HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-08-HDC-minPUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Meeting broadcasted by LexMedia
Minutes of Thursday, January 8, 2015
Parker Meeting Room
1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA
7:00 PM
Commissioners present: Lynn Hopkins, Chairperson, Paul Ross, Daniel Griffin and Robert Warshawer
Associate Commissioners, Marilyn Fenollosa, Britta McCarthy and Jon Wardwell.
FORMAL HEARINGS
1009 Massachusetts Avenue: Balam Williemsen presented plans to enclose the porch, eliminate one exterior door,
replace remaining door, add two new and replace two existing wood windows on the north side, replace a triple window
(slightly larger than original window), on the south, and change a single window to a twin unit on the east. Windows will
be all wood Marvin windows with 5/8" simulated divided lites and 2" historic sills. Door will be all wood, two panel with
3 wide 3 high 7/8" simulated divided lite window.
CONTINUED HEARINGS
21 Muzzey Street: Moved to next meeting by architect's request
INFORMAL HEARINGS
611 Massachusetts Avenue: Thomas Fenn, representing Wilson Farms presented plans to demolish existing
three family home and rebuild new two family home. The house was built in 1805. Wilson Farms has owned
this property for approximately fifteen years. The tenants were evicted from the house in 2010 because Wilson
Farms could no longer get insurance on the property. Demolition by neglect, where an owner abandons upkeep
on a property then asks for permission to demolish because the structure is in poor repair, is a strategy of
ongoing concern to the HDC. Several members felt that had maintenance of the house been ongoing, extensive
deterioration could have been avoided, and the amount of work to bring the building back would be less. The
Commission cited other buildings in the district, including 905 Massachusetts Avenue and the St. Brigid's
Rectory that were in similar states of disrepair and were successfully renovated. While many of the
commissioners understand the expense resulting from deferred maintenance, most expressed the belief that the
age of this house and its architectural character merit the effort. There did not seem to be much support for
allowing demolition, but many of the commissioners were in favor of restoration.
10 Hancock Avenue: Moved to next meeting by owner's request.
OTHER BUSINESS
1775 and 1761 Massachusetts Avenue: A message from Melisa Tintocalis was read. "The Grain Mill Alley will
undergo additional design development over the next 6 -8 months. Ms. Tintocalis is scheduled to see the CPC
December 18th and amend her request to seek additional design funding and will return to the HDC when is
appropriate."
Executive Discussion: The Commission discussed making changes to the HDC Application Process and the
HDC Guidelines. The members were asked to look over both documents and come back to the next meeting
with suggestions for changes.
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
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Meeting broadcasted by LexMedia
Minutes from November 6, 2014 and December 4, 2014 were approved with one correction
PRIOR TO THE MEETING IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH COMMISSIONER TO VIEW
ALL PROPERTIES ON THE AGENDA.