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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-02-12-HC-minTOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday, February 12, 2013 7:30 PM Ellen Stone Room Cary Hall 1605 Massachusetts Avenue DRAFT David Kelland opened the meeting at 7:32 PM in the Ellen Stone Room of Cary Hall. Members present: David Kelland, Marilyn Fenollosa, Wendall Kalsow and Sally Zimmerman Others Present: Theresa James, Historical Commissions Clerk 7:32 PM — Demolition of 9 Revere Street People present: Joe and Jill Butler Documents submitted: - Home Inspection Report dated January 8, 2013 - Letter from Banks - Picture of For Sale Sign Front of House - Updated Letter from Owners The meeting opened with Mr. Butler advising the Commission the costs to renovate the building and the unwillingness of banks to finance the renovation to 9 Revere Street. Mr. Butler explained that it would be too much of a liability to rent the house. Sally Zimmerman stated that she is saddened to see this property demolished but she is appreciative of the efforts the Butler's put forth to either sell the property or renovate. Marilyn Fenollosa suggested to the Commission that the applicant had met the requirements of the bylaw and therefore supports the application. Motion made by Sally Zimmerman that the evidence presented by the applicant demonstrates that there is no reasonable likelihood that an owner or other party would be willing to purchase, restore or preserve the building. Seconded by Marilyn Fenollosa. David Kelland abstained. All approved. 7:50 PM — Public hearing regarding the demolition of 80 Oak Street People present: James Trano of Century 21 representing Edwin Weston, owner of 80 Oak Street, John and Pauline Mathew James Trano advised the Commission that the property has been vacant since 1970 and has fallen into complete disrepair. The interior has been saturated with water coming in from a hole in the roof because of a fire that happened in 1970. As of 2006, the Fire Chief marked the house indicating no one was living in the house and in 2011, the Building Commissioner had everything removed from the house because it was a fire hazard, the front porch removed because of the danger and the house was boarded up. Neighbors were complaining about shingles flying off the house. Rodents have been living in the house. Many of the neighbors are in support of the house being demolished. John Mathew, son of Pauline Mathew, of 74 Oak St. read a statement from Ms. Mathews opposing the demolition of 80 Oak Street and supports the restoration of this property. 8:10 PM - Hearing regarding the possible addition of 59 Hancock Street to the Comprehensive Cultural Resource Survey People present: Deborah Blackbourn, owner; Cialdia Construction, buyer; J.J. Tanzer, realtor from Hammond Realty Documents submitted: - Letter dated Feb. 10, 2013 from David Blackbourn, co -owner - Letter dated February 8, 2013 from Chris R. Smith, President, Capstone Realty evidencing impossibility of bank financing - Four Offers to purchase real estate and signed Purchase and Sale Agreement dated December 12, 2012 Cialdea Construction — Listing documentation and Market History for 59 Hancock Street - Market exposure numbers and Primary Home Inspection Problems/Disclosure summary - Lead Safe Homes search dated February 12, 2012 - List of newspaper advertisements by newspaper and date - Summary and detailed information about actions taken to prepare home for the market -Home inspection report dated November 6, 2012 from Lisa Alajajian Giroux, HomeQuest Consultants, Inc. The owner, buyer and realtor presented evidence that the house had been marketed for preservation and that there were no viable offers. They also presented evidence of the severely deteriorated condition of the property that made it economically infeasible to restore. Based on this evidence, the Commission voted not to place the property on the Priorty List for further study. 8:30 PM — Re- confirm the vote on the policy establishing expiration times for demolition authorizations under the Demolition Delay Bylaw based on the June 18, 2012 draft 8:35 PM — Discussion of proposed amendment to Demolition Delay bylaw The Commission discussed the amendment and agreed that instead of supporting the proposed amendment to the By -law, it was preferable to adopt a policy on the matter. Marilyn Fenollosa agreed to draft such a policy and distribute it prior to the next meeting. 8:40 PM — Discuss changes in the Historical Commission handouts that are to be included in the application and online. Documents submitted: A Property Owner's Guide to Historical Commission Review What an Owner Can do to Prepare for a Public Hearing under the Demolition Delay By -Law Demolition Delay Frequently Asked Questions Commission members agreed to review the handouts and submit comments for review at the March meeting. 8:45 PM — Review /Approval of the minutes from the January meeting