HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-05-10-HC-minLexington Historical Commission
Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2012
Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
Members present: David Kelland (Chair), Marilyn Fenollosa, Frank Kern,
and Darlene Powers — Clerk
36 Allen St.
Present: The homeowner Subi Dey, Legal Representative Cynthia Sherman
and Contractor Scott Jones. Mr. Dey explained to the Commission that he
and his wife had purchased the home in 2011. Prior to that no repairs had
been done over the years and had been empty and neglected. Many of the
windows were broken therefore water damage and mold is throughout the
house and the foundation has water issues in the basement. Other issues in
need of repair are the plumbing on the second floor was disconnected, the
electrical would need to be replaced and the oil tank has a leak, Mr. & Mrs.
Dey had originally planned on renovating and restoring the house, as they
liked the neighborhood and were hoping to be able to complete by this year
so their daughter could attend kindergarten. After speaking with several
contractors and receiving several quotes, they realized that the extensive
damage to the house was no longer going to be affordable for them to
renovate and restore. Mr. Jones the contractor explained to the commission
he had done many restorations had looked at the house and could not
guarantee they would not have water issues due to the unsound Fieldstone
foundation and the house was in need of extensive repair. Mr Kern
suggested Mr. Dey present the Commission with something in writing from
a structural engineer for them to review. Mr. Dey did then present the
Commission with several proposals from Mold Inspectors and contractors
that stated they could not guarantee they would not continue to have mold
issues, quotes for the cost of repairing, and also pictures of the damage
which the committee reviewed and did agree it was quite extensive. After
reviewing all the documents the Committee agreed on the demolition of the
building 3 -0 all in favor.
Communications from Public: Laura Claesson spoke with the
Commission regarding the property on 22 Demar that she is in the process of
purchasing. She had concerns of whether she would be able to put an
addition on seeing the current design is a tech built style she doesn't feel it
could be enlarged to the same design. Frank Kern inquired why she wanted
to buy that particular home, and Ms Claesson explained that she really liked
the Easterbrook district. Ms. Fellanossa explained it was originally designed
by a well know architect and suggested the possibility of exploring with an
architect and possibly doing a renovation or addition before making a
decision to demolish. Ms Claesson was given the information on the 30day
bylaw and Mr Kelland explained if she wanted to be on the agenda for a
public hearing in June, she would need to get the Release for Demolition
form filled out as soon as possible to be able to make the deadline for the
legal ad which is two weeks prior to the next meeting in June.
Time limits of Commission Decisions
A continued discussion on the Demolition Delay time limits. The
Commission voted to change the second to last paragraph which give the
Historical Commission chair the ability to extend the period for an additional
6 months if the developer has defensible reason for asking for additional
time. A public hearing will be put on the agenda for the next meeting June
14, 2012 The board voted unanimous to hold a public hearing on this
policy change.
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David Kelland proposed adding this house to the priority list. The
Commission voted all in favor. Garry Rhodes will be notified to update the
Cultural Survey List and the homeowner will also be notified of the
decision.
There being no other business before the Commission, it was moved and
seconded the meeting be adjourned at 8:45pm.