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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-20-HC-min HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES November 201h 2019 Call to Order: A public meeting of the Historical Commission was held in the Parker Room of Lexington Town Office Building located at 1625 Massachusetts Avenue. The meeting convened at 7:30PM. Historical Commission Members in Attendance: Mr. Kelland Chair, Wendall Kalsow, Diane Pursley AGENDA ITEM #1 (7:30 PM) Continued hearing on the partial building demo and roofline change at 4 Bennington Road APPLICANT (S) PRESENT: John McGeough, Homeowner Greg Legault, Architect ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: None DOCUMENT(S): Plans dated November 5, 2019 Plot Plan dated November 12, 2019 SUMMARY: Mr. McGeough came back to the Commission after making changes to the plans since last month's meeting. Ms. Pursley and Ms. Fenollosa visited the house and provided feedback. Mr. McGeough went over the proposed elevations. Mr. McGeough will be meeting with Sarah Chase to try and uncover some original paint on the house. He feels the new proposed plans are more in keeping with the historic house. HC COMMENTS: Mr. Kalsow was delighted that Mr. McGeough heard what the Commission said last month and how much he responded. Mr. Kalsow asked if Mr. McGeough will be retaining the original windows and shutters. Mr. McGeough said yes. Mr. McGeough went over the rest of the details of the house. Mr. Kalsow was quiet pleased that Mr. McGeough is retaining substantial elements of the historic house and feels changes are compatible. Ms. Pursley agreed and appreciated the effort Mr. McGeough took to preserve the house. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None MOTION: Moved by Mr. Kalsow to find 4 Bennington Road preferably preserved and that the proposed plans presented to the meeting tonight dated November 5h 2019 are in keeping with the character defining elements and are compatible with the historic house. Seconded by Ms. Pursley. VOTE: 3-0 In favor of partial building demo and roofline change: Mr. Kelland, Mr. Kalsow, and Ms. Pursley. AGENDA ITEM #2 (7:40PM) Public hearing on the full building demolition at 15 Fair Oaks Drive APPLICANT (S) PRESENT: Xi Li, Homeowner ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: Richard and Beth Fried, 14 Fair Oaks Drive Manuel Martinez, 7 Fair Oaks Drive Robert Greene, 19 Fair Oaks Drive Annie Roy, 37 Wachusset Drive DOCUMENT(S): None SUMMARY: Xi Li is the homeowner of 15 Fair Oaks Drive and is looking to demolish the home and build a larger home for her family. The home is currently 1,200 square feet and is on a slope making it challenging to put on an addition. HC COMMENTS: Ms. Pursley said she drove by 15 Fair Oaks Drive and feels the home fits in well with the neighborhood and would like to see the bones of the home preserved. Ms. Pursley suggested Ms. Li speak with a preservation Architect to try and help with an addition to the home. Ms. Li said she looked into that but it's hard because of the slope on the property. She said she will try to preserve architectural features and keep a similar style to the new house. PUBLIC COMMENTS: -Richard and Beth Fried live directly across the street at 14 Fair Oaks Drive. The original neighborhood homes were built as cottages and all have history. Mr. and Mrs. Fried would like to see the home preserved. -Mr. Manuel Martinez of 7 Fair Oaks Drive asked if Ms. Li would be extending to the back lot. Ms. Li said they do not have a formal plan yet. -Mr. Robert Greene of 1 Fair Oaks Drive asked if the size of the house could not be so large in scale. The road is always quite narrow and Ms. Greene wants to see the roads kept safe. -Ms. Annie Roy of 37 Wachusset Drive said she was drawn to the neighborhood because it was a quiet street. There are a lot of children in the neighborhood and wants to keep the neighborhood safe and also agreed with the other neighborhood concerns. MOTION: Moved by Mr. Kalsow to find 15 Fair Oaks Drive preferably preserved and impose a one year demolition delay expiring November 20'h 2020. Seconded by Ms. Pursley. VOTE: 3-0 In favor of imposing one year demolition delay: Mr. Kelland, Mr. Kalsow, and Ms. Pursley. AGENDA ITEM #3 (8:02 PM) Communications from the public -Ms. Wendy Reasenberg came to the Commission to discuss 109 Reed Street. A permit has been filed to demolish 109 Reed Street. The home was built in 1885 and Ms. Reasenberg feels the home has historic significance and would like to see it preserved. Ms. Reasenberg wrote a letter to the Trustee but has not heard back. Ms. Reasenberg is hoping the Historical Commission can help to save this home. Mr. Kalsow said if a permit has been filed and the home is not on the inventory it is difficult to pursue at this point, but suggested contacting the developer. Ms. Pursley suggested contacting the family or maybe a local historian to get more information on the house. AGENDA ITEM #4 (8:25 PM) Vote for approval of historic documents for CPC application -The Commission requested to have this moved to the agenda next month when Town Clerk Nathalie Rice can come and answer questions and get more information on the proposal. AGENDA ITEM #5 (8:30 PM) CPA Needs Assessment Report -The Commission reviewed the report and feels it's complete and thorough. A motion was made by Mr. Kelland to approve the Assessment Report, Seconded by Mr. Kalsow. 3-0 in favor: Mr. Kelland, Mr. Kalsow and Ms. Pursley. AGENDA ITEM #6 (PM) Updates -Ms. Vinci is working with the IT department to get the Historical Commission Application online and also allow the board members to review plans in that system in advance. It's currently an ongoing process and will continue to give updates and have members look at it as it gets closer to completion. AGENDA ITEM #7 (PM) Vote to accept meeting minutes dated September 18'h 2019 -The September minutes will be voted on next month when more members are present. AGENDA ITEM #8(8:44 PM) Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Kelland to adjourn. Seconded by Ms. Pursley 3-0 favor to adjourn: Mr. Kelland, Ms. Pursley and Mr. Kalsow Adjourn.