HomeMy WebLinkAbout1957-03-22 March 22, 1957
An informal meeting of the Historic Districts Commission was
held Friday evening at S:00 P.M. March 22nd at Mr. Taylor' s House.
Present were Messrs. Davis , Kettell, Smith, Parsons and Taylor
and Mrs. Robert Merriam. Also present were Mr. & Mrs. Abram
Chayes and krOichard Morehouse.
This meeting was held to look at some preliminary sketches to see
if Mr- & Mrs. Chayes should then apply for another hearing.
Mr. Morehouse stated that they felt that the overhang was part
of the trouble and he had changed this considerably. He felt
they still needed same overhang as protection from rain over the
entrances , etc. and from the sun on the south. He also had
recessed the entrance about W . put in some posts. Also he had
cut down amount of glass and size of panes. He had cut down
sWIe of individual pieees so that they are now less than 31 .
He also had changed the pitch of the roof a bit and had changed
the chimney so that it is new inside the house . It will be
left either natural or painted white. The house is now 116''
wider, the same in length. The dormer at the back is 41 narrower,
No definite sketch a, the back was shown but the windows will
be changed and the overhang as well.
Mr. Chayes spoke of having a retaining wall on the terrace and
a hedge of shrubs, or individual trees, etc. This was discussed
at quite some length and Mr. Chayes said he had had an opinion
of a lawyer at Harvard hat it could be written in the deed
that this hedge must be maintained. Mr. Davis will check this
with the Town Counsel.
There was a very lengthy discussion regarding the front of the
house and the amount of ::lass. Mr- & Mrs.Chayes definitely do not
like the idea of small panes. Mr. Morehouse stated that the
divisions between the panes would be wood or metal, etc. and
would be either white or gray.
Mr. Kettell said the one vital question was that should the
Commission approve this house then what would happen it some
one wants to build 5 or 6 more of tbia same type in a different
location in one of the Districts,--would we then be establishing
a precedent nad have tO approve more of the same kind? this is
the feeling of the entire Commission.
hr. Davis said the glass on the and bothers him. The Co mission
feels that the vast expanse of glass does not go with I Colonial
atmosphere.
hr. Chayes then said he had two questions: 1) Is this new
house closer to what would be approved and 2f would it be
impossible to G.K. the house with all the glass at the end?
Mr. ho:�ehouse was then asked if there is any house of this ' kind
that could be seen. There is one on the North Shore and a
magallne was shown to the Commission with several pictures of
this house*
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Kr. Chayes then said that if the Commission did not approve
the next plans, etc. the "hardship" angle might come in for
discussion. Mr. Davis then went thoroughly into the time element
of the purchase of land, filing of application, deed, etc.
kr. Chayes definitely stated that they had purchased the land
outright and paid 45000.00 for it; also that they did buy the
land knowing the Commission was "in the works" and that this
purchase of the land would not come up for discussion as a
"hardship". Yr. & Mrs. Chayes and Mr.horehouse then left
at 9:20 P.M.
In answer to a question, it was decided the house faces HE and
there is about 18,000 feet in their lot.
After considerable discussion and a polling of the members,
it was decided that hr. Davis should check with the Town Counsel.
to see if a preUdent would be established if we approve this
house at this particular location. Also that the architect
should be asked to re-draw the end, showing elevation, etc.
Also that the Commission would recomn�end a stronger breaking
up of the glass at the end, and leas glass would be more appropriate.
MT. Etvis read a letter from the 611ding Inspector, Ir. Donald
irwin asking for copies of our deaVions of approval and copies
of the decisions already made( Library and IrNalker) are being
sent to him and future decisions will be also be transmitted to
him�
the question of the Town Neetingw5 vote to give the Commission
a budget of $600.00 was discussed. Mr. Davis has written a
letter to JarNadden, Chairman of Appoopriation Committee, asking
that they agree to furnish us additional money from. the reserve
fund if necessary. About $120.00 has been spent to date .
The questionV of photographs of the &Ag's in the center, particularly,
was discussed and it was decided that Mr. Davis and Mr.hettell
would take these themselves for a starter.
heetinE adjourned at 1005 F.E.
Floyd J,Teylor, Secretarnr
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