HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-08-30-HC-minLEXINGTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
August 30, 2022
Call to Order: A public hearing of the Historical Commission was held remotely through Zoom.
The meeting convened at 5:00PM.
Historical Commission Members in Attendance:
Susan Bennett, Chair, Diane Pursley, Wendall Kalsow, David Kelland and Robert Rotberg
Staff present; James Malloy, Town Manager; Abigail McCabe, Planning Director; James Kelly,
Building Commissioner; Michael Cronin, Director of Facilities
AGENDA ITEM #1 (5:05):
Review and comments for ZBA application for relocation of the Hosmer House
APPLICANT (S) PRESENT:
Rosalina Carroll
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT:
DOCUMENT(S):
Memo to the Historical Commission from Planning Board
SUMMARY:
The Planning Board has asked the Historical Commission for their comments regarding the
relocation and the potential changes to the Hosmer House. Ms. Carroll, the potential buyer of the
Hosmer House, presented proposed drawings.
HC COMMENTS:
The Board members discussed the lack of details on the plot plan. They also discussed the exterior
colors and how they should be historically accurate. A visual buffer between the historic house
and Rte. 2 highway ramp to the south should be provided and comprised of native landscape plant
species.
MOTION:
Made by Ms. Bennett, seconded by Ms. Pursley, determined that the proposal adequately preserves
the historical and architectural features of the building on the new site and offers the following
recommendations:
1.) That the applicant provides to the Historical Commission the final specific site improvement
details for the house on the new lot;
2.) The exterior colors be historically accurate as described in the November 30, 2010 Historic
Structure Report for the Hosmer House. Paint colors: Navajo white for the siding, Arcadia white
for the trim, and Lafayette green for the door.
3.) Visual buffer between the historic house and the Route 2 highway ramp to the south be provided
and comprised of native landscape plant species such as Red Pine or Pitch Pine, and more visibility
to highlight the historic house be provided toward Waltham Street.
4.) Retention of the important elements of the building such as the clapboard siding and the main
block windows and trim;
5.) The Historic Preservation Restriction with the MHC be permanent and further reviewed by the
HC prior to final execution; and
6.) That the Historic Preservation Restriction be finalized prior to exterior renovation work taking
place and prior to issuance of the building permit for the renovations.
VOTE: 3-2 in favor of the proposal.
Susan Bennett, Chair, yes;
Wendall Kalsow, yes
Diane Pursley, yes
David Kelland, no
Robert Rotberg, no
AGENDA ITEM #2 (8:01 PM)
69 Pleasant Street -Site Sensitive Development-Recommendation to Planning Board
DOCUMENT(S): Plans for site sensitive development as submitted to Planning Board
SUMMARY:
The Historical Commission reviewed the plans submitted by Todd Cataldo for a site sensitive
residential development for 69 Pleasant Street
HC COMMENTS:
The Historical Commission members felt that this house has historical value, despite not being in
the Cultural Resource Inventory. The fact that this was not on list was an oversight and does not
make the structure less historical.
MOTION:
Made by Ms. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Kalsow that a condition of the special permit requires that
the exterior character of the existing structure at 69 Pleasant Street be maintained as required by
Zoning Bylaw 6.9.17.1 and that therefore all exterior changes be subject to review and approval
by the Historical Commission using the published guidelines of the Historic Districts Commission.
VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion
Ms. Pursley – yes
Mr. Kelland – yes
Mr. Rotberg – yes
Mr. Kalsow – yes
Ms. Bennett - yes
Mr. Kalsow made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:03pm. Mr. Rotberg seconded. Motion
carried. All in favor.