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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-20-HC-minMEETING MINUTES April 20th 2022 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: Susan Bennett, Chair, Marilyn Fenollosa, Wendall Kalsow AGENDA ITEM #1 (7:03PM): Public hearing regarding the partial building demolition and roof line change at 28 Sherman Street. APPLICANT (S) PRESENT: William Erickson, Architect ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: None DOCUMENT(S): Existing and proposed elevations dated 4/20/2022 SUMMARY: Mr. Erickson described the proposed plans which involve a large addition with exterior details that mimic those of the existing house. The addition is being built by the current owner. The neighborhood has experienced teardowns and the desire is to maintain the existing structure but add to it. HC COMMENTS: Ms. Fenollosa does feel this is a large addition but not outrageously large. Ms. Fenollosa confirmed the vinyl siding will be replacing with all wood. Mr. Erickson said yes. Mr. Kalsow echoed Ms. Fenollosa regarding the size of the addition. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None MOTION: Moved by Ms. Fenollosa to find 28 Sherman Street preferably preserved and approve the partial building demolition and roof line change based on the plans dated April 20 2022. Seconded by Mr. Kalsow VOTE: 3-0 in favor of partial building demolition and roofline change: Ms. Fenollosa, Mr. Kalsow and Ms. Bennett. AGENDA ITEM #2 (7:24PM) Public hearing regarding the roofline change at 11 Grant Place APPLICANT (S) PRESENT: David Mitchell, Attorney Robin Ackerman, Homeowner ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: None DOCUMENT(S): Photos of existing house Structural Engineer Report SUMMARY: Mr. Mitchell requested that 11 Grant Place be removed from the inventory. Mr. Mitchell is also requesting the demolition of the two chimneys. The chimneys have structural problems and are beyond repair and are no longer functioning. The roof also needs to be repaired. Mr. Mitchell went over the National Register criteria and believes that 11 Grant Place has been “altered beyond recognition” and therefore does not deserve a place on the inventory. HC COMMENTS: Mr. Kalsow expressed his hesitancy to remove 11 Grant Place from the inventory but is willing to permit the removal of the chimneys. Ms. Fenollosa agreed with Mr. Kalsow. The Form B describes 11 Grant Place as a quirky home with alterations, but this doesn’t mean it is not historically significant. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None MOTION: Moved by Mr. Kalsow to find the structure at 11 Grant Place preferably preserved and permit the removal of the two chimneys and in- kind roof replacement. Seconded by Ms. Fenollosa. VOTE: 3-0 in favor of demolition of two chimneys and in -kind roof replacement: Ms. Fenollosa, Mr. Kalsow and Ms. Bennett. AGENDA ITEM #3 (7:58PM) Hosmer House update by Mark Connor, HDC representative -Mr. Connor from the Historic District Commission came to present a proposed plan for the Hosmer House. The Town is currently exploring two options. First option: Offsite location. So far there have been several proposals but no success. Second option: Stay onsite but with perhaps a new location. Mr. Connor described a proposed conceptual plan for the Hosmer House if it stayed onsite. This would involve redesigning Fletcher Park and using the Hosmer house as a historical marker and centerpiece to organize the park. Under this plan, the Hosmer House would be shifted forward closer to Massachusetts Avenue. This would preserve the structure on its original site and have it serve as a screen to the large mass of the new police station. There would also be a canopy for solar panels behind the Hosmer House. This structure would provide a buffer between the park and the police station by adding a lighter element like a trellis. Ms. Bennett asked if there were any plans for inside the house. Mr. Connor said there was no firm plan and that it may take another committee to determine what would go inside the space. Ms. Fenollosa feels this is an elegant solution that saves the Hosmer House. Ms. Fenollosa likes the idea of deindustrializing the solar panels in a sensitive way. Mr. Kalsow was delighted to see the house on the same site. Mr. Kalsow feels bringing it closer to Massachusetts Avenue works well. Mr. Kalsow suggested the house be used for inclusionary housing. Ms. Bennett loved the idea of creating the park as a more contained space. Ms. Bennett’s only concern is having a clear use for the structure itself. A motion made by Ms. Fenollosa to strongly support the design for Fletcher Park and Hosmer House as presented tonight by Mark Connor. The design keeps the Hosmer House on site which is most historically appropriate. Seconded by Mr. Kalsow. Ms. Bennett expressed some concern about taking a vote at this meeting with so few members present. 3-0 in favor of on-site proposal: Ms. Fenollosa, Mr. Kalsow and Ms. Bennett AGENDA ITEM #5 (8:37PM) Discussion on Jefferson Union Sign -Ms. Bennett, Mr. Kelland and Mr. Wilkas met regarding the sign at 31 Fletcher Avenue. The condominium association was not enthusiastic about recreating the sign on the side of the building. They are receptive to the suggestion of a sign somewhere near the front of the building that includes the history for people to see when they walk by. The association has had to take on multiple costs this year to eliminate the chimney leak and wants to do something that would be cost effective. Mr. Kalsow felt it was unfortunate the developer did not honor the signage agreement. Mr. Kalsow has some reservations on the proposed location of the sign. Ms. Fenollosa said a sign out front could be more beneficial and of interest to the public. Ms. Bennett will circle back with Mr. Kelland and decide how to move forward. AGENDA ITEM #6 (9:00PM) Vote on preservation restriction for 75 Outlook Drive Moved by Ms. Fenollosa to approve the Preservation Restriction for 75 Outlook Drive. Seconded by Mr. Kalsow. 3-0 in favor of approving preservation restriction: Ms. Fenollosa, Mr. Kelland and Ms. Bennett AGENDA ITEM #7 (9:08PM) Updates -Ms. Bennett went over updates regarding 69 Pleasant Street. The Developer is currently not at the preservation restriction phase yet. Ms. Pursley is working on the Form B. -12 Summit: There is no recent activity. -Ms. Bennett will meet with the New Planning Director, Abby McCabe to go over current projects. AGENDA ITEM #8 (9:12PM) Vote to accept meeting minutes dated March 16th 2022 and April 5th 2022 Motion made by Ms. Fenollosa to approve minutes dated March 16th 2021. Seconded by Mr. Kalsow 3-0 in favor of approving minutes: Ms. Fenollosa, Ms. Bennett and Mr. Kalsow Motion made by Ms. Bennett to approve minutes dated April 5th 2021. Seconded by Ms. Fenollosa 3-0 in favor of approving minutes: Ms. Bennett, Ms. Fenollosa, and Mr. Kalsow AGENDA ITEM #9 (9:16PM) Motion to adjourn made by Ms. Fenollosa. Seconded by Mr. Kalsow 3-0 favor to adjourn Ms. Fenollosa, Mr. Kalsow and Ms. Bennett Adjourn.