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Lexington Historical Commission
Meeting Minutes
November 19, 2025
Meeting Conducted by Remote Participation
Commissioners Present: Robert Rotberg, Marilyn Fenollosa, Wendall Kalsow.
Commissioners Absent: Susan Bennett.
Associate Commissioners Present: David Kelland.
Associate Commissioner Absent:
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Chair Robert Rotberg called the November 19, 2025 Historical Commission meeting to order at
7:00 pm.
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AGENDA ITEM #1: Approval of meeting minutes of the meetings held on October 15, 2025
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Ms. Fenollosa made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting held on October 15, 2025 as
written. Mr. Kalsow seconded. Motion carried. All in favor.
AGENDA ITEM #2: Public Hearing regarding the Full Building Demolition (Chimney Removal)
at 52 Lowell Street
APPLICANT (S) PRESENT: Christopher Bouchard, Lexington Facilities Superintendent
Mark Manasas, Board Member of Lexington Community Farm
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: None
DOCUMENT(S):
Form B and continuance sheet: dated October 18, 2023
52 Lowell Street Lexington Photo Index: dated November 19, 2025
RB234774 Lexington Community Farm – Magnitude of Costs: dated November 19, 2025
ROMEstimate_SOW pictures: dated November 19, 2025
RB234774 Lexington Community Farm: dated November 19, 2025
SUMMARY:
Christopher Bouchard, Lexington Facilities Superintendent, and Mark Manasas, Board Member of
Lexington Community Farm, explained the proposed large chimney removal at 52 Lowell St. This
chimney is assumed to be at least 100-years-old, is no longer operational, and was used to be part of the
heating system for a greenhouse which no longer exists. Currently, the LexFarm operates the Lexington
Community Farm under a long-term lease with Town of Lexington. LexFarm raised concerns regarding
the condition of the chimney. The company SOCOTEC AE Consulting LLC engaged with Department
of Facilities to assess the condition of the Chimney and recommended demolishing this chimney.
Mr. Bouchard stated that there is no current funding in place for the repair work and demolition. Ms.
Fenollosa pointed out that this chimney would likely be eligible for CPA funding.
HC COMMENTS:
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Mr. Kalsow stated that the chimney is the last remaining element of the industrial commercial-scale
greenhouse complex that was on the property. He pointed out that this historic element should be left.
MOTION:
Mr. Kalsow made a motion that the historic industrial chimney at 52 Lowell St is historically
significant, to deny the Town’s request to be demolished, and to impose a 21-month demolition
delay. Mr. Kelland seconded.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Fenollosa – Yes,
Mr. Kelland – Yes,
Mr. Kalsow – Yes,
Mr. Rotberg – Yes.
Motion carried 4 to 0. Motion carried. All in favor.
AGENDA ITEM #3: Public Hearing regarding the Partial Building Demolition (Window
replacement) at 56 Allen Street
APPLICANT (S) PRESENT: Luke Demma, Contractor
Marie Tulin, Homeowner
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: None
DOCUMENT(S):
Homeowner Letter: dated October 20, 2025
Photos of original structure: dated October 20, 2025
Photos of existing structure: dated October 20, 2025
RBA Product Brochure: dated November 18, 2025
DBL Hung pd Brochure: dated November 18, 2025
SUMMARY:
Luke Demma, contractor, and Marie Tulin, homeowner, explained the proposed window replacement
plans for this historical structure for energy saving.
HC COMMENTS:
The Commission agreed to impose 21-month demolition delay on this property for window replacement.
They recommended finding an alternative proposal that would be more appropriate.
MOTION:
Mr. Kalsow made a motion to find 56 Allen Street historically significant and should be preserved
and to impose 21-month demolition delay on the proposal to replace windows. Mr. Kelland
seconded.
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Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Kalsow – Yes,
Ms. Fenollosa – Yes,
Mr. Kelland – Yes,
Mr. Rotberg – Yes.
Motion carried 4 to 0. Motion carried. All in favor.
AGENDA ITEM #4: Review and approval of Historic Resources Section of CPC Needs Assessment
Report
The Commission reviewed the Historic Resources Section of CPC Needs Assessment report.
AGENDA ITEM #5: Approval of Historical Commission Calendar 2026
Mr. Kelland made a motion to approve the Historical Commission Calendar 2026 as presented. Ms.
Fenollosa seconded. Motion carried. All in favor.
AGENDA ITEM #6: Input from Commissioners on other matters
Ms. Fenollosa provided some updates regarding the Ellen Stone Building at 735 Mass Ave. An RFP was
issued for this building to lease the property.
AGENDA ITEM #7: Input from the public on other matters
None
AGENDA ITEM 8: Adjourn
Ms. Fenollosa made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Kalsow at 8:05pm. Motion carried. All
in favor.
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