HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-18-HC-min HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
April 18th 2018
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
7:40PM.
Historical Commission Members in Attendance:
David Kelland, Chair, Wendall Kalsow, Samuel Doran
AGENDA ITEM #1 (7:40 PM)
Continued hearing on the full building demolition located at 11 Vine Brook Road.
APPLICANT (S) PRESENT:
Paul Sramowicz, Homeowner
Kristen Brown, Associate
Bill Erickson, Architect
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT:
Shanthi Thomas, 9 Vine Brook Road
DOCUMENT(S):
Structural Report, H-Star Engineering, Inc.
Letter from Building Commissioner
Photos of house
Emails from abutting neighbors
SUMMARY:
Mr. Sramowicz discussed the condition of the home at 11 Vine Brook Road with the
commission. The home has been neglected for many years and is past repair. There is a hole in
the roof. The home is passed demolition by neglect. The structural report indicated that the
structural components of the dwelling are substandard and continue to deteriorate. Cosmetic
repairs to the building will not correct inherent structural damage flaws. The Building
Commissioner, Jim Kelly agreed in his letter to the commission. Replacement of the structure
with the new dwelling is recommended.
HC COMMENTS:
Mr. Doran went to see the house. After touring the house, he feels it was a lot worse than the
photos he has seen previously. It was structurally worse. The attic window was a historic
element. He would like to see that preserved.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Shanthi Thomas of 9 Vine Brook Road feels the house should be demolished and called the town
because of unsafe codes. Ms. Thomas said she is always picking up debris around the house and
has concerns about animals.
MOTION:
Moved by Mr. Kalsow that 11 Vine Brook Road is historically significant but the applicant
submitted sufficient evidence with the structural report and Building Commissioner letter that the
house is deteriorating and approve demolition. Seconded by Mr. Doran.
VOTE:
3-0 In favor of demolition Mr. Kelland, Mr. Kalsow, Mr. Doran
AGENDA ITEM #2 (7:51 PM)
Public hearing on the partial building demolition at 50 Percy Road
APPLICANT (S) PRESENT:
Charles M. Navratil, Architect
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT:
Russ Tanner, 35 Highland Avenue
DOCUMENT(S):
-Photos of existing house
-Plans, proposed elevations
SUMMARY:
Mr. Navratil came forward to the commission to discuss the home at 50 Percy Road. This home
has been neglected a few decades. The home is currently undergoing interior renovations. Mr.
Navratil went over plans with the commission. He plans to do exterior work to the home
(windows, siding, porch and garage). Will be reusing corbels and bringing the home back to
clapboard exterior. Right now its vinyl with asbestos. He wants to also add a garage under the
deck, the deck is existing.
HC COMMENTS:
Mr. Kalsow asked if Mr. Navratil would be maintaining the window positions. Mr. Navratil said
they are all vinyl and they will be replacing them. The windows will stay in the same location.
Mr. Kalsow also suggested in the future showing existing and proposed elevations would be
helpful. Mr. Kalsow then asked if research was done on the windows? Mr. Navratil said he
thinks they are 6 over 1 windows based on the era. Mr., Doran asked if he is moving the location
of the front door. Mr. Navratil said yes because it sits into a small vestibule. Mr. Doran
mentioned the elements that were brought here were nice architectural elements. Mr. Doran
summarized changes being made: demolish rear L, changes to the porch (remove and replace),
replacing deck/add garage, changes to windows, moving location of front door.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Russ Tanner, 35 Highland Avenue came forward and told the commission he lives in front of the
property. He is very pleased to see a builder that plans to renovate instead of tearing down the
house. He feels the plans were done tastefully.
MOTION:
Moved by Mr. Kalsow to find the home at 50 Percy Road historically significant and approve
proposed select demolition based on the plans presented tonight on April 18th. Seconded by Mr.
Doran.
VOTE:
3-0 in favor of partial building demolition Mr. Kalsow, Mr. Doran and Mr. Kelland.
AGENDA ITEM #3 (8:19 PM)
Public hearing on the partial building demolition and roofline change at 6 Partridge Road.
APPLICANT (S) PRESENT:
Jim Dowling, Homeowner
Don Pedula, Architect
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT:
Lucas Serdar, 15 Turning Mill
DOCUMENT(S):
Plans
SUMMARY:
Mr. Dowling wants to preserve and enhance his mid-century modern home. He wants to preserve
and enhance design and aesthetic. Two main aspects: improve issues related to split entryway
which is currently restrictive and replace a deck which is failing with a family room add on to
address the needs of his family.
HC COMMENTS:
Mr. Kalsow complimented the applicant for providing existing and proposed drawings. He feels
they are proposing modest changes that are visible to the street.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Lucas Serdar from 15 Turning Mill asked the applicant questions on the deck in the back. Is the
footprint going to be larger? Mr. Dowling said yes.
MOTION:
Moved by Mr. Kalsow to find the home at 6 Partridge Road historically significant and approve
plans dated February 26th 2018 which are sensitive to the historic character of the home and
neighborhood. Seconded by Mr. Doran.
VOTE:
3-0 in favor of partial building demolition and roofline change Mr. Kalsow, Mr. Doran and Mr.
Kelland.
AGENDA ITEM #4 (8:20 PM)
Public hearing on the partial building demolition and roofline change at 7 Trotting Horse Drive.
APPLICANT (S) PRESENT:
Patrick Kelly, Contractor
Luis Diazgranados, Contractor
Sheldon Baker, Homeowner
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT:
George and Anne Grady, 10 Trotting Horse Drive
DOCUMENT(S):
Plans
Approval Letter from Peacock Farm Association
SUMMARY:
Mr. Kelly discussed plans of the proposed addition with the commission. The project consists of
two extensions of the home. The entry way will be extended outward and the dining space will
be extruded out. Then one addition on the lower level for a rec room. Mr. Baker said they are not
changing the aesthetic at all. They will be replacing all the windows.
HC COMMENTS:
Mr. Kalsow stressed having existing and proposed plans when coming forward to the
commission. The commission continued to review the proposed plans.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Ms. Grady asked if they are adding a garage space. Mr. Kelly stated they plan to enclose the
current carport that is in the existing footprint. The plan would mimic something similar to 6
Trotting Horse Drive.
MOTION:
Moved by Mr. Kalsow to find the house at 7 Trotting Horse Drive historically significant and to
note the plans have been submitted and approved to the Peacock Farm Association and approve
plans submitted to the commission tonight dated 4/11/18. Seconded by Mr. Doran.
VOTE:
3-0 in favor of partial building demolition and roofline change Mr. Kalsow, Mr. Doran and Mr.
Kelland.
AGENDA ITEM #5 (8:45 PM)
Updates
Mr. Kelland suggested having Guidelines for Submission. Including:
-Photos of existing house
-Historical information on the house (include dates, timeline of any work done over the years,
Individual Building Form from Lexington Comprehensive Cultural Resources Survey if one has
been completed and photos of original house)
-7 copies of stamped, dated architectural elevations (proposed and existing) drawn to scale
-Site plan showing existing buildings and structures as well as proposed changes.
-Structural Engineer's Report indicating building issues and/or damage (if applicant is requesting
full building demolition)
-Site visit option (applicant can request to have the Commission come see the structure prior to
the meeting)
The commission was in agreement with these guidelines.
AGENDA ITEM # (8:55 PM)
Vote to accept meeting minutes dated March 21st 2018
Moved by Mr. Kalsow to approve minutes as amended. Seconded by Mr. Kelland. 3-0 Mr.
Kalsow, Mr. Kelland, and Mr. Doran, in favor.
AGENDA ITEM #12 (8:57 PM)
Adjourn