HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-05-12-HC-minMEETING MINUTES
May 12th 2022
Call to Order: A public hearing of the Historical Commission was held remotely through
Zoom. The meeting convened at 7:00PM.
Historical Commission Members in Attendance:
Susan Bennett, Chair, Marilyn Fenollosa, David Kelland, Wendall Kalsow and Robert Rotberg
AGENDA ITEM #1 (7:03PM):
Discussion on demolition delay bylaw
The Commission looked at data that went back to 2011 to get a ten year look at the effectiveness
of the one-year demolition delay bylaw. Would a longer demolition delay allow the Commission
to save more homes? Although the numbers were not definitive, it appears that 23 homes have
been saved since 2011. The majority of the homes have not been saved have been demolished in
the last 5 years.
Mr. Kalsow said the one-year demolition delay was more effective about 10 years ago. Now,
with the potential for building larger and more expensive homes, the developer is willing to wait
out the delay. It takes the developer six months to go through the process of permitting and this
only delays the builder a few months. If the delay was 18 months that might have a more
significant impact on developers.
Ms. Fenollosa said there might be more appetite from Town Meeting to go to 18 months. There
are people fed up with the development in Lexington. Ms. Bennett said this could give neighbors
who are passionate about their neighborhoods a chance to mobilize against demolition.
Ms. Fenollosa suggested reaching out to a few other committees and build relationships to show
we are all on the same page.
Next Steps:
Ms. Fenollosa and Mr. Rotberg will cross check their numbers regarding the demolition delay
spread sheets. (NOTE: subsequent to the meeting Ms. Fenollosa prepared the following figures
for 2011-2022: 55 demolition delays imposed; 27 houses demolished; 20 houses still standing; 8
pending.)
Mr. Kalsow will reach out to the Historic District Commission to build support.
Ms. Fenollosa will reach out to the LexHab and Lexington Housing Authority.
Ms. Bennett will reach out to the Historical Society.
The Commission will make it a goal to bring the 18-month demolition delay to the next Spring
Town Meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None
AGENDA ITEM #2 (8:08PM)
Updates
-Hosmer House Proposal: The individual who has proposed moving the Hosmer House to a new
site will be at the Historical Commission meeting on May 18th to discuss the proposal. The
Historic District Commission has the final say on whether the house can be moved.
-69 Pleasant Street: Site sensitive development for 69 Pleasant Street is gaining momentum and
will be added to the June agenda for a formal hearing.
AGENDA ITEM #4 (8:15PM)
Motion to adjourn made by Ms. Fenollosa
Seconded by Mr. Kalsow
5-0 favor to adjourn Ms. Fenollosa, Mr. Kalsow, Mr. Rotberg, Ms. Bennett, and Mr. Kelland
Adjourn