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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-12-15 HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION A meeting of the Historic Districts Commission was held at 8:00 P,M. on tiednesday, December 15, 1982, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, Lexington. Present xere Commissioners John R. Packard, Chairman; S. Laxrence Whipple, Secretary; John L. Davies; Roland S. Greeley; and Associate Commissioners Linda J. McAulay, Richard S. Morehouse, and Molly Nye. At BIOS P.M. MA:> Inc. submitted two proposals for a sign to hang on the porch at 1620 Massachusetts Avenue, across from the Town Gffice Build- ing. The sign will hang in the place formerly occupied by The Threaded Needle sign and will match others on this building. After discussion, it xas VOTED to approve the same as presented. The Versailles Restaurant was the next applicant, again for a sign. This one is to replace that of the former Gunther's Restaurant at 1777 Massachusetts Avenue. The sign will be quite similar to its predecessor, and it was VOTED to approve the simpler of the txo proposals presented, reading only "Versailles Restaurant", with logo, if possible, At Ss30 P.M. The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, 1386 Massachusetts Avenue, across from the Munroe School, made a request for a new free-standing sign. The drawings submitted were too sketchy for the Commission to arrive at a decision, and it was suggested to rir. Lord of the Church that he return at the Commission's next meeting with detailed scale drawings. Time to consider the application was exteneded to March 1, 1983, At 9:00 P.M. the Commission VOTED to approve as presented Adams- Russell's sign to be erected over its front entrance on the Munroe School. The Commission noted that the background would match the building's trim, and that the sign itself would not be lighted. At 9:10 P.M. the Commission considered the application of Cory's Restaurant, 20 Waltham Street, for an awning to be erected over its front entrance. The Commission liked the proposal, and its only suggest~otis far improvement concerned the size of the letters in "Cory's" on the side panels. After discussion it was VOTED to approve the erection of this awning. At 9:25 P.M. York Hannover Developments showed the Commission an attractive projecting sign for its premises at 27 Depot Square (Giroux Building). The Commission feels that projecting signs are a welcome addi- tion to this building and VOTED to approve the same after a short discussion. At 9:40 T'.M. Mr. Hilton presented informally a new plan for a handrail on the East Lexington Branch Library. The new plan seemed attractive to the Commission and will be subject to formal consideration at the Commis- sion's next meeting. HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION - 2 - December 15, 1982 It was then VOTED ~o approve bills of $104,x+ for clerical services and publication. Mr. Packard then reviewed a number of recent problems. The Seasons Four erected an illegal Christmas sign, and protests of the neighbors, enforced by the Building Commissioner, led to its removal. The Ford family at Massachusetts Avenue and Oak Street has erected an illegal fence hiding a previously illegally-erected shed. Landlord Arvanitis did not comply with the certificate issued to him respecting cornerboards for the vinyl siding affixed to the two-family home at 812-814 Massachusetts Avenue. It appears that the Battle Green Inn's new roof is visible from a public way -Vine Brook Road. The Commission had reviewed this roof proposal in the spring and simply overlooked the possibility that it might be seen from Vine Brook Road. The Depositor's Trust Company has erected an illegal chain link fence, topped with barbed wire, next to the traoks at its office in the old railroad station at the Depot. Mem- bers were asked to take a look at it, to see if its removal should be demanded, and some other solution found to prevent vandalism at this location. All of the foregoing illustrate the difficulties experienced by the Commission in obtaining the support of private citizens and businessmen for our activities. i Mr. Packard then told the Commission that his term would expire at the end of the year, and that for a number of reasons he would not seek reappointment to another five year term, The meeting was ADJOURNED at 10:30 P.M. Gv,~ Lawrence Whipple secretary