HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-15-HC-min HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
February 15th 2017
Call to Order: A public meeting of the Historical Commission was held in the Parker Room of
Lexington Town Hall located at 1625 Massachusetts Avenue. The meeting convened at
7:30PM.
Historical Commission Members in Attendance:
David Kelland, Chair, Frank Kern, Sally Zimmerman, Marilyn Fenollosa
AGENDA ITEM #1 (7:30 PM)
Public hearing regarding the partial demolition and roofline change at the house located at 13
Turning Mill Road.
APPLICANT (S) PRESENT:
Vahe Ohannessian, Architect
Vivien Faset, Home Owner
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT:
None
DOCUMENT(S):
-Plans from Mr. Ohannessian, Architect
SUMMARY:
Mr. Ohannessian went over the plans with the commission. Mr. Ohannessian discussed the
home owners would like to remove the existing addition to the original house including the car
port and build a new addition with a two car garage, master suite and mudroom and storage area.
HC COMMENTS:
The commission disused the plans and how it would fit the mid-century design.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None
MOTION:
Moved by Ms. Zimmerman and seconded by Ms. Fenollosa to find the house at 13 Turning Mill
Road is not preferably preserved and can proceed according to plan with modification of portico
entrance.
VOTE:
Mr. Kelland, Mr. Kern, Ms. Zimmerman Ms. Fenollosa in favor
4-0
AGENDA ITEM #2 (7:44PM)
Public hearing regarding the partial demolition and roofline change at the house located at 464
Concord Avenue.
APPLICANT (S) PRESENT:
Lin Tong, home owner
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT:
None
DOCUMENT (S):
Proposed plans
Letter from neighbor, Letha and Bradford Prestbo supporting the partial demolition and roofline
change
Letter from neighbor, David Simons supporting the partial demolition and roofline change
Letter from neighbor, Ryo Hotta supporting the partial demolition and roofline change
SUMMARY:
Ms. Tong told the commission she bought the home last year and loves the contemporary style.
Ms. Tong explained the house is too small for her family and would like to add a second floor.
Ms. Tong went over the plans with the commission stating that she made sure the changes were
an environmentally friendly solution and still keep the character of the house.
HC COMMENTS:
The commission discussed the plans and how they conform to the original design. They feel the
design of plans are elegant.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Lin Tong's neighbor, David Simons attended the meeting. Mr. Simons is in favor of the plans
and feels they keep with the character or the house and neighborhood.
MOTION:
Moved by Ms. Fenollosa and seconded by Ms. Zimmerman that the commission permits the
partial demolition and roofline change at 464 Concord Avenue in accordance with the plans
submitted 1/11/17
VOTE:
Mr. Kelland, Mr. Kern, Ms. Zimmerman, Ms. Fenollosa
4-0
AGENDA ITEM #3 (7:52PM):
Public hearing with respect to confirmation of existing policy: transferability of demolition
permits.
APPLICANT (S) PRESENT:
N/A
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT:
None
DOCUMENT (S):
Revised copy of the policy on transferability of building permits.
SUMMARY:
The commission discussed the suggestions that were made from town council regarding the
policy. The commission discussed preferring 3rd option on the list. (Transfer of ownership)
HC COMMENTS:
Ms. Fenollosa made a clean copy with the third option. The commission feels the language is
the most succinct and straight forward.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None
Motion:
Moved by Ms. Fenollosa seconded by Ms. Zimmerman to adopt the third version three as
prepared by town council on transferability. Seconded by Ms. Zimmerman.
AGENDA ITEM #4 (7:57PM):
Discussion on 443 Massachusetts Ave
The commission expressed concern that the property at 443 Massachusetts Ave was undergoing
demolition by neglect. HDC is aware of it and working to institute demo by neglect proceedings.
AGENDA ITEM #5 (8:OOPM):
Communications from the public.
Discussion on 67 Valley Road: Paul Scott Hutton
Mr. Hutton would like his house to be removed from the inventory. Mr. Hutton discussed his
research so far on why the house is not historic. The commission was appreciative of the
research and mentioned he should be put on the March meeting agenda.
AGENDA ITEM #6 UPDATES (8:10PM):
Ms. Zimmerman showed the commission a report of the history of 277 Waltham Street. Ms.
Zimmerman was wondering where it should go. The commission mentioned the Historical
Society, or the Library as options.
Ms. Zimmerman discussed with the commission that her term is up next month. Ms.
Zimmerman said she plans to step down. Mr. Kern also discussed his term is ending and will be
stepping down. The board discussed potential new members that could be a good fit: Elaine
Doran and Diane Pursley. Mr. Kelland asked Ms. Zimmerman to reach out to Ms. Doran and Ms.
Pursley and see if they are interested.
AGENDA ITEM #7 VOTE TO ACCEPT MEETING MINUTES (8:21PM)
Minutes accepted with minor changes.
AGENDA ITEM #8 ADJOURN (8:25PM)
Meeting adjourned 8:25PM