Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-09-27 • HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION A meeting of the Historic Districts Commission was held on Wednesday, September 27, 1978, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, Lexington. Present were Commissioners John R. Packard, Chairman; Georgia H. Williams, Secretary; John L. Davies; Roland B. Greeley; and S. Lawrence Whipple. A hearing was held at 8:10 P.M. on the application of Ellen Sklar and Shirley Hurwitz d~b~a Spectrum Music for a Certificate of Appropriateness with respect to the erection and display of a sign for the store at 55 Waltham Street. Mr. Packard read the legal notice and a letter withdraw- ing the application. The hearing was closed at 8si2 P.Dt. A hearing was held at 8:i5 P.M. on the application of the Cambridge- port Savings Bank for a Certificate of Appropriateness with respect to the installation of an automated teller machine in the front window of the Bank at 1751 Massachusetts Avenue, which is within the Battle Green Dis- trict. Mr, Packard read the legal notice and referred to the application. Representing the Bank were: George E. Wilson, Treasurer; John J. McCarthy, Branch Manager and Assistant Treasurer; John G. Serino, Attorney for the Bank; Paul Fermano of J. K. Mitchell & Associates, Inc, Architects for the Bank; Katherine T. McAvoy of National Cash Register, Manufacturer's of the Automated Teller; and Raymond Adams, President of the Bank. Also present were William Miles, Manager of BayBank Harvard Trust's Lexington branch, and George P, Wadsworth, Chairman of the Board of Appeals. Mr. Serino gave a brief background of the Cambridgeport Savings Bank and stated that the Lexington branch had been in operation for fifteen months and had been very successful. He said that the bank has an average of one hundred cus- tomers a day and that probably seven would use an automated teller machine, He stated that another bank similar in size has seven using their automated teller machine a day; he said that banks in Boston have more use. They plan to install this machine in the bay window that is recessed three feet in from the sidewalk. The unit is stainless steel and has a shield of stainless steel cover (or covers when not in use. Mr. Greeley asked if would need a sign to tell customers what to do and Mr. Serino said there would not be a sign as would send customers literature explaining how tQ use the automated teller machine. Mr. Packard said that you do not antici- pate extensive use and asked why the machine is needed. Mr. Serino said that people are looking for them and that they are for the convenience of the customer. Mr. Packard said that you have mentioned this is the "coming thing" and there are seven banks in Lexington Center alone. He added that he would not like to see seven of these automated tellers iri the Center and that the Commission has to consider this aspect. Mr. Packard asked fox the dimensions and Mr. Serino said that it would be three feet by three feet. A question was raised concerning the dimensions of the Bay}3ank Harvard Trust's night deposit and it was stated that this is two feet by two feet. Mr. Whipple said that the wood around the machine bothers him and asked why wood was selected and Mr. Fermano said that they chose wood to match the panel below. Mr. Whipple asked if we will be able to see the HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION - page 2 September 27, 1978 part on the inside of the bank and Mr. Fermano said that it would be seen. Mr. Whipple asked Mr. Wilson if that bothered them and Mr. Wilson said that it did not. Mr. Davies asked for the dimensions of the window and Mr. Fermano said that it was eight feet by six feet. Mr. Davies $aid that he would suggest moving the machine over one-half a window light. Mrs. Williams said that the Old Colony Bank had used black glass around their night deposit box and that made it less obtrusive, Mr. Davies commented that so much white makes the machine very obvious. Mr. Greeley commented that a dead color might help. Mr. I~ackard commented that the Bank did a good job in renovating the building and said that he is very concerned about upgrading the Avenue and is not sure that this will not hurt the Avenue, Mr. Davies asked if a dark bronze color could be obtained in place of the stainless steel and Ms. McAvoy said that she believe it could be. Mr. Davies suggested that the machine be moved over six inches, the existing window sill be retained, and a dark color for the cover be used. Mr. Davies said that he is opposed to the way it is now presented. Mr. Packani said that it could be Byzantine Mosaic and he would be opposed to is and Mr. Greeley said that he would be also, rir. Davies said that he would like to see a thoroughly detailed full scale presentation xith his suggestions outlined above incorporated. Mrs. Williams stated that she wanted to be sure that the Bank realized that the Commission may not approve even with the proposed changes. Mr. Davies suggested that the architect should de- cide on a less obtrusive color. The hearing was adjourned at 8s55 P.M. to the meeting st~heduled for October 11th. Mr. Wadsworth said that the Board of Appeals had received a request from the Lexington Savings Bank for a permit to install two bronze plaques, one on each side of the building approximately ten inches high by eighteen inches wide and wondered how the Commission felt about this. Mr. Whipple said that he believes a directory sign has more than one name. Mr. Greeley said that the Board, if approves, should establish a policy of 45° or more slant from the edge of the building. He said that it might be of service to the public if done with dignity. Mr, Wadsworth commented that both the Board of Appeals and the Historic Districts Commission decisions need to be enforced and that the Sign By-Lax is only as good as enforcement. He added that need to have fine established for enforcing decisions. Mr. Greeley said that it would be easier for the Commission if the Board of Appeals sets high standards if grant this application. A meeting was held at 9:30 P.M. with Carol A. Snyder and Robert Snyder with respect to her request for a Certificate with respect to changes in the Sanderson House at 1314 Massachusetts Avenue, which is within the Munroe Tavern District. Mrs. Snyder said that they would like to install a Batten Door as a storm door for the front door but they cannot buy such a door. Mr. Davies said that they can be made. Mr. Whipple suggested that two straps might be better than three. Mr. Davies asked if the straps would be ornamental and Mrs. Snyder said that they would be. Nr. Greeley asked if the door would be removed in the summer and Mrs. Snyder said that it HISTORIC D18 TRICTS COMMISSION - page 3 September 27, 1978 would be. Mrs. Williams asked if the color of the paint would be the same as the color of the door and Mrs. Snyder said that it would be. The second request concerned color of the clapboards. Mrs. Snyder said that they had replaced most of the wood clapboards but ha.d not changed the rear shingles. They would propose staining the clapboards and painting the shingles. Mr. Greeley asked if there was arty source of historical evidence to guide the Commission and Mr. Whipple said there was not. Mrs. Williams asked if the aluminum windows would be painted and Mrs. Snyder said that they would be painted to match the house. Mr. Snyder said that they would like to use lighter colors than have on the house now but in the brownish tones and submitted two color charts. It was decided that they should choose one of the following colors: Butternut, Chocolate, Russet, or Cocoa. Mrs. Snyder said that they would like to remove the open "wings" on either side of the front door porch. They are open balustrade height porches in rotten condi- tion and cannot be seen because of shrubbery. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 P.M. Mrs. Williams stated that the house at 61i Massachusetts Avenue had been damaged by an automobile. The granite steps have been damaged and one side of the doorway has been demolished. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 1'.M. ~~~1 ~Geor i/a H. Williams g Secretary