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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-16-HC-min HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES January 16, 2014 Call to Order: A public meeting of the Historical Commission was held in the Selectman’s Meeting January 16, 2014 Room, Lexington Town Hall 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA on . 7:45PM The meeting convened at . Historical Commission Members in Attendance: Mr. Frank Kern, Mr. Wendall Kalsow, Ms. Marilyn Fenollosa, Ms. Sally Zimmerman (8:03pm) Mr. Kalsow made a motion to appoint Ms. Fenollosa as temporary chairman for the evening and Mr. Kern seconded that motion. AGENDA ITEM #1(Time: 7:45 PM) Informal discussion of programmatic agreement among Hanscom Air Force Base and the Massachusetts State historic Preservation Office, regarding management of historic properties in the Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratory Historic District at Hanscom Air, Massachusetts. SUMMARY: The Commission discussed the programmatic agreement among Hanscom Air Force Base and the Massachusetts State Historic Preservation Office. Ms. Fenollosa summarized the agreement stating that it gives the Air Force the ability to make changes to the district at Hanscom without returning to the consulting process. Ms. Fenollosa indicated the agreement provides for a series of eighteen exclusions which do not require approval. Mr. Kalsow pointed out in the agreement that Hanscom personnel would take photos prior to any new work and will apply the Secretary Interior Standards to any work that is completed. Mr. Kalsow and Ms. Fenollosa also noted the agreement includes a provision stating that if property is transferred they will be notified. The Commission also discussed that the agreement indicates that demo will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Ms. Fenollosa noted the agreement included that the consultants hired must meet the Secretary Interior Standards. Ms. Fenollosa stated she would consult with the Lincoln Historical Commission Chair and advised the Commission accept the agreement and move on. AGENDA ITEM #2 (Time: 7:50PM)Updates Ms. Fenollosa reviewed the mail that had been received by the Historical Commission. She shared that Section 106 review from the Mass DOT indicated that they wish to install four permanent message signs and Bluetooth readers at the Route 128 and Route 2.Ms. Fenollosa stated that the Historical Commission wasn’t concerned and would do nothing which is the same as approving. Mr. Kern added that the proposed work would not detract from the already gorgeous surrounding. Ms. Fenollosa read a copy of a letter that was sent from the Mass Historic Commission to the Manager of Environmental Programs at the FAA regarding Jet Aviation and Site Safety and Efficiency. The letter stated that the Mass Historic Commission has limited information and does not have any pictures for hanger 17. The MHC requested that adequate information and photos be submitted to them in order to determine the historical value of hanger 17. Ms.Fenollosa shared that the Commission received the latest edition of the Hanscom Field Environmental Status and Planning Report. Ms. Fenollosa summarized that this document from Mass Port discusses air traffic, expansion needs, and noise levels. The report was sent for informational purposes only but Ms. Fenollosa explained that there is a section for public comments which included a closing date of March 11, 2014. Ms. Fenollosa and Mr. Kalsow discussed the impact that increased air traffic would have on land traffic in Lexington, specifically around Minuteman National Park. Mr. Kern agreed to review the report and draft comments which he will share with the Commission before the closing date. 1 Ms. Fenollosa announced that the presentation that she and Ms. Zimmerman were scheduled to give on the first Friday has been rescheduled. This is a presentation on Lexington Architecture where they will discuss various styles and attributes and show Lexington examples. Ms. Fenollosa suggested those interested to watch for further information in the newspaper advertising the event. Ms. Fenollosa asked the Commission for a volunteer to be the point person for the Inventory Update Project, which has an application for CPC. Ms. Fenollosa stated the point person would be responsible for writing a one page summary which would be included in the report for Town meeting. The point person would also be required to give a three minute presentation at Town meeting. Mr. Kern volunteered for this position. AGENDA ITEM#3(Time: 8:00PM) Approval of the January Historical Commission Meeting Minutes MOTION: moved by Ms. Fenollosa, and seconded, to approve the Minutes of January 16, 2014 with corrections. VOTE: 3-0 in favor AGENDA ITEM #4(Time: 8:03PM ) Communications from the public Ms. Patricia Long asked the Commission about the property at 149 Adams Street and was concerned about the positioning of the garage. Ms. Fenollosa reviewed the demo delay bylaw and Mr. Kern informed Ms. Long that the Building Commissioner is the individual who decides if a hearing is needed before the Historical Commission. Ms. Long was advised to watch for future legal notices regarding this property in the newspaper. 8:10PM – 8:30 PM Recess _____________________________________________________________________________________ AGENDA ITEM #6 (Time 8:35PM) Update on Meriam Hill Project by Anne Grady Ms. Grady presented the 58 priority properties that she recommends. The presentation showed the properties organized by style. Ms. Zimmerman stated it is important to know something about these homes. Ms. Fenollosa added that the grouping by period and style may be enough to do a district data sheet so whatever information we know about the houses can be captured. She continued that presently we have an address but would like to be able to associate a style and date with the owner. Ms. Fenollosa and Ms. Grady indicated that phase one was completed with the expanded area form and Ms. Zimmerman included that the data sheets will complete the information and that subdivision plans would be helpful. Ms.Zimmerman asked Ms. Grady if there was a way to consolidate the plots by street or by style and wondered what that would look like when the project was done. Ms. Zimmerman also added that pictures are helpful. Ms. Fenollosa stated that the historical aspect would need to be included in the expanded area form and data sheet that Ms. Grady will prepare. Meeting Adjourned: Motion was made by Ms. Fenollosa, and seconded; the meeting was adjourned at 9:45pm. 2