses in Lexington. <br /> 1 / 4 <br /> <br /> <br />