HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-12-HDC447-minNotes from March 12, 2019 HDC Ad Hoc Study Committee Public Meeting
Study Committee Members present: Anne Eccles, Chair, Lester Savage, Fred Johnson, Susan
Bennett
HDC Members present: Anne Eccles, Chair, Ed Adelman, Robin Lovett, Associate Members
Susan Bennett, Mark Connor, Tom Fenn
After a Powerpoint presentation by Anne Eccles, the audience asked a number of questions. The
questions and answers (edited for clarity) are summarized below by topic.
Scope of HDC Authority
Q. With respect to the draft guidelines (p. 14) why is "private way" included in the definition of
"public way?"
A. Agreed that this needs to be clarified. Perhaps we were trying to bring in roadways that are
quasi -private like unaccepted streets that are not maintained by the Town. Wording is confusing,
though.
Q. If trees block the view of a structure from a public way, does the HDC still have jurisdiction?
A. Yes, the trees are non -permanent and therefore not considered to bring a building outside the
scope of the HDC's purview
Q. Does the HDC have jurisdiction over "berms" as indicated in the guidelines on p 32? It
appears that the HDC is expanding its scope of authority over landscaping.
A. Concern with berms is that they not obscure historic features of a building. This guideline
deserves further discussion and comparison to statutory authority.
Q. How does the HDC regulate buildings that are on the Cultural Resources Inventory?
A. Many, but not all, of the buildings in the historic districts are on the inventory, and the HDC
has jurisdiction over all of those. A building that is on the inventory but outside the historic
districts is regulated by the Historical Commission, and their only regulatory authority is via the
demolition delay bylaw.
Q. A number of buildings in East Lexington are neglected and deteriorating and detract from the
appearance of the area. 645 and 443 Mass Ave were specifically mentioned. What can the HDC
do about this?
A. There is a process through which the Attorney General's office can get involved and mandate
repairs. The Lexington Building Commissioner can also get involved. Unclear what the
enforcement powers are in either case — needs further exploration.
Design Process/Appropriateness
Q. How does the HDC treat non -historic homes (e.g., built in the 1990s) that are not on the
inventory?
A. The HDC is sensitive to the different standards to be applied to these homes.
Process Issues
Q. Is HDC notifying abutters of hearings? Didn't hear about a neighbor's plans to build a large
addition.
A. Yes, notice is sent to abutters within 100 feet. Recommend that residents in districts sign up
for automatic receipt of HDC agendas.
Miscellaneous Issues
Q. (Mentioned by several) It is a shame that the Stone Building, which used to be a vital part of
East Lexington life, stands empty.
A. This is not in the HDC's purview. Response from Selectman present at the meeting: "The
Stone Building is one of several structures that the Town needs to address."
Q. Comment that current HDC should be commended for its reasonable attitude.
Q. What is the status of the historic marker program?
A. The Historical Society and the Historical Commission were working on a project to
update/replace/repair these. We will check on this and provide a status.