HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-20-HC-min.docx
Lexington Historical Commission
Meeting Minutes
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August 20, 2025
Meeting Conducted by Remote Participation
Commissioners Present: Robert Rotberg, Marilyn Fenollosa, Susan Bennett, Wendall Kalsow, Diane Pursley.
Commissioners Absent:
Associate Commissioners Present: David Kelland.
Associate Commissioner Absent:
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Chair Robert Rotberg called the August 20, 2025 Historical Commission meeting to order at
7:00 pm.
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AGENDA ITEM #1: Approval of meeting minutes of the meetings held on July 16, 2025
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Ms. Fenollosa made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting held on July 16, 2025 as
written. Motion carried. All in favor.
AGENDA ITEM #2: Demolition by Neglect regarding the full building demolition at 25 Moon Hill
Road
Mr. Kalsow expressed his concerns on the historic structure at 25 Moon Hill Rd and stated that he would
invite Building Commissioner to report back to the Commission during the next meeting. Ms. Bennett
suggested a site visit with Building Commissioner to see what will be evaluated.
MOTION:
Mr. Kalsow made a motion that the Historical Commission invites the Building Commissioner to
inspect the historical structure at 25 Moon Hill Road again and report to the Commission at
September meeting on whether there is water infiltration, any active mold in the property, any pests
or signs of pest damage, and that the building is secure from vandalism and entrance. Ms. Bennett
seconded.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Fenollosa – Yes,
Mr. Kelland – Yes,
Mr. Kalsow – Yes,
Ms. Bennett – Yes,
Ms. Pursley – Yes,
Mr. Rotberg – Yes.
Motion carried 6 to 0. Motion carried. All in favor.
AGENDA ITEM #3: Public Hearing regarding the Partial Building Demolition (additions) at 4
Wadman Cir
APPLICANT (S) PRESENT: David Whitney, Architect
Adam Frank & Rachel Meyer, Homeowners
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ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: None
DOCUMENT(S):
Homeowner letter: dated July 8, 2025
Comparison of Existing and Proposed Elevations: dated June 30, 2025
Individual Building Form from Lexington Comprehensive Cultural Resources Survey: dated June 30, 2025
Photos of existing structure: dated June 30, 2025
SUMMARY:
David Whitney, architect, explained the proposed addition plans for this structure. The deck at the rear of
the house and a portion of the rear wall will be removed. A new roof above a portion of existing roof at
the back of the house will be built. Some windows in adjacent areas invisible from the front of the house
will be replaced. The materials for the addition and modification will be look in-kind and match the
existing structure.
No public comments.
HC COMMENTS:
The Commission agreed that the addition and modification plans were appropriate.
MOTION:
Mr. Kalsow made a motion to find the historical structure at 4 Wadman Cir was historically
significant and preferably preserved, and partial building demolition and modifications presented
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at the hearing on the Historical Commission meeting held on August 20, 2025 are acceptable to
the Commission. Ms. Fenollosa seconded.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Pursley – Yes,
Ms. Bennett – Yes,
Mr. Kelland – Yes,
Ms. Fenollosa – Yes,
Mr. Kalsow – Yes,
Mr. Rotberg – Yes.
Motion carried 6 to 0. Motion carried. All in favor.
AGENDA ITEM #4: Public Hearing regarding the Partial Building Demolition (additions) at 18
Highland Avenue
APPLICANT (S) PRESENT: Dan Hisel, Architect
Joe Fratoni, Project Manager
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: None
DOCUMENT(S):
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Homeowner Letter: dated July 16, 2025
Comparison of Existing and Proposed Elevations: dated July 16, 2025
Stamped proposed plot plan: dated July 25, 2025
Existing Survey: dated July 25, 2025
18 Highland Renderings: dated July 25, 2025
SUMMARY:
Dan Hisel, architect, explained the proposed addition plans for the historical structure at 18 Highland
Avenue.
No public comments.
HC COMMENTS:
The Commission agreed that the proposed addition plans were appropriate for this historic house.
MOTION:
Ms. Fenollosa made a motion to find that 18 Highland Avenue was historically significant and
preferably preserved, and to approve the proposed partial building demolition, modifications, and
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additions as presented during the Historical Commission meeting on August 20, 2025. Mr. Kalsow
seconded.
Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Kelland – Yes,
Ms. Pursley – Yes,
Mr. Kalsow – Yes,
Ms. Bennett – Yes,
Ms. Fenollosa – Yes,
Mr. Rotberg – Yes.
Motion carried 6 to 0. Motion carried. All in favor.
AGENDA ITEM #5: Approval of the 2024-2025 Town Report
Ms. Bennett made a motion to adopt the town report as amended during the Historical Commission
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meeting on August 20, 2025 for inclusion in the Town’s overall report. Ms. Fenollosa seconded.
Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Kelland – Yes,
Ms. Fenollosa – Yes,
Mr. Kalsow – Yes,
Ms. Bennett – Yes,
Ms. Pursley – Yes,
Mr. Rotberg – Yes.
Motion carried 6 to 0. Motion carried. All in favor.
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AGENDA ITEM #6: Lexington Preservation Award
Ms. Bennett circulated to Lee Noel Chase, Chair of Historic Districts Commission, the proposed
Lexington Preservation Awards, jointly sponsored by the Historical Commission and the Historic Districts
Commission, to recognize property owners, architects, contractors, local organizations and individuals for
their contributions to maintaining the architectural, historical and cultural heritage of the Town of
Lexington. The awards are to be given annually to two categories of projects: rehabilitation/restoration of
a building; and sensitive additions/alterations. Projects by both individuals and commercial owners can
qualify. Nominations will be requested in the spring of each year for projects completed in the previous
calendar year. A jury composed of representatives from both Commissions will judge the entries.
AGENDA ITEM #7: Input from Commissioners on other matters
None
AGENDA ITEM #8: Input from the public on other matters
None
AGENDA ITEM #9: Adjourn
Ms. Fenollosa made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Kalsow at 8:20pm. Motion carried. All
in favor.
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