HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-07-16-HC-minHISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
July 16, 2014
Call to Order: A public meeting of the Historical Commission was held in the Large Meeting Room at the
Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, Massachusetts. The meeting convened at
6:42 PM.
Historical Commission Members in Attendance:
Mr. David Kelland, Chair, Ms. Sally Zimmerman, Ms. Marilyn Fenollosa (6:42pm), Mr. Frank Kern
(7:05pm)
AGENDA ITEM #1 (Time: 6:42pm)
Public Hearing on Roof Line Change and Partial Building Demolition application for 44 Cedar Street
APPLICANT PRESENT:
Mr. Mark Lodi on behalf of Ms. Cindy Shaw
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT:
None present
DOCUMENTS:
Three photographs of exterior of house
Certified Plot Plan — Boston Survey, Inc. Unit C-4 Shipways Place Charlestown, Ma 02129
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Front Elevation
Left Elevation
Rear Elevation
Right Elevation
Existing First Floor Plan
Existing Second Floor Plan
SUMMARY:
Mr. Lodi explained to the Historical Commission that the proposed plan includes adding a second story to
the existing addition.
HC COMMENTS:
Ms. Zimmerman noted that the modifications appeared to be enclosed to the back section of the house.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None
MOTION:
Moved by Ms. Zimmerman and seconded to approve the partial building roof line change and partial
demolition.
VOTE:
3-0 in favor to find the house at 44 Cedar Street not preferably preserved.
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AGENDA ITEM # 2 (6:45PM)
Public hearing on Full Building Demolition of the barn and Partial Building Demolition application of the
house at 41 Bloomfield Street
APPLICANTS PRESENT:
Mr. Jon Wardwell and Mr. Jay Brickman
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT:
Mr. Mike Coyne, 33 Bloomfield Street
Homeowner, 22 Slocum Street
Mr. Jon Rosenberg
Ms. Susan Bennett, 64 Bloomfield Street
DOCUMENTS:
X1 Proposed Addition- DNA Architecture 40 River Street, Boston, Ma 02108
X2 Front Elevation and Left Elevation
X3 Rear Elevation and Right Elevation
Al Proposed Addition First Floor Plan
A2 Proposed Addition Second Floor Plan
A3 Proposed Addition Front Elevation Plan
A4 Proposed Addition Left Elevation Plan
A5 Proposed Addition Rear Elevation Plan
A6 Proposed Addition Right Elevation Plan
SUMMARY:
Mr. Wardwell explained the plan would include the full demolition of the barn and partial demolition of the
house to allow for the addition. He continued the work to be done would include adding a two story
addition, mudroom and garage, and restoring the exterior. Mr. Wardwell stated the windows would be
replaced and the framing on the rear and sidewall would be altered. The newer bump out on the left
elevation would also be removed.
HC COMMENTS:
Ms. Zimmerman asked Mr. Wardwell if he were rehabilitating the house and she then explained the
Secretary of Interior Standards. Ms. Zimmerman stated that with rehabilitation the plan should keep as
much of the existing as possible. Ms. Zimmerman included that the plan did not include detail on the intent
of the porch. She continued that the critical component was the loss of the barn. Ms. Fenollosa asked if the
barn would be repurposed. Ms. Zimmerman asked Mr. Wardwell if he would consider compressing the
width of the connector. Mr. Kelland asked what could be done to lessen the impact of the connector. Mr.
Kelland and Ms. Zimmerman added that the applicants should consider working with the neighbors to
reduce the impact of the addition from what it is imposed. Ms. Zimmerman concluded that the expectation
is that communication with the neighbors will happen as to reducing the mass.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Mike Coyne, 33 Bloomfield Street, commented that he is concerned about the foliage that will be reduced as
the result of the new garage. He asked what the size of the new garage would be and how much further this
is than the current footprint. Mr. Coyne continued that the house next door does not have a garage. He
suggested that the applicant consider using two doors versus one single garage door which will lessen the
impact and create a more authentic look.
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MOTION:
Ms. Zimmerman moved as follows: Based on plans presented by the applicant on July 16, 2014 and with
the applicant's agreement that he will consult with the neighbors to minimize the footprint of the proposed
addition, which will not exceed the footprint shown on the presented plans, the Commission finds the house
and carriage house at 41 Bloomfield Street significant but not preferably preserved, allowing the demolition
of the carriage house and modification of the main house as indicated in the plans on 7/16/2014.
VOTE:
3-0 in favor
AGENDA ITEM #3 (7:42PM)
Public Hearing on Roof Line Change and Partial Building Demolition application for 34 Moon Hill Road
APPLICANT (S) PRESENT:
Ms. Margaux Van Houtte, Charles Rose Architects Inc.
Mr. Charles Rose, Architect
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT:
None
DOCUMENT(S):
Letter of support from Peter G. Warren, Chair, Moon Hill Planning Committee, 11 Moon Hill Rd.
Lexington, Ma 02421 dated July 13, 2014
History of 34 Moon Hill Road
Proposed Elevations and Floor Plans prepared by Charles Rose Architects Inc.
SUMMARY:
Mr. Rose explained the proposed plan is to include raising the roofline on the second floor wing to butterfly
the roof, bring the staircase to code, rebuild the heating system and introduce an air conditioning system
which would require an interior wall demolition to rebuild the radiant heat system. Mr. Rose continued that
the plan also included replacing the windows and insulating the walls. Mr. Rose stated the plan would show
respect for what has happened in the house and would include compositions in keeping with the character of
the original house.
HC COMMENTS:
Ms. Zimmerman asked Mr. Rose if he would consider documenting the house to HAB standards and getting
photographs to archival standards. She then suggested to Mr. Rose that he approach Wentworth Institute's
professors of Architecture and speak with them about possibly documenting the details of this house.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None
MOTION:
Moved by Ms. Zimmerman and seconded to find 34 Moon Hill Road significant but not preferably
preserved as indicated in the plans of 7/16/2014 presented to the Moon Hill Neighborhood Association. The
archival documentation of the house at 34 Moon Hill Road must be completed prior to the partial building
demolition and roof line change.
VOTE:
4-0 in favor
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AGENDA ITEM #4 (7:55PM)
Public Hearing on full building demolition application for 37 Ward Street
APPLICANT(S) PRESENT:
Mr. Steve Strafford
ABUTTER(S) PRESENT:
Homeowner from corner of Reed and Ash Street
DOCUMENT (S):
One photo
SUMMARY:
Mr. Strafford explained to the HC that the existing structure no longer resembles the house. The past work
on the house has resulted in a changed appearance that includes an altered roofline which is now flat and the
windows are now vinyl. Mr. Strafford stated that no plans for a new dwelling have been completed as of yet.
He continued that John Berglund or Berglund Homes would be designing the new home. Mr. Strafford
explained that there is enough land to split the lot and the intention is to subdivide the lot to build two
houses. He told the HC the future houses would be approximately 4500 square feet.
HC COMMENTS:
Mr. Kelland stated this house has been significantly restored. Ms. Zimmerman commented that this is a
modest house to start with and it has been modified.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
An abutter from Reed and Ash Street stated that she has lived in her home for years and this house at 37
Ward Street has completely changed its appearance.
MOTION:
Moved by Ms. Zimmerman and seconded to find the house not significant and not preferably preserved.
VOTE:
4-0 in favor
AGENDA ITEM #5 (8:05PM)
Informal discussion on proposed plan for addition at 31 Harding Road
SUMMARY:
Mr. KT Huang, architect, explained that he was coming before the HC informally to seek their input about
the proposed plan. He stated that would create more living space for the family. The family includes two
children and the in-laws. Mr. Lee, homeowner, explained that the children require more room and
relocating is not an option. Based on Mr. Huang's plans Ms. Fenollosa suggested that he consider a more
sensitive design and encouraged him to move it back a bit. Mr. Kern commented that the proposed plan was
taking away the curb appeal and that the height of the house would be much taller than any other and not
harmonious with the character of the house. Mr. Kern suggested the plan include the house going back and
not up. He stated this would gain value. Ms. Zimmerman added that Mr. Huang should return with revised
plans for a formal hearing.
AGENDA ITEM #6 (8:34PM)
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Informal discussion on proposed plan to demo existing two family house at 15 Sylvia Street and replace it
with two townhouses.
SUMMARY:
Mr. Don Cusano explained to the HC he would like their feedback before finalizing his plans and returning
for a formal hearing. Ms. Zimmerman stated that the house is on the Priority List and has not yet been
surveyed. Ms. Zimmerman explained that there was no further information available about the house. Ms.
Fenollosa added that the house doesn't contribute to the architecture or historic makeup of Lexington. Ms.
Zimmerman proposed to remove the house at 15 Sylvia Street from the Priority List.
VOTE:
3-1 in favor of removing the house at 15 Sylvia Street from the Priority List
AGENDA ITEM #7 (8:41PM)
Informal discussion with Candy McLaughlin on public email addresses and instructions for the Historical
Commission. Ms. McLaughlin explained to the HC that the Town is required to archive all email from the
committee and related instructions as to how to access and respond to the Historical Commission electronic
mail according to Open Meeting Law guidelines.
AGENDA ITEM#8 (8:50PM):
Communications from the public
SUMMARY:
Mr. Iverson of 38 Tarbell asked the HC how he could get his house removed from the Inventory. He
explained that his house has been changed through the years and the pond behind his home has flooded the
basement many times. He continued that the house will not pass inspection and the severe water problems
have caused cracks in the foundation. He added that his is planning for the future to pass the house along to
his son and doesn't want his son to potentially be held up by the demo delay bylaw. Mr. Kern stated that the
house has a lot of character and Mr. Kelland continued that it was placed on the Inventory for valid reasons.
Mr. Kelland concluded that the HC is not willing to remove the house from the list because someone may
wish to demo it at a future date.
AGENDA ITEM: Adjourn
MOTION: moved by Mr. Kelland, and seconded, to adjourn meeting.
VOTE: 4-0 in favor
Meeting adjourned: (Time) 8:57 PM (EST)
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