HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-15-HC-min.pdfLexington Historical Commission
Meeting Minutes
July 15th, 2026
Meeting Conducted by Remote Participation
Commissioners Present: Marilyn Fenollosa, Diane Pursley, Susan Bennett, Wendall Kalsow, Samantha
Richard.
Commissioners Absent:
Associate Commissioners Present: David Kelland.
Associate Commissioner Absent:
Chair Diane Pursley called the July 15th, 2026 Historical Commission meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
The new Commissioner Samantha Richard introduced herself and received a warm welcome.
AGENDA ITEM #1: Approval of meeting minutes of the meetings held on May 21st, 2026 & June
17th, 2026
Ms. Fenollosa made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting held on May 21st, 2026 as
amended. Ms. Bennett seconded. Motion carried with Mr. Kalsow and Ms. Richard abstaining, 4-
0, All in favor.
Ms. Fenollosa made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting held on June 17th, 2026 as
amended. Mr. Kalsow seconded. Motion carried with Ms. Richard abstaining, 5-0, All in favor.
AGENDA ITEM #2: Public Hearing regarding the Full Building Demolition at 9-11 Cedar Street
(HC -26-5)
APPLICANT(S) PRESENT: Christine Goodwin, Executor of the Velma M Emery Revocable Trust
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: Scott Thompson, 2173 Massachusetts Avenue
Katy Finkenzeller, 12 Cedar Street
DOCUMENT(S): Photos: dated July 15, 2026
Homeowner letter: dated July 15, 2026
Plot plan: dated July 15, 2026
SUMMARY:
Christine Goodwin, Executor, presented the photographs and the historical background of this building in
support of the request for approval to demolish this structure.
Scott Thompson, 2173 Mass Ave, inquired about if there are other options to preserve the house, which
is part of the John Parkhurst House.
Katy Finkenzeller, 12 Cedar St, stated that she was worried about the results of the removal of this
structure. She would wonder if there are repairs that could be made to the existing structure that the
neighborhood could benefit.
HC COMMENTS:
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Ms. Pursley suggested putting the house on the market and looking for potential buyers who would be
willing and be able to renovate and refurbish the house.
Ms. Fenollosa stated that a building engineer or architect with preservation experience prepares an
assessment report stating that the house is structurally unsafe would make a difference.
MOTION:
Mr. Kalsow made a motion that 9-11 Cedar Street is preferably preserved because of its association
with 2173 Massachusetts Avenue, which is a very significant property in Lexington, and to impose
a 21 -month demolition delay. Ms. Bennett seconded.
Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Kelland — Abstain,
Mr. Kalsow — Yes,
Ms. Fenollosa — Yes,
Ms. Bennett — Yes,
Ms. Richard — Yes,
Ms. Pursley — Yes.
Motion carried 5 to 0. Motion carried with Mr. Kelland abstaining. The majority in favor.
AGENDA ITEM #3: Continued Public Hearing regarding the Partial Building Demolition
(Residing) at 21 Butler Avenue (HC -26-3)
This hearing was closed officially because the homeowner agreed to replace the entire siding with cedar
to match the existing materials.
AGENDA ITEM #4: LexFarm Chimney (52 Lowell Street) Update
A 21 -month demolition delay has been imposed on the chimney during Historical Commission meeting
held on November 19, 2025, which will be expired on August 20, 2027.
Mr. Kalsow requested that staff from Department of Public Facilities appear before the next meeting to
provide an update on the status of the repairs.
This discussion will move to the next meeting.
AGENDA ITEM #5: Invitation to comment on the proposed telecommunications facility installation
at 755 Massachusetts Avenue (Lexington Follen Church)
The Commission reviewed the materials submitted by EBI Consulting dated June 22, 2026 for the
proposed telecommunications facility installation at 755 Massachusetts Avenue (Lexington Follen
Church) project. The Commission determined that the project does not appear to have any adverse effect
on the exterior of the historic Follen Church, and therefore the Commission has no objection to the project
as proposed.
AGENDA ITEM #6: Input from Commissioners on other matters
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Ms. Fenollosa clarified that there are no provisions in the demolition delay appeal process. It would go
through regular appeals to any kind of Commissions.
Ms. Pursley shared the letter that will be sent to the Planning Board on behalf of Historical Commission
regarding the proposed multi -family development at 114 Wood Street. The Commission agreed to
unanimously approve the letter as written.
Ms. Bennett noticed that the windows for the historical structure at 51 Bloomfield Street have been
replaced without Historical Commission's review and approval. All Commissioners agreed that
replacement of windows is considered as substantial demolition subject to demolition delay review.
AGENDA ITEM #7: Public Hearing regarding the Full Building Demolition at 7 Ames Avenue (HC -
26 -4)
This hearing was closed because the applicant was absent from this meeting.
AGENDA ITEM #8: Input from the public on other matters
None
AGENDA ITEM 9: Adjourn
Ms. Fenollosa made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Bennett at 8:06pm. Motion carried. All
in favor.
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