HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-17-HC-min HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
March 171h 2021
Call to Order: A public hearing of the Historical Commission was held remotely through
Zoom. The meeting convened at 7:01PM
Historical Commission Members in Attendance:
Marilyn Fenollosa, Chair, David Kelland, Wendall Kalsow, Susan Bennett and Robert Rotberg
AGENDA ITEM #1 (7:05PM)
Public hearing regarding the partial building demolition and roofline change at 20 Oakland Street
APPLICANT (S) PRESENT:
Nicholas Vercollone, Contractor
Hilton & Wendy Pryce Lewis, Homeowners
Robin Gannon, Architect
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT:
None
DOCUMENT(S):
Existing and proposed elevations dated 2/10/2021
SUMMARY:
The homeowners Hilton & Wendy Pryce Lewis love the historic attributes of the home but
would love to make some changes and updates. Proposing to enlarge the kitchen and bring
everything up to code (plumbing, insulation etc.)while preserving the historic integrity of the
home. Ms. Gannon went over the proposed elevations with the Commission.
HC COMMENTS:
Mr. Kalsow is delighted to see projects like this that are thoughtful and modest changes to
historic houses. Mr. Rotberg feels it's a great addition to Oakland Street. The Commission
agreed.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None
MOTION:
A motion was made by Mr. Kalsow to find 20 Oakland Street preferably preserved and approve
the proposed partial demolition and roofline change as being sensitive to the historic structure
based on the plans presented to the meeting dated 2/10/2021. Seconded by Mr. Rotberg.
VOTE:
5-0 In favor of partial building demolition and roofline change: Mr. Kalsow, Mr. Rotberg, Ms.
Bennett, Ms. Fenollosa and Mr. Kelland
AGENDA ITEM #2 (7:23PM)
Update on 18 Winthrop Road
-Ms. Fenollosa suggested Mr. Erickson come back to the Commission after the project at 18
Winthrop Street was denied by the Zoning Board of Appeals, after being approved by the
Historical Commission. The plans have now changed to meet with zoning regulations. Mr.
Erickson would like to go over the plans with the Historical Commission to see if he should re-
apply for a formal hearing.
Ms. Fenollosa reminded the Commission that they can only make sure that the changes are
compatible with the neighborhood and the building and does not undermined the integrity of the
design. Mr. Kalsow said this plan feels more modest than what was previously proposed and
does not require a formal hearing. The Commission agreed. No vote will be needed since this
was not a public hearing.
AGENDA ITEM #3 (7:51PM)
Vote to appoint member for the Pierce-Lockwood Conservation District Commission
-A motion was made by Ms. Fenollosa to appoint Mr. Rotberg as a member of the Pierce-
Lockwood Conservation District Commission. Seconded by Mr. Kalsow
4 In favor of appointment: Ms. Fenollosa, Mr. Kelland, Ms. Bennett and Mr. Kalsow
AGENDA ITEM #4 (7:55PM)
Discuss revisions to Town Meeting Warrant Article 39, "Amend Zoning Bylaw - Historic
Preservation Incentives;" vote to support
-Ms. Fenollosa went over the updated language that was submitted including the changes the
Historical Commission added last month. Mr. Kalsow feels it's an appropriate change. The
Commission agreed.
A motion made by Ms. Bennett to support the article "Amend Zoning Bylaw - Historic
Preservation Incentives" as revised on March 4h 2021 when this comes to Town Meeting.
Seconded by Mr. Rotberg
In favor or article: Ms. Bennett, Mr. Rotberg, Mr. Kelland, Mr. Kalsow and Ms. Fenollosa
AGENDA ITEM # 5 (7:58PM)
Minuteman National Historic Park Letter
-Ms. Fenollosa sent out the letter for the Commission to review. MHC issued the letter that says
the Minuteman Visitor's Center does not meet the criteria of eligibility for listing in the National
Register of Historic Places. The Commission does not have any concerns with the letter.
AGENDA ITEM #6 (8:01PM)
Review cell tower request
-The tower request is proposed to go on top of the building on 397 Lowell Street. The
Commission has no objections to this proposal.
AGENDA ITEM #7 (8:06PM)
Updates
-Update on the Historic Houses Review Study
Mr. Larson gave the Commission an update on the Historic Houses Review Study. Mr. Larson
recently came to Lexington and visited ten buildings. Two buildings are currently pending due to
Covid-19. Mr. Larson will make another trip to Lexington in May. Next step is the Historian will
develop the model forms. The Commission appreciated the update and progress from Mr.
Larson.
AGENDA ITEM #8 (8:02PM)
Vote to accept meeting minutes dated February 171h 2021
- Motion made by Ms. Bennett to approve minutes dated February 171h 2021 as amended.
Seconded by Mr. Rotberg
5-0 in favor of approving minutes: Ms. Bennett, Mr. Rotberg, Mr. Kelland, Mr. Kalsow, and Ms.
Fenollosa
AGENDA ITEM #9 (8:26PM)
Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Kalsow. Seconded by Ms. Bennett
5-0 favor to adjourn Mr. Kalsow, Ms. Bennett Mr. Kelland, Ms. Fenollosa, and Mr. Rotberg
Adjourn.