HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-08-02 SB-min SELECT BOARD MEETING
August 2, 2021
A remote participation meeting of the Lexington Select Board was called to order at 7:06 PM. on
Monday, August2, 2021, 2021 via Zoom meeting services. Select Board Chair Ms. Hai; Vice Chair Mr.
Lucente; and members Mr. Pato; Ms. Barry; and Mr. Sandeen were present, as well as Mr. Malloy, Town
Manager; Ms. Axtell, Deputy Town Manager; and Ms. Katzenback, Executive Clerk.
Ms. Hai stated that the meeting was being conducted via Zoom as posted, with the agenda on the Town's
website, as well as being broadcast live through LexMedia services. She noted that some members and
staff were participating from the Select Board meeting room using the Meeting Owl Pro device to test the
technology for hybrid meeting participation.
Ms. Hai provided directions to members of the public, watching/listening, regarding the procedure for
making a comment via zoom at this Public Listening Session. Approximately thirty three residents
connected via zoom to attend this public listening session meeting. Ms. Hai reminded Board members,
staff, and members of the public about Lexington's Standard of Conduct regarding civil discourse during
Town Government meetings.
ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
1. Public Listening Session Regarding the Potential to Move the Hosmer House to 41 Hancock
Street
Mr. Malloy stated that the Hosmer House will need to be either relocated or demolished since it lies within
the footprint of the proposed new police station. Mr. Malloy said the Town is considering putting out a
new Request for Proposal(RFP)to move the Hosmer House. He said the Town previously issued a RFP in
2020 to move the Hosmer House,however no award was made to either bidder of this RFP. In early 2021,
Town staff identified 70 parcels of buildable Town-owned parcels to review for appropriateness.
Additionally, the owners of 41 Hancock Street indicated their interest to have their lot considered. A list
of approximately 71 lots was reviewed by the Historic Districts Commission and the Historical
Commission. Their recommendation upon review of this list was that two properties, 41 Hancock Street
and 3 Harrington Road would be appropriate lots to consider for the Hosmer House relocation.
Mr. Malloy noted that the Select Board had voted twice before that they were not in favor of relocating the
Hosmer House to 3 Harrington Road and they wanted to hear feedback from public and abutters regarding
the consideration of 41 Hancock Street before putting forth a new RFP for the relocation of the Hosmer
House.
Mr. Malloy said that the RFP would be to sell the Hosmer House as personal property to the successful
bidder. The successful bidder,in turn,would then arrange for the Hosmer House to be removed from Town
property and relocated to their site. Mr. Malloy noted that the relocation and renovation of the Hosmer
House must comply with any and all Town regulations,including Zoning and Historic District Commission
approvals, when it is moved to any parcel including 41 Hancock Street.
Ms. Hai opened the floor for public comment regarding the potential to move of the Hosmer House to 41
Hancock Street.
Jon Himmel, 66 Hancock Street, recommended that the RFP should include a statement of design intent
and include a design of the building footprint, elevations and landscape site plan.
Cristian de la Huerta, 25 Hancock Street, said he was opposed to having the Hosmer House moved to 41
Hancock Street stating he did not feel this specific parcel of land was appropriate. Mr. de la Huerta also
expressed concern to the potential of drainage issues that may occur with development on this lot.
Tom Defay, 43 Hancock Street, questioned if 41 Hancock Street met all the criteria for a house to be built
on the lot. Mr. Malloy replied that the any house put onto that lot would be subject to any and all Town
regulations and requirements.
Tad Dickenson, 48 Hancock Street, stated he would like more details on the process and the timeline for
moving the Hosmer House.
David Kanter, 48 Fifer Lane, Capital Expenditures Committee Vice Chair, said he would like to hear what
the plan will be in the event a location is not determined for the move of the Hosmer House.
Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, stated she feels that the RFP should provide flexibility to receive
submissions for the Hosmer House to be moved to any parcel of land in order for the Select Board to
consider all options.
Eileen Kahan,44 Hancock Street, stated she was opposed to the Hosmer House being moved to 41 Hancock
Street citing she also concerned of possible drainage issues when building on that lot.
Taylor Singh, 40 Hancock Street, stated she was in opposition of the Hosmer House being moved to 41
Hancock Street.
John Himmel, 66 Hancock Street, suggested the RFP require submission of elevation views from all sides
of property as well as site walls.
Bob Pressman, 22 Locust Street, asked if the new RFP would allow bidders to propose another site under
that person's control or will the RFP be limited to certain parcels.
Betsey Weiss, 8 Dover Lane, Housing Partnership Board Vice Chair, stated she was opposed to moving
the Hosmer House to 41 Hancock Street and feels the Select Board should reconsider moving the Hosmer
House to 3 Harrington Road.
Upon hearing no further comments, Ms. Hai, on behalf of the Board, thanked all those attended and for
the feedback provided.
ADJOURN
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 5-0 by roll call to adjourn the meeting at
7:47 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Kim Katzenback
Executive Clerk