HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-11-14 Historic Districts Commission
November 14, 1984
A meeting of the Historic Districts Commission was held on Wednesday, November
14, 1984 in the Town Office Building, Lexington. Present were Commissioners
John L. Davies, Chair; Linda J. McAulay, Secretary; Roland B. Greeley, John E. Ryan,
and Ann Wallace, and Associate Commissioners Mary Harding Nye and Stephen B. Cripps.
At 8:05 PM, William B. and Barbara A. Graham appeared with respect to exterior
architectural changes at 21 Muzzey Street. The proposal was for a doorway and exit
stairway on the side of the building to provide a required independent exitway from
the second floor. There was discussion about whether an inside stairway was possible
instead, and the conclusion was that this was not feasible. There was concensus
among the members that the outside stairway was not harmful to the building, and
that it was in any case concealed by a large existing evergreen tree at the front.
The application was VOTED with the condition that the tree be maintained in good
condition or, if necessary, replaced by a new tree that will effectively shield
the stairway.
At 8:30 PM, Peter Bullis of Anderson Notter Finegold appeared on behalf of
Sydney Noyes Anderson with respect to the renovations at the former Muzzey Junior
High School at 1475 Massachusetts Avenue. He presented a number of changes and
additions to previously approved drawings, as follows: (1) The substitution of four
cast iron bollards for the granite bollards at the southeast elevation. (2) At the
round window in the southeast gable, the insertion of an approximately 2' square
Andersen projected window. (3) Change the curved brick walls in the rear courtyard
to straight diagonalbrick walls, and move the center pavilion of the pergola to a
position at the entrance to the building. (4) Delete the metal roofed structure at
the easterly side of the courtyard and replace it with a concrete patio and planting
area. These changes were all VOTED with the additional condition that the square
sash at the round opening be left dark bronze while the fixed frame in which it is
set may be painted cream to match the other woodwork. The purpose of this condition
was to lighten the visual effect of the construction.
At 8:50 PM, Walter Tonaszuck appeared on behalf of the Town of Lexington
to discuss the structures and the painted markings at the Meriam Street Parking
Lot. He expressed his opinion and that of the Town Manager that traffic control
features were not subject to the Historic Districts Act. Mr. Davies responded
that in the instance of private parking lots, such as Stop & Shop, the painting
of stripes and other design features had been held to be subject to the Act. Mr.
Jaquith spoke in support of Mr. Davies' view. Mr. Davies said further that the
shed and signs were without question "structures" and "signs" within the definition
of the Act.
Discussion followed regarding the attendant's shed, the signs, the gates
and stanchions, and the painting of the curbs. Mr. Jaquith commented that the
clapboards on the shed do not match those on the Depositor's Trust Company nearby.
After much discussion, it was VOTED to approve the shed but to require a redesign
of the sign that appear on and around it. The yellow curbs and stripes at the
Meriam Street entrance and elsewhere were disapproved and shall be painted white.
The painting need not be done until after April 19, 1985, however. The red stanchions
were approved and the use of plain white barrels without the parking company
logo was also approved. The Vote included the proviso that the building and all
the structures on the lot shall be maintained in good condition.
_ ~ •
page 2 November 14, 1984
At 9:25 PM, Walter H. and Carol G. Bergler of 22 Hancock Street appeared with
respect to the addition of a deck at the rear of that house. The porch would extend
across the rear of the house proper and would adjoin the connected barn. It would
be 20' x 22' and will incorporate two levels and a stair to grade. Mr. Cripps questioned
the use of a light post at one corner of the deck, but the consensus was to
approve the structure as presented. The proposal was VOTED.
Wendy Carter and Brian Huckley then appeared with respect to a color change
on the building at 1444 Massachusetts Avenue, which will consist of a replacement
of the existing deteriorated asphalt shingles with GAF "Charcoal Gray" asphalt
shingles. This proposal was VOTED.
?r. Howard S. Potter next appeared on behalf of Clarke Street Condominium
Trust to discuss the installation of a chain link fence at the rear of their
property. The fence would extend across the side and rear of the existing park-
ing lot and would be intended to discourage people parking in their lot and
then walking to the Center. The fence would be dark green or black vinyl coated,
and would be built with a top rail. The suggestion was considered favorably by
the Commission.
Bills were then VOTED in the amount of $33.00 for Beacon Communications and
$150.40 for Miss Barbara Gilson. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 PM.
Linda S. McAulay
Secretary