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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-05-19 HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMIrffSSION A meeting of the Historic Districts Commission was held on Wednesday, May 19, 1974, in Room 111 of the Town Office Building, Lexington. Present were Commissioners Wilbur M. Jaquith, Chairman; Georgia H. Williams, Secre- tary; Thomas J. Holzbog; 3. Lawrence Whipple; and Associate Commissioner Oliver F. Hooper. Mr. Hooper was appointed to serve for Commissioner Amelia G. Samoylenko. A discussion on the application of the Town of Lexington for a Cer- tificate of Appropriateness with respect to the erection of a new flagpole to replace the existing wood flagpole on the Common, which is within the Battle Green District, was held. Following this discussion, the following three votes were adopted: Mrs. Williams moved, seconded by Mr. Hooper that, after considering the efforts made by the applicant to locate a new wooden flagpole, it is the determination of the Commission that the replacement of the existing wooden flagpole on the Common by a flagpole fabricated of steel pipe is inappropriate for the purposes of the Historic Districts Act which requires that Lexington's historic places be preserved and protected by the develop- went and maintenance of appropriate settings for such places, said metal flagpole being inappropriate for the following reasons: ~ 1. The wooden flagpole has been a traditional focal point on the Commons of New Englad towns, including Lexington, for many years and re- placement of the wooden flagpole on the Lexington Common with a metal flag- pole will change a traditional monument believed to have existed on the Common for over 125 years. 2. The existing wooden flagpole has historic significance in it- self in that it is the original flagpole to fly the American flag 24 hours a day in commemoration of the First Battl® of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775, as authorized by a Special Act of Congress, and, from an historical standpoint, a metal flagpole is not a satisfactory substitute for this wooden flagpole. 3. Installation of a fabricated metal flagpole on Lexington's Common may modify the inter-relationship of the flagpole to the old hist- orical monuments on the Common and change the atmosphere of simplicity and authenticity which has been the traditional goal pursued for the preserva- tion and appearance of the historically signifionnt Common over the years. The above motion was unanimously VOTID. Mr. Hooper moved, seconded by Mr. Holabog that, owing to conditions especially affecting the flagpole imrolved, but not affecting the Battle Green Historic District generally, failure to approve the application wi].1 irnolve a substantial hardship to the applicant beoause it appears that a suitable replacement in a wooden flagpole is not available and, if the ap- plication is disapproved, it wi1,1 not be possible for the Town to have a flagpole on the Common which will be comparable to the existing flagpole in size, height and statelin®ss. The above motion was unanimously VOTED. HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMl9ISSI0N - page 2 May 19, 1976 Mr. Holzbog moved, seconded by Mr. Whipple that the application may be approved without substantial detriment to the public welfare and without substantial derogation from the intent and purposes of the Historic Districts Act. The above motion was unanimously VOTED. It was moved by Mr. Whipple, seconded by Mr. Holzbog and VCJPED that the Chairman prepare a draft of a certificate carrying out the intent of the Commission under the foregoing notes. Mrs. Samoylenko arrived at Sc20 P, M. and assumed her seat on the Com- mission. Mr. Hooper left at 8:40 P.M, A meeting was held with F. William Smith regarding the East Village Condominium development at 1009-1049 Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. Smith said that, although work had been done on the store building, the new front had not yet been installed. He introduced Frank Cavattore, proprietor of the store. Mr. Smith showed a sketch of the sign which Mr. Cavattore would like to hang at the right end (as you face it) of the building. The sign would be 4' x 2 1/2', double faced, and hand carved of a dark stain with gold letters, Mr. Smith suggested that landscaping could be installed under the sign and in front of the store. During the discussion of the sign, it was suggested that, since the store would be a gray color, a darker gray background with perhaps black letters might look better, Since this is to be a hanging sign, it was stated that the Board of Appeals would have to approve the sign, Then followed a discussion of colors to be used on the buildings which are within the East Village District, Store: Hacienda Gray for the clapboards, off white for the trim and sash, door in blaok or a warm dark green, and stain on the clapboards rather than paint. IInits 1 & 2c Daphne Room Beige paint for the clapboards, Holts Storehouse Gray paint for the trim and doors, and the shingles to weather or have bleaching oil put on them. IInit 3c Single house to have natural stain on the clapboards, shutters a darker brown stain, and the window sash in a russet red paint IInits 9 & 10 Terracotta with cream blinds, sash, acrd doors. IInit iic Medium mustard color for the clapboards, Mr. Holzbog moved that the colors be approved as presented, seconded by Mrs. Samoylenko and unanimously VOTED. • . HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION -page 3 May 19r 1976 Drawings were submitted of two of the fixtures and one of the light fixtures was shown by Mr, Smith of what he proposes to install on the units as follows: Unit 2a -two Salem fixtures -off bracket Unit 1s -Onion design fixture Unit 9s -Bracket type fixture Unit 11s - reoessed up in ceiling. All are weathered brass fixtures. Unit 2 will have two fixtures, one on either side of the front door, but the other units will have only one fixture. Mr. Holzbog moved that the light fixtures as presented by Mr. Smith be approved, seconded by Mrs. Williams, and unanimously VOTED. Mrs. Samoylenko stated that she has decided not to make extensive changes in the oourtyard of the Lexington Msws Building but that she would like to instal glass in the arcade and a pair of doors. A bill for $16.00 for photographs was submitted, It was moved, seconded, and unanimously VOID to approve payment of this bill, Mr. Jaquith stated that the Library Addition Committee has money to com- plete the screening on the top of the tower and would like to have the Com- mission's feelings on this. The members of the Commission were all requested to look at the tower from the Mariam Street side. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 P.l~f. Georgia H. Williams Secretary