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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-09-HC-minLexington Historical Commission Meeting Minutes February 9, 2012 Members present: David Kelland (Chair), Marilyn Fenollosa, Wendall Kalsow, Frank Kern, Sally Zimmerman Darlene Powers —Clerk The meeting was called to order at 7:15p.m. Status Report and Discussion of the Estabrook School, 117 Grove Street Ms. Zimmerman explained that, ahead of an anticipated application for demolition of the Estabrook School, and the public hearing that would be required, the Commission had contacted the proponents to review with them what would be expected in terms of documentation of the school's construction and history to enable the Commission to evaluate and render a decision on the building's significance and potential preferable preservation. Consultant for the project Gary Ainslie from DiNisco Design Partnership, Patrick Goddard Director of Public Facilities, and Pat Murphy,OPM were present. Mr. Ainslie gave an overview of the time frame in which the project would begin demolition in June 2014 and was expected to be completed by the end of the year. Also discussed was the preservation of the mural. It was suggested by Wendell Kalsow and Marilyn Fenollosa that the mural might be salvaged and could possibly be moved and David Kelland requested this should be investigated as soon as possible. He said documentation should include the possibility of archival photography. The consultants are looking into doing so and any other options to preserve the mural and will come back to the Commission with more information at the next hearing. The Commission will notify abutters for the hearing date when the proponents wish to proceed. 21 Tower Road Applicant was not present when the meeting started but two neighbors were in attendance and one was interested in possibly purchasing the property. They asked the Commission about the stated condition of the house as she would be interested in restoring the house. The other neighbor was concerned about what would happen to the space if the home was demolished since the parcel contains less than a 1 /4 acre of land. Mr. Kelland responded that the Commission could not act on this in the applicant's absence and would continue the hearing to the next meeting on March 8, 2012 at 7:30pm. After the abutters had left, the applicant appeared after the meeting and stated they would possibly sell the property to the neighbor. 24 Cedar Street Two members of the public in attendance for 23 Cedar Street, John and Lorraine Fournier discussed the demolition delay by -law with the Commission and asked that their property at 24 Cedar Street be scheduled for removal from the Cultural Resources Inventory at the next meeting of the Commission on March 8. Mr. Kelland agreed to add this item to the agenda for March 8. Time of Meeting The Commission also voted to move the meetings from a 7:45 start time to 7:30 pm in the future. Moved by David Kelland, seconded by Sally Zimmerman and adopted by unanimous vote. Senate Bill, S. 2053: Marilyn Fenollosa distributed a letter she presented on behalf of the Commission at a legislative hearing before the Joint Committee on State Administration held at the State House on pending legislation that would significantly curtail the capacity of the Massachusetts Historical Commission to undertake project reviews of properties listed on the State Register of Historic Places. The legislation stemmed from MHC reviews of a building project for the Meditech Corporation just north of Fall River in Freetown, MA. The people of Fall River packed the state house hearing stating the MHC review would be negative to that region's economic development and urging passage of the proposed legislation. [Marilyn to add the preservation presentation] 23 Cedar Street Present: J.T. Wong architect for the homeowner and the applicants, Fredrick and Portia Fung. Mr. Wong stated that the home which was built in 1915 was in need of a lot of maintenance that they did not feel was worth investing in the property. Mr. and Mrs. Fournier of 24 Cedar Street stated that the home needs extensive work and has had ongoing water issues in the basement and that the property was in deplorable condition. Some of the issues presented by Mr. Wong were water in the basement; the height of the ceilings above the stairs to 2" floor which are lower than Eft 6inches which Mr. Wong stated did not meet the building code. Mr. Kalsow stated that there is no requirement to bring deficient elements of the structure up to code and that reconstruction in the existing structure would be possible to change the height of these ceilings. Mr. Kelland mentioned that as far as water in the basement a sump pump might correct the issue. The Commission explained that additional documentation from a building inspector and /or a structural engineer stating the property had irremediable structural or other issues would be needed to address the question of the property's capacity for preservation. Mr. Wong was also asked if the homeowner had made any effort to sell the home to someone who would be willing to fix and repair the home. Mr. Wong stated that he did not know but that the applicants were concerned that it would not be a wise investment to repair the home. The Commission agreed that it had not received sufficient documentation that this home could not be repaired or preserved. The Commission noted that repairs could be undertaken in the existing structure without permission of the Commission. Discussion was ended. Motion moved and seconded by the Commission that the building at 23 Cedar Street should be found significant and preferably preserved Decision: vote 5 -0 Section 19 -3 Sec D 110 Shade Street (Preservation Restriction review Present: Ron Minter of 110 Shade Street, owner. Mr. Minter presented photos of single - glazed windows without storm windows that his contractor had suggested be replaced with double -paned windows. Mr. Kalsow stated an assessment should be done to determine whether the windows could be repaired and have storm windows added. Mr. Minter indicated the windows were early Andersen sash and that he would like to keep them if possible but that they needed to be more energy efficient. He said the varied sizes of the windows made him think it might be difficult to obtain storm windows. Ms. Zimmerman and Mr. Kalsow stated that there are contractors who can repair the original Andersen windows and provide new storm windows for better energy efficiency. Ms. Zimmerman gave Mr. Minter contact information for contractors who restore old wood windows. She said interior storm windows could also be installed that would provide energy conservation if an exterior storm window was not aesthetically appealing to the Minters. Mr. Minter The homeowner agreed to look into repairing the windows and adding storm windows and stated he would return for the Commission's review when he has gathered this information. Updated Inventory Ms.Fenollosa has updated the Inventory list and made corrections. This has also been added to the Website. Copies will be made of the new list and will be replaced in the books. Mr. Kelland also noted that a letter had been received from one homeowner objecting to the inclusion of his property in the National Register nomination of the Peacock Farm National Register district. The Commission will participate in a Public Informational Meeting held by the Massachusetts Historical Commission at Cary Memorial Library on Tuesday, Feb 28 in the Large Meeting Room on the ground floor. Motion: meeting adjourned at 9:1 Opm. Su�itteR'�: �arles�e �arverr