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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