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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-17-HC-min HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES October 17, 2013 Call to Order: A public meeting of the Historical Commission was held in the Selectman’s Meeting October 17, 2013 Room, Lexington Town Hall 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA on . 7:30PM The meeting convened at . Historical Commission Members in Attendance: Mr. David Kelland, Mr. Frank Kern, Ms. Sally Zimmerman (arrived at 8:30pm), Mr. Wendall Kalsow AGENDA ITEM #1 (Time: 7:30 PM) Public Hearing on Roof Line Change Application for 54 Outlook Drive. APPLICANT(S) PRESENT: Mrs. Catherine Lum, homeowner, 54 Outlook Drive. ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: None DOCUMENT(S): Photos (2), Exterior views of 54 Outlook Drive Mortgage inspection plan from Bradford Engineering Co. PO Box 1244 Haverhill, Ma 01831. Scope of work including plans from Carmine Guarracino, Professional Engineer. SUMMARY: Mrs. Catherine Lum, homeowner of 54 Outlook Drive and Lexington resident of 34 years, explained that her home has become too small to accommodate her visiting family. Her intent is to build a 20 x 22 addition that includes one bedroom and one bathroom. Mrs. Lum explained that no variance is needed and there will be no setback change. HC COMMENTS: The Commission noted the ridgeline will be higher than the existing house and will not be visible from the street. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None MOTION: moved by Mr. Kalsow, and seconded, to approve the selective demolition and proposed rear addition at 54 Outlook Drive. VOTE: 3-0 in favor. 1 Town of Lexington Historical Commission Public Hearing Date: October 17, 2013 AGENDA ITEM # 2 (Time: 7:45PM) Public Hearing on Partial Demolition and Roof Line Change application for 80 Bloomfield Street APPLICANT(S) PRESENT: Mr. Andrew Dickson, Homeowner, and Mr. Donny Berthiaume, designer, from Spencer, Ma. ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: None DOCUMENT(S): Scope of Work (one page) Proposed site plan prepared by Frederick W. Russell, PE 154 Aldrich Road, Wilmington, Ma 01887 Photos (quantity: one) exterior view SUMMARY: Designer, Mr. Donny Berthiaume, and Mr. Dickson, Homeowner, summarized the proposed work which includes an addition to the rear of the structure and replacing the roof. The existing vinyl siding will be removed and replaced with cedar shingles. Three dormers will be on the replaced roof instead of the one existing dormer, the roof will continue over the addition. Mr. Dickson stated the proposed work will increase living space for his family and will bring the home up to code. The work began on this project March of 2012 with an architect and then, upon the understanding of their proximity to wetlands, an environmental engineer and the Lexington Conservation Commission. It was upon concluding this step and therefore the ability to apply for a building permit that the applicants were informed that the property was on the Historical Commission. Mr. Dickson stated he wants to maintain the architectural integrity of the home. HC COMMENTS: Mr. Kelland stated the proposed work is a radical change and he was confused as to how these changes would preserve the integrity of the original house. Mr. Kern stated that he admired the proposed use of six over one windows and cedar shingles but remarked that this would be a radical change and not in style with the original house. The house is on the pending list to add to the cultural resources list. Mr. Kalsow indicated that the proposed plan would destroy the character finding features of the house, the height and dormers and would find the plan acceptable if the height was behind and not on top. Mr. Kalsow indicated that an updated plan with a revised elevation of the proposed work be presented to the Commission in the future continued hearing. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None MOTION: moved by Mr. Kalsow, and seconded, to find home preferably preserved and denied request for selective demolition as proposed work is incompatible with bungalow style of house VOTE: 3-0 to deny request for selective demolition, hearing to be continued on November 21, 2013. 2 Town of Lexington Historical Commission Public Hearing Date: October 17, 2013 AGENDA ITEM # 3 (Time 8:03PM) Public Hearing on Roof Line Change Application for 47 Woburn Street APPLICANT(S) PRESENT: Mrs. Jennifer Parsons, Homeowner, accompanied by Mr. William Erickson of BFE Architects, 1840 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, Massachusetts. DOCUMENT(S): Exterior photos (3) Letters of support from Mr. and Mrs. Ocean at 70 Woburn Street dated July 11, 2013, Mr. and Mrs. Sweet at 48 Woburn Street dated July 8, 2013, and Ms. Deborah Osler, at 8 Cottage Street, dated July 8, 2013. Drawings of proposed construction (4 pages) SUMMARY: Mr. Bill Erickson of BFE Architects introduced Mrs. Jen Parsons, homeowner. Mr. Erickson stated that in 1994 a one story addition which includes a family room and half round window was added to the rear of the house. Mr. Erickson explained that the Parsons Family home has no direct connection to the rear yard and no mudroom. The Parson’s have several young children and would like direct access to the backyard from the house. Mr. Erickson stated the proposed work would include making the existing porch into a mudroom and reconfiguring the small back porch so the family will have direct access into the backyard. The proposed work will also call for reconfiguring the stairway to create a direct route to the second floor. In addition, an existing Sears’s plastic shed will be removed and a new small shed will be added. The porch size will increase to 222 square feet which is a 16% increase. HC COMMENTS: The Commission examined the drawings and photos. Mr. Kelland noted the proposed work would not change the roofline of the existing front of the house and the front of the house was being preserved. Mr. Kalsow stated the front portion of the house is most visible and significant and is appropriately altered and supports the change with the ridgeline aligning with the front of the house. Ms. Zimmerman noted the façade is accurate and will have a future informal conversation with the architect and homeowner. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None MOTION: moved by Mr. Kern, and seconded, to approve the limited demolition as specified from plans dated 9/25/2013 with ridge to come in line with lower front. VOTE: 3-0 in favor. (Note: Ms. Zimmerman recused herself from voting as she was not present for entire hearing) 3 Town of Lexington Historical Commission Public Hearing Date: October 17, 2013 AGENDA ITEM # 4 (Time 8:22pm) Public Hearing on Partial Building Demolition Application for 37 Grove Street APPLICANT(S) PRESENT: Mr. Allan Konar, homeowner, accompanied by Mr. Steve Purdue, architect and designer. ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: None DOCUMENT(S): Floor plans dated 10/13/2013 A1 Elevations dated 10/13/2013 A2.1 Elevations dated 10/13/2013 A2.2 Photo of Lippert-Fry Barn Renovation SUMMARY: Mr. Purdue and Mr. Konar explained that the proposed work of the 1894 barn would increase the livable space by 1280 square feet. The renovations would include three new bedrooms and one and a half baths. The proposed work also includes renovating an existing deck and adding a smaller deck. Mr. Purdue stated he plans to keep the existing envelope, four inch clapboard siding and add larger windows but similar style to the rest of the home. Mr. Konar explained that they will attempt to retain the four garage doors on the front while balancing the need to create a proper front door. Mr. Konar stated he desires the barn to maintain the same character as the house. HC COMMENTS: Mr. Kelland applauded Mr. Konar’s efforts to utilize the existing roof.Mr. Kalsow indicated the existing elevations were not noted and recommended that two existing barn doors be retained and reused. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None MOTION: moved by Mr. Kalsow, and seconded, that the house at 37 Grove Street is preferably preserved and permit modified demolition. Mr. Kalsow also stated the two existing barn doors to be retained and reused. VOTE: 3 in favor -1 opposed 4 Town of Lexington Historical Commission Public Hearing Date: October 17, 2013 AGENDA ITEM # 5 (Time: 8:43pm) Public Hearing on partial building demolition application for 110 Bedford Street APPLICANT PRESENT: Steve Stratford representing applicant Robert Burge, Lexington Development Realty Trust ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: None DOCUMENT(S): Exterior Photos (28) Interior Photos (3) Front Elevation Side Elevation Proposed Floor Plan SUMMARY: Mr. Steve Stratford stated the proposed work would include replacing the existing asphalt roof with a new asphalt roof and to replace the existing aluminum windows with new two over one windows. The rotted existing wood trim would be replaced as well. There is significant rotted wood on the front porch and that would be replaced and the existing siding would be repainted. On the right side of the property there is an existing bump out measuring approximately 4’ x 6’ and a deck measuring approximately 8’ x 8’ and 4’ x 8’. The proposed work would include enclosing a portion of the deck food print for use as a mudroom, Mr. Stratford explained the new enclosed area would measure approximately 14’ x 4’. HC COMMENTS: Ms. Zimmerman explained that only the partial demolition of the bump out that would yield the new mudroom is under HC review. Ms. Zimmerman also stated the proposed process will neutralize the character of the building and was not comfortable with the level of change not within the Commission’s purview. Mr. Kalsow recommended matching the existing original window configuration and to consider replicating the window in the front elevation gable. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None MOTION: Moved by Mr. Kalsow, and seconded, to permit proposed selective demolition. VOTE: 3 in favor -1 opposed 5 Town of Lexington Historical Commission Public Hearing Date: October 17, 2013 AGENDA ITEM: 6 (TIME: 9:10pm) Communication from the public 7 Mountain Road Mr. Charles Hornick, Chairman of the Lexington Planning Board and liaison to the Historical Commission : Summary Mr. Hornick asked the Commission for feedback regarding the options available to include in the discussion with the developers for 7 Mountain Road. Mr. Hornick indicated this house is listed on the cultural resource inventory and asked the Commission if it is of historical significance. Mr. Hornick presented the resource form which illustrated the house was constructed in 1753. The house was moved in 1978 from New Hampshire and reassembled. Mr. Kalsow stated that this house doesn’t have integrity of site and is comfortable in a change of location. He also suggested a relatively shallow set back. . Ms. Zimmerman recommended the house be orientated by its compass points or solar orientation AGENDA ITEM: 7 (TIME: 9:20pm) Updates There were no updates AGENDA ITEM: 8 (TIME: 9:22pm) Discussion on Professional Consulting Services/Expert Reports presented in Historical Commission Hearings and information for applicants in Historical Commission Hearings Summary: Mr. Kalsow reported that an outline of the appropriate information and reports required to be submitted to the Commission be completed by registered architects and engineers with licensed credentials. Mr. Kalsow also stated an update needs to be done to indicate what information needs to be submitted when modifications are involved. Mr. Kelland recommended that Mr. Kalsow develop new guidelines for applicants reflecting what information needs to be presented to the Commission. AGENDA ITEM: 9 (TIME: 9:24pm) Approval of the September Historical Commission Meeting Minutes MOTION: moved by Mr. Kelland, and seconded, to approve the Minutes of September 19, 2013 with two corrections. VOTE: 4-0 in favor 6 AGENDA ITEM: Informal Discussions: 44-46 Parker Street ( 2 family) John Seward, Architect from Community Design Partnership, and Sean Glenn, Gallway Realty Property Development, were present to seek guidance from the Commission, to prepare for a future public hearing. The proposed work includes first demolishing and reconstructing the existing garage in a location closer to the rear of the house proper. Mr. Seward stated the roof is not native to the original building and the applicant is in the process of consulting with a structural engineer with expertise in heavy timber. Mr. Glenn noted there is no plan to propose a full demolition, but seeks to expand the front porch to meet the porch line and stated the changes will fit with the neighborhood.The proposed work will also include removing the existing chimney stacks which are decayed. Ms. Zimmerman stated and read the Historical Commission’s definition of substantial demolition. Mr. Kalsow noted the proposed work will significantly alter the front façade and will need to review existing proposed elevations.Mr. Kelland indicated he has no objection to the demolition of the garage. Mr. Kern stated he would need more details to comment on the proposed work. Mr. Kelland ended the discussion by telling Mr. Seward and Mr. Glenn that he looks forward to seeing more detail in the future. 92 Adams Street John Piccone, Collins Smith Architecture in Lexington and Tim Chang, homeowner were present to seek guidance from the Commission, to prepare for a future public hearing. The proposed work includes a partial demolition of existing garage on the back of the house. Mr. Piccone stated structural engineers have deemed the garage unsafe and reported that the garage has no historical relevance to the existing house. The proposed work would also include constructing a new garage and addition, with bedrooms and living space above. Mr. Piccone indicated the proposed work will preserve the original look and style of the house and desires to salvage and reuse all the windows to maintain the uniform and historic feel. Ms. Zimmerman stated the Historical Commission has jurisdiction over the loss of the garage. 36 Forest Street Mr. Bob Phelan was present to seek guidance from the Commission, to prepare for a future public . hearingThe proposed work includes the demolition of the rear wall to construct an addition on the back of the house. The work would also include rehabilitating the details that exist on the front and removing vinyl siding. Mr. Phelan was uncertain as to the materials under the vinyl siding but hoped to retain any clapboard that was uncovered. Mr. Phelan asked the Commission if they felt he could potentially widen the windows to increase light and safety. A new handrail for the stairs would also be added. The Commission noted that the new proposed roofline would not eclipse the main existing portion of the house. A site visit was also suggested by the Commission to examine the materials discovered under the existing vinyl siding. Meeting Adjourned: Motion was made by Mr. Kelland, and seconded; the meeting was adjourned at 10:07pm. 7