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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-03-HDC-min RECEIVED 2021 21 Doc,5�34 pirn MWIN CLERK TOWN OF LEXINGTON IL I �NGTO Anne Eccles, Chair HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION Robert Adams Edward Adelman Meeting broadcasted Robin Lovett Paul O'Shaughnessy by LexMedia Minutes, Thursday June 3, 2021 Meeting Conducted by Remote Participation Commissioners Present: Anne Eccles, Chair, Edward Adelman, Robin Lovett,Paul O'Shaughnessy Commissioner Absent: Robert Adams Associate Commissioners Present: Lee Noel Chase, Dan Hisel Associate Commissioner Absent: Mark Connor Staff Present: Maureen Adema, Admin. Asst. Others: Heather Dudko, Jason Denoncourt,Xiemena Moniti,Jeremey Conlon, Keith Ohmart,Mike Tabaczynski, Gillian Galen, Carl Oldenburg, Colin Smith, Dawn McKenna, Jessie Steigerwald and other interested parties. Chair Anne Eccles called the June 3,2021 Historic Districts Commission meeting to order at 5:01pm Chair Anne Eccles read for the record, Governor Baker's March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law and remote meeting protocols. Chair Eccles, confirmed a quorum,with the presence of Mr. Adelman, Mr. O'Shaughnessy, Ms. Chase, and Mr. Hisel. Ms. Chase and Mr.Hisel will be a voting members. Robin Lovett will arrive later. FORMAL HEARING Chair Eccles opened the hearing for 36 Bedford Street application of Heather Dudko,with respect to exterior alteration in the Battle Green District. Chair Eccles stated the members received and reviewed the application, materials and documents prior to the meeting. The application was complete. Chair Eccles recognized the applicant, Heather Dudko. Ms. Dudko stated the bank at 36 Bedford Street has changed its logo, the proposed sign will have the new bank logo. The word bank is being removed from the logo. Members' comments and/or questions Historic Districts Commission Minutes Town of Lexington June 3,2021 1 Paul O'Shaughnessy no questions Lee Noel Chase no questions. Dan Hisel fine with change. Ed Adelman no questions. Anne Eccles no issues. No Abutters were present to speak. Ms. Dudko communicated to the Commission the sign material is aluminum and asked for confirmation the material would be okay for the sign. Chair Eccles asked if it would be painted. Ms. Dudko stated yes. The material was not an issue. Paul O'Shaughnessy made a motion to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed sign change as presented at 36 Bedford Street. Ed Adelman seconded. No further discussion. Roll Call Vote: Adelman—Yes,Eccles—Yes, O'Shaughnessy—Yes, Chase—Yes,Hisel-Yes. Motion carried 5 to 0. Documents Plans 4.15.21 Photos Materials List Work Scope Narrative Chair Eccles opened the hearing for 1853 Massachusetts Ave, application of Jason Denoncourt with respect to exterior changes in the in the Battle Green District. Chair Eccles stated the members received and reviewed the application materials and documents prior to the meeting. She stated the application is for a takeout/serving window. Jason Denoncourt was logged into the meeting to discuss and answer questions regarding the application. Members' comments and/or questions Ed Adelman is not oppose to a takeout service window,but thought the proposed window was not in portion. Paul O'Shaughnessy had no questions or concerns. Lee Noel Chase agreed the portions were off and suggested a trifold window could solve the issue. Dan Hisel shared the concerns of Mr. Adelman and Ms. Chase, and does not want the current look to be lost. Chair Eccles asked for clarification on the base. No Abutters were present to speak Mr. Denoncourt stated he understood the members' concerns and agreed to work with his contractor for an additional option(s). Chair Eccles asked if the members would be in favor of granting an administrative approval on the proposed takeout window at 1853 Massachusetts Ave. Ed Adelman would like to have a look at the new option. Dan Hisel agreed, asking for clarification on the height and the base covering the counters. Historic Districts Commission Minutes Town of Lexington June 3,2021 2 Documents Plans 5.1.21 Photos Materials List Work Scope Narrative The Hearing for 1853 Massachusetts continued to July 1, 2021. Chair Eccles opened the hearing for 25 Hancock Street, application of Ximena Monti with respect to exterior changes in the Hancock-Clarke District. Chair Eccles stated the members received and reviewed the application materials and documents prior to the meeting. She stated the application is for new windows. Ximena Monti was logged into the meeting to discuss and answer questions regarding the application. Ms. Moniti had a representative with her to assist in the hearing. Ed Adelman stated concern about the replacement as in kind,regarding the size,would like applicant look at"fit" size. Dan Hisel asked for more details,he wanted to know if the windows were 6 over 6, divided light, and see a cut sheet on the proposed windows. Paul O'Shaughnessy want clarification on the numbers of windows to replaced and which ones. Lee Noel Chase noted the various sizes/kinds of trim on the windows as a concern. She suggested having a commissioner view the windows via a site visit. Dan Hisel will work with the applicant//owner of 25 Hancock,regarding the window replacements on the framing concerns,number of windows, sizes and characteristics of the windows such as SDL and storms. Documents Photos Material list Narrative Manufacturer's Cut Sheet The Hearing for 25 Hancock Street continued to July 1, 2021. Chair Eccles opened the hearing for 7 Muzzey Street the application of Neal Cutler alteration with respect to exterior changes in the Battler Green District. Chair Eccles stated the members received and reviewed the application materials and documents prior to the meeting. She stated the application is for a new sign. She continued stating the currently there is no sign at 7 Muzzey Street. Jeremey Conlon,was logged into the meeting to discuss and answer questions regarding the application. Members' comments and/or questions Chair Eccles stated the proposed sign is large in size. Historic Districts Commission Minutes Town of Lexington June 3,2021 3 Paul O'Shaughnessy,no questions stating the application was complete, and the proposed size appears to be two feet shorter than the old Sotheby sign. Ed Adelman questioned the approval of size of any previous signs at this property Chair Eccles stated research was done,no ZBA approval was found for a larger size,HDC approved a 2'x3' sign in 2015. Lee Noel Chase proposed the size was not of out of scale. Dan Hisel no comment. Chair Eccles stated the size is acceptable, goes the length of the building. Ed Adelman stated the size may need a variance from Zoning. Lee Noel Chase said she was more concerned about the letters and asked the windows be taken into consideration on the placement of the sign. Chair Anne said the size should line up with the end of the windows. Paul O'Shaughnessy thought the sign should end within the center of the windows. Ed Adelman would like the width of the framing to be looked at. No Abutters were present to speak Mr. Conlon stated he noted the concerns and suggestions from the Commission and would be happy to submit two designs for consideration. Chair Eccles asked for a motion to grant a certificate, allowing the two new designs to be submitted for an administrative decision. Ed Adelman made a motion to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed sign at 7 Muzzey Street. Paul O'Shaughnessy seconded. No further discussion. Roll Call Vote: Adelman—Yes,Eccles— Yes, O'Shaughnessy—Yes, Chase—Yes,Hisel-Yes. Motion carried 5 to 0. Documents Plans 5.5.21 Sign Mock up Chair Eccles opened the hearing Keith Ohmart,Across Lexington Greenways Committee for signage the Battle Green District Keith Ohmart and Mike Tabaczynski were logged into the meeting to address any concerns and answer any questions Members' comments and/or questions Chair Eccles stated the sign would be at eye level. Dan Hisel supported on the signs not he posts Ed Adelman stated the 4x4 wood posts are too rustic,the post should be steel. Mr. Ohmart said the concern of changing the post is cost/budget and use of volunteer labor. He said the bike path has posts that is being proposed. Lee Noel Chase asked will the signs stand the test of time. Mr. Tabacczynski the vendor Greenways uses has a lifetime warranty and will update very 2 to 3 years. Paul O'Shaughnessy is in favor to the signage. Robin Lovett arrived 5:44pm. Historic Districts Commission Minutes Town of Lexington June 3,2021 4 Abutters,Public Comments and Questions Dawn McKenna, Town of Lexington Tourism communicated the Tourism Committee has a stake and approval of signs in the Center. There has been a great effort in the coordination of the signage in the Center by the Tourism Committee and the Committee should not be left out of approval for directional signs proposed by the Across Lexington. Dan Hisel stated he was not in support of the rustic post signs proposed. A regular square metal post sign is preferred. Samples of the metal post can be found throughout the districts. A street sign post would work,it would reduce the impact,blending with the landscape. Chair Eccles said she would check with the DPW on the posts they use to install street sign, Dan Hisel made a motion to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for the install of the Across Lexington proposed signs. Lee Noel Chase seconded. No further discussion Adelman—Yes,Eccles—Yes, O'Shaughnessy—Yes,Hisel—Yes, Chase—Yes. Motion carried 5 to 0. Documents Site Plan Materials List Narrative Sign Prototype Chair Eccles opened the hearing for 1740 Massachusetts Ave application of Brian Cook with respect to exterior changes in the Battle Green District. There was no one present to speak to the application. Chair Eccles stated per the applicant's request the hearing for 773 Massachusetts Ave will be continued to July 1, 2021. The hearing for 773 Massachusetts Ave continued to July 1,2021. CONTINUED HEARINGS Chair Eccles opened the continued hearing for 13 Hancock Ave exterior changes to the exterior in the Battle Green District. Chair Eccles recognized Carl Oldenburg, Architect and Gillian Galen property owner. Dan Hisel stated he would not participate in discussion due to missing last month's meeting. Chair Eccles stated the members received the updated and revised plans and thanked Mr. Oldenburg and Ms. Galen for taking into consideration the thoughts and concerns of the Commission. Chair Eccles stated she liked the changes. Lee Noel Chase said the look is much improved. Ed Adelman said the master dormer is better. Paul O'Shaughnessy finds the new plans, less busy and harmonious. Historic Districts Commission Minutes Town of Lexington June 3,2021 5 Robin Lovett stated nice work. Mr. Oldenburg stated considering the bike path design was important,we are satisfied with the final plan. Ed Adelman made a motion to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior changes to 13 Hancock Street per drawings,pians and other presentation materials as presented. Robin Lovett seconded. No further discussion. Adelman—Yes,Eccles—Yes,O'Shaughnessy—Yes,Lovett-Yes, Chase—Yes. Motion carried 5 to 0. Documents Updated drawing/plans with changes 5.25.21 Updated design narrative 5.26.21 Updated 3D property images 5.26.21 INFORMAL 611 Massachusetts Ave Colin Smith with respect to exterior changes in the Battle Green District. Ed Adelman communicated to the members he visited the property at 611 Massachusetts Ave. Colin Smith was logged into the meeting to answer any questions and address any concerns of the Commission in regards to gutting the dwelling/demolished of the building as the structure presents a safety concern. The members read the reports and material provided by Mr. Smith and with along with the communication from Mr. Adelman agreed the building is beyond repair/reconstruction. Robin Lovett stated the HDC should be involved in the reuse of site. Lee Noel Chase and Paul O'Shaughnessy offered Mr. Smith assistance with regarding the future plans for the property. They will coordinate a site visit. Documents Work Scope Narrative 4.20.21 Structural Evaluation Report, Phelan Engineering, LLC 8.28.14 ACTION ITEMS 678 Massachusetts Ave—Discussion - Certificate of Appropriateness 12.1.2016 Chair Eccles communicated that last month there was consideration of pulling the Certificate of Appropriateness issued to 678 Massachusetts Ave in 2016. And per the HDC's option with the State Attorney General, start the process of the abandoned historically-list property take over. But Mr. Brad Hanley, the owner of 678 Massachusetts Ave new representative/agent contacted the Commission to discuss and develop a plan for the property. Mr. Hanley communicated that the owner of 678 Massachusetts Ave was planning on selling the property but because Mr. Hanley believed that most of the work is done,he advised the owner to complete the work and not sell as is. He stated the original contactor hired for the project left the job without notice, there is no way to contact him. There will be a new contractor hired for the remainder of the work. Historic Districts Commission Minutes Town of Lexington June 3,2021 6 Bob Adams and Ed Adelman met with agent Brad Hanley and did a work through of the property. Action items discussed were, get a complete set of approved documents from the Building Department and hire a restoration specialist to restore the portico. The portico is currently being stored inside the house. Work noted by Mr. Adelman as complete are the windows and roof. He said the property is in better shape than he thought it would be. Mr. Hanley is charged with providing a letter to the HDC Chair describing the current status of the project and a timeline for completion. After a discussion,reviewing the pros and cons of rescinding the Certificate of Appropriateness, the Commission decided to allow the certificate to stand one more month,in order for the new contractor to be hired and work completed. The Commission would want to review any new building permits that are issued. Commissioner Lee Noel Chase will be involved in the project by reviewing the Elliptical Arch offering guidance and monitoring its restoration and reinstallation. Chair Eccles will ask Mr. Hadley to contact Ms. Chase directly to schedule a site visit. Commissioner Paul O'Shaughnessy requested to also be involved and work with Lee Noel Chase Robin Lovett stated that this property should have involvement and oversight from Building Commissioner. Chair Eccles stated she will contact Jim Kelly, the Building Commissioner. Dan Hisel made a motion to have the Certificate of Appropriateness for 678 Massachusetts Ave stand for one more month in order for timeline/pian of completion to be submitted to HDC, hire of new contractor, and for work to be finished. Robin Lovett seconded. No further discussion.Roll Call Vote: Adelman— Yes,Eccles—Yes,Lovett—Yes, O'Shaughnessy—Yes, Chase—Yes,Hisel—Yes. Motion carried 6 to 0. Documents Certificate of Appropriateness 12.1.2016 Minutes Approval Dan Hisel made a motion to approve the May 6,201 meeting minutes. Robin Lovett seconded.Roll Call Vote: Anne Eccles-Yes,Ed Adelman -Yes,Paul O'Shaughnessy-Yes,Robin Lovett—Yes,Lee Noel Chase —Yes,Dan Hisel—Yes. Motion carried 6 to 0. DISCUSSION ITEMS Mt.Independence Historic District Chair Eccles made a statement regarding the information she sent to the Commission members about how cities and towns create a new Historic District. The Follen Hill area is interested in creating a fifth district in the Town. The residents is this area are interest in forming a district and have hired a historian to assist in having it done. Ed Adelman will spearhead the work for the HDC regarding the creation of the fifth district. The Commission will schedule a dedicated working meeting to the discuss/work on the creation of the fifth district. The HDC is required to submit a request to the Select Board stating on the reason why this area should become a districts, the history of the area, and the protections a district would offer. Historic Districts Commission Minutes Town of Lexington June 3,2021 7 The work would need to be done within 6 weeks in order to be ready for the Fall Town Meeting. Public Comments Jessie Steigerwald was recognize by the Chair for up 3 minutes of public comment. Ms. Steigerwald was logged into the meeting asking to be heard by the Commission regarding a proposed new monument of a woman in Lexington. She stated was speaking on behalf of a volunteer group of Lexington residents who are working under the name "LexSeeHer"The LexSeeHer group would like to have monument of a women in Lexington center. Chair Eccles stated the members received the updated and revised plans and thanked Mr. Oldenburg and Ms. Galen for taking into consideration the thoughts and concerns of the Commission. She stated she was logged into the meeting tonight, to bring awareness to the new proposed monument because the desired location in in the Historic District. The organization had an article at Town Meeting. Ms. Steigerwald said LexSeeHer met with the Cary Library Executive Trustees, and with the Director of Public Works. She said the preferred areas for the statue are all within the Historic Districts. Ms., Stiegerwald pointed out that there are no women who have contributed to history of Lexington recognized with a monument, and she would like there to be one. Chair Eccles stated that when there is an application, that states the proposed site, design, materials the HDC will have you on agenda for discussion and review. Adiournment Paul O'Shaughnessy made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:54pm. Dan Hisel seconded. No further discussion. Roll Call Vote,Ed Adelman—Yes,Anne Eccles—Yes,Robin Lovett—Yes,Paul O'Shaughnessy-Yes,Lee Noel Chase—Yes,Dan Hisel—Yes. Motion carried,unanimously. Historic Districts Commission Minutes Town of Lexington June 3,2021 8