HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-04-06 HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION
A meeting of the Historic Districts Commission was held on Thursday,
April 6, 1972, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building,
Lexington. Present were Commissioners Wilbur M. Jaquith, Chairman; George
E. Graves; Donald J. Shaw; Georgia. H. Williams; and Associate Commissioner
S. Lawrence Whipple. Mr. Whipple was appointed to serve for Commissioner
Philip B. Parsons, Secretary, who was unable to be present and Mrs.
Williams was appointed to serve as Secretary Pro Tem. Also present were
Mrs. Judith Uhrig of i5 Vine Brook Road representing the League of Women
Voters Observer Corps and Roland Gubisch of 627 Massachusetts Avenue.
A hearing was held at 7150 P.M. on the application of Keith W. and
Marilyn M. Harrison for a Certificate of Appropriateness with respect to
the erection of a sign for the Golden Hand Designers` Fabrics store at 72
Waltham Street, which is within the Battle Green District. Mr. Jaquith
read the legal notice and application. Three scale drawings of the pro-
posed two-faced sign to extend from the porch, one rendering of the sign,
color samples, and photographs of the house were submitted to the Commis-
sion. It was stated that, since this is a hanging sign, there will be a
hearing before the Board of Appeals in May. If this hanging sign is not
approved by the Board of Appeals, a different type of sign which might be
attached to the side of the doorway, suspended from the crossplate sup-
porting the roof, or attached to the middle post of the porch would have
to be submitted to the Commission. The proposed sign would have a white
backboard to match the white of the trim with red letters painted on the
backboard. The Board of Appeals is also requiring a parking area in the
rear of the building so the garage will have to be demolished and a park-
ing area and fencing installed. The hearing was adjourned at 81,50 P.M.
A hearing was held at 8e50 P.M. on the application of Leonard J.
Colwell for a Certificate of Appropriateness with respect to the instal-
lation of an asphalt driveway and parking area in the rear of the prey
raises at ~ Vine Brook Road, which is within the Battle Green District.
Ronald Colwell represented his brother at the hearing. Mr. Jaquith read
the legal notice and the application. Three sketches showing the areas
to be blacktopped were submitted. Mr. Colwell said that they had talked
with Mr. King of 8 Vine Brook Road who had no objection to the plan.
Mrs. Uhrig of 15 Vine Brook Road said that she did not like the idea of
an extra car in the front yard as she does not want the street to look
like a large parking lot. Mr. Whipple said that he felt the same way.
Landscaping was also discussed. The hearing was closed at 9;10 P.M.
Mr. Jaquith then referred to the letter which Mr. Gubisch had sent
to the members of the Commission re the house at 632 Massachusetts Ave-
nue, which is in the East Village District. Mr. Gubisch said that he
was embarrassed that he had not thought this out before the hearing on
March is, 1972 at which time Wilson Farms, Inc. appeared fora Certifi-
cafe of Appropriateness for a two-family dwelling at that address. Mr.
Jaquith said that it was a well thought out letter and that the Commis-
Sion has not paid too much attention to these ideas before. Mr. Gubisch
HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION - 2 April 6, 1972
stated that the plans suhonitted do not represent the era represented in
that area of the East Village District and that this will give two houses
side by side with overhanging second stories. Mr. Jaquith stated that,
if the East Village District should have an early 19th century character,
then perhaps an overhanging second story design is not the best design
for the area. He added that unfortunately many of these thoughts come
after a hearing and the applicant does not have a chance to present his
side. Mr. Gubisch said that he feels there are alternate designs that
would be preferable. He then asked if the Commission had given permis-
sion for the erection of the corrugated storage shed on the farm and the
question was raised as to when it had been erected.
It was moved, seconded, and unanimously VOTED to issue a Certificate
of Appropriateness to Leonard J. Colwell for the installation of a drive
way and parking area at 4 Vine Brook P.osd. Participating in this decision
were Commissioners Wilbur M. Jaquith, George E. Graves, Donald J. Shaw,
Georgia H. Williams, and Associate Commissioner S. Lawrence Whipple.
Mr. Jaquith stated that he had written a letter to Mr. Sears re land-
scaping of fencing at Hancock Church and asked him to come in the end of
.April to discuss this matter which was a condition under Certificate of
Appropriateness X70 C~15 issued May 27, 1970 to Joseph 3., Jr. & Mary H.
Nye.
Mr. Jaquith stated that Amelia Samolyenko, Trustee of The Lexington
Maws Trust, has a new architect, Herbert Eisenberg. The back of the
building has been redesigned so that an amendment to Certificate X72 C-3
is desired and a hearing will be scheduled for May 3rd.
Mr. Jaquith stated that the new owners of the property at 4# Hancock
Street wish permission to change the color of the house.
Mr. Jaquith submitted two bills as followse Barbara Gilson, Clerl~,
$55.38 for March 1972 ($1.60 for postage and $53.75 for clerical services,
and Hancock Press for $29.44 for 1500 small letterheads. It was moved,
seconded, and unanimously VOTED to approve payment of these two bills.
The meeting was ad3ourned at i1e10 P.M.
~ r
org H. Williams
ecretary Pro Tem