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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-07-HDC-min TOWN OF LEXINGTON Anne Eccles,chair HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION Robert Adams Edward Adelman Meeting broadcasted Robin Lovett Paul O'Shaughnessy by LexMedia Approved 3.4.21 HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION MINUTES FOR THURSDAY,January 7, 20215:00 PM Conducted by Remote Participation Commissioners Present: Anne Eccles, Chair, Robert Adams, Edward Adelman, Robin Lovett, Paul O'Shaughnessy Associate Commissioners Present: Lee Noel Chase, Mark Connor, Dan Hisel, Staff Present: Maureen Adema, Admin. Asst. Chair Anne Eccles called the January 7, 2021 HDC meeting to order at 5:00 pm Chair Anne Eccles read for the record, Governor Bakers' March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law and remote meeting protocols. FORMAL HEARINGS 1984 Massachusetts Avenue: HDC-20-35,exterior changes in the Battle Green District The Commission members received a narrative of proposed changes,photos of existing interior and exterior of the property,photoshopped photo of proposed work, elevations of relevant side wing of 1984 Massachusetts Ave,materials lists and proposed window cut sheet. All documents dated 12.8.20. Christiana Iyasere and Saunya Das, owners of 1984 Massachusetts Ave were logged into the meeting to present and discuss their proposed changes to 1984 Massachusetts Ave. The owners proposed an alteration of the side wing facing the internal courtyard. The existing door changed to a snatching window of others on house. The door is not functional and the slope of the courtyard hardscapes causes water pooling and damage to the wood at the door step. The replacement window is a Marvin window, consistent with other windows on house. All colors to match existing. Wood replacement to be replaced with wood, and size and shape of window to be consistent with others on house. Historic Districts Commission Minutes Town of Lexington January 7, 2021 1 Chair Eccles,thanked the applicant for a well done application, and the opportunity to review the plans for changing one of the doors, currently not used in the shed addition to a window. She stated that the door does not seem to be of any historical significance. Members' questions, thoughts, suggestions: Paul O'Shaughnessy—good choice for window replacement, questioned if the clapboard will be affected when the door is removed. Robin Lovett—lovely project. Ed Adelman—good presentation, suggested that the doorway be preserved. It may be that the doorway's opening is narrower than the proposed window. Lee Noel Chase—asked about the casing sizes, suggested having the original/existing material measured to have this custom window made to match in casing and trim. Bob Adams—good with presentation, agreed with staying consistent in this area of the property. Mark Connor—would like to know of alternatives to keep door installed,restore and keep original design. Dan Hisel—good project,presentation complete, supports three identical windows. Chair Eccles—owners are stewards of historic home, good application. Edward Adelman assigned as liaison for the project. He will meet the applicant at the site to review the position of the door that will be removed related to the retaining the head height and position of the door. No abutters present to speak Ed Adelman made a motion to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of a window at 1984 Massachusetts Ave with the understanding of a site visit by the HDC liaison to determine the height specifications and placement of the window to replace the existing door in the shed wall facing the patio. Paul O'Shaughnessy seconded the motion.Roll Call Vote,Bob Adams— Yes, Ed Adelman—Yes,Robin Lovett—Yes,Paul O'Shaughnessy—Yes,Anne Eccles—Yes. Motion carried. Documents used: Narrative 12.8.20 Material List and Cut Sheets 12.8.20 Relevant Photos 12.8.20 Plans 12.8.20 HDC-20.35— View Point Application 870 Massachusetts Avenue: HDC-20-34,exterior chanes in the East Village District The Commission members received a copy of a plot plan marked with the proposed hedge and fence to be installed at 870 Massachusetts Ave, along with existing exterior photos and material list for proposed work. Documents dated 12.2.20. Julien and Felicia de Wit,property owner of 870 Massachusetts Ave were logged into the meeting to present a proposed fence and hedge install. Mr. de Wit stated the fence and hedge will add a sound barrier, safety and privacy to the property. The height of the fence and hedge will be 4.5 feet. The fence will be inside the property,the hedge on the outside of the fence. The fence is a light weight black metal and the hedge an evergreen. The yard intersects at Massachusetts Ave. and Independence Ave. Members' questions, comments and suggestions: Robin Lovett—nice improvement to property. Mark Connor—like the use of metal for the fence. Historic Districts Commission Minutes Town of Lexington January 7, 2021 2 Ed Adelman—like the green line on the Massachusetts Ave side, good detailed presentation. Bob Adams—excellent project. Paul O'Shaughnessy—looks good. Lee Noel Chase—likes the hedges. Dan Hisel—confirmed the green hedges will hide the metal fence. Anne Eccles—finds project good, good application. No abutters present to speak Ed Adelman made a motion to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for the black metal fence and evergreen hedge install at 870 Massachusetts Ave as presented. Paul O'Shaughnessy seconded. Roll Call Vote,Bob Adams—Yes,Ed Adelman—Yes,Robin Lovett—Yes,Paul O'Shaughnessy— Yes,Anne Eccles—Yes. Motion carried. Documents used: Plot Plan showing proposed fence and hedge location 12.2.20 Photos 12.2.20 Narrative 12.2.20 Material List 12.2.20 HDC 20.34 View Point Application 3 Bedford Street: HDC-20-33 exterior changes in the Battle Green District The members received existing photos,narrative/contractor contact, spec sheets, and mockup photos indicating replacement of window locations. There are 65 sashes proposed to be replaced. The proposed work is to achieve operating windows that are energy efficient. Individuals present to discuss work were Marc Reyone, owner representative,Marc Festa,Andersen Renewal sales person,Jaime Morin and Andrew Macey contractors. Marc Festa shared a physical sample of the proposed replacements on via the ZOOM from his office. The members will attempt to see the sample in person,to evaluate the material. It was stated that the proposed replacement windows have not been approved as replacement windows in the district. It was noted that the property is on the State and National Historic Registries. Members' questions, comments and suggestions: Ed Adelman- asked if a survey of the windows had been done. Bob Adams - asked if a quote to restore/rework the windows had been sought or discussed with a contractor that does this kind of work. Lee Noel Chase—stated a presentation of a window schedule,to organize the information of the differences between existing and replacement is required to evaluate the project. Paul O'Shaughnessy-is understanding of the desire for the windows to be replaced,but details must be clarified. Robin Lovett- supports the project,the removal of the storm windows and windows from the 1950's were upgrades at that time. Mark Connor—stated it is difficult to judge the project without knowing more about the condition of the existing windows function. Dan Hisel—suggested getting an architect in involved in the project. Historic Districts Commission Minutes Town of Lexington January 7, 2021 3 The Commission strongly recommends strongly that an architect be engaged. Dan Hisel was assigned by the Commission to be the liaison for the 3 Bedford Street project, No abutters present to speak. Chair Eccles asked that applicant to continue the meeting on February 4, 2021. The hearing for 3 Bedford Street is continued to February 4, 2021. Verbal commitment made, the official form will be sent to applicant for signature. Documents Used: Material List and Cut Sheets 12.2.20 Photographs]2.2.20 Window Location and Replacement description sheet 12.2.20 HDC 20-33 View Point application CONTINUED HEARINGS 812 Massachusetts Avenue: HDC-20-29 exterior changes in the East Village District Bill Erickson was present to discuss the design changes made to the proposed work at 812 Massachusetts Ave as discussed and directed by the HDC. The changes presented on the revised plans dated 12.29.20 are a result of the prior two meeting and discussions with his client. The proposed barn project has been removed from the project at this time. The project will be done in phases. Mark Connor—questioned depth of the separation of the connector and paint color. The connector will be 1 foot in depth, the paint colors have not yet been determined. Bob Adams—as stated in the State guidelines the front of the house will be clapboard. Robin Lovett—stated proposed work improved, happy with the changes. Ed Adelman—project has come a long way, questioned the Nardi-plank being used on the old and new construction, along with the windows being installed. Lee Noel Chase—expressed concern about four car parking spaces on the Battle Green. Dan Hisel—project coming along, questioned the attic space. The attic is storage only and location of HVAC equipment. Paul O'Shaughnessy—good work, questioned the blank wall, with no windows. The wall without windows is due to the kitchen design. Chair Eccles, stated that the project has come a long way and would like to have the Commission vote to have the project move forward. Chair Eccles asked the Commissioners their position on hardi-plank vs wood clapboard. The Commissioners preferred wood clapboard. Stating that the new construction could be approved for hardi- plank,but not approved on the historic structure. No abutters present to speak Historic Districts Commission Minutes Town of Lexington January 7, 2021 4 Robin Lovett made a motion to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 812 Massachusetts Avenue as presented noting that hardi-plank was not approved on the historic structure, only the new construction,the barn renovations will be submitted to the HDC for review and determination at a later date,with Bob Adams continuing as HDC liaison to manage open design elements. Bob Adams seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote,Bob Adams—Yes,Ed Adelman —Yes,Robin Lovett—Yes, Paul O'Shaughnessy—Yes,Anne Eccles—Yes. Motion Carried. Documents Used: Plans Bechtel Frank Erickson, Architects, Inc 12.29.20 Front Door Details/Specs Bechtel Frank Erickson,Architects,Inc. 11.5.20 Photographs Site Plan 11.25.20 Narrative Materials List Cut Sheets 1707 Massachusetts Avenue: HDC-20-21 exterior chances in the Battle Green District The Commission members received new mock-ups for the business signs for Cake Niche located at 1707 Massachusetts Ave. The sign was redesigned after meeting with the Commission by Lexington Signs and Graphics. Lexington Signs and Graphic is a new sign maker hired by the owner Emad Soliman. The owner of Cake Niche was logged into the meeting to answer questions about the redesign of the business sign for Cake Niche. It was noted that zoning approval is not required because the new signage will be the same size as previous signs. Members' questions, comments and suggestions: Lee Noel Chase-new sign much better, looks great,better colors. Dan Hisel—much better than first design, likes graphics. Ed Adelman—much improved. Robin Lovett—good with sign. Bob Adams—okay with sign. Paul O'Shaughnessy—the liaison, sign is clean and fits district, likes the new design. Mark Connor—approved the new design. Chair Eccles- approved the new design. No abutters present to speak Paul O'Shaughnessy made a motion to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness to 1707 Massachusetts Ave,Cake Niche for the business signs presented. Bob Adams seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote,Bob Adams—Yes,Ed Adelman—Yes,Robin Lovett—Yes,Paul O'Shaughnessy— Yes,Anne Eccles—Yes. Motion carried. Documents Used: Altered Plans 12.29.20 Sign Mock-up Fast Signs 1212020 Material List Photographs Narrative Historic Districts Commission Minutes Town of Lexington January 7, 2021 5 DISCUSSION ITEMS Art Walk Proiects In advance of the meeting,the Commissioners received photos of proposed Art Walk Projects. The Art Walk projects are proposed temporary art displays installed around Town. The following individuals were logged into the meeting to discuss the Art Walks Projects: Cristina Burwell, Innessa Manning, Dawn McKenna,Eric Michelson and Jerold Michelson and Upasne Chhabra. The time period for each projects is six weeks. The Art Walk Committee would like to install at Emery Park and Stone Building in East Lexington large cut outs of"2021"and the word"HOPE"respectively on January 11, 2021. The artwork will be painted in Lexington colors of blue and gold. The committee will make efforts to reuse materials from project to project. Members' questions, comments and suggestions: Bob Adams—the temporary nature of these project needs to be defined, as learned from the placement of the jersey barriers,please come back to the HDC with updates. Mark Connor—very positive project, art is an encouragement Lee Noel Chase—please continue to come back to the HDC to talk about locations and dates. Care and consideration to Lexington tourism to be considered not to over step on Historical Places such as the Buckman Tavern. Dan Hisel—supportive of the project, asked if there was a budget. Ed Adelman—stated that the Lowell Parks Service has a similar program, asked how the artists are vetted?Many of the artists are known through the Munroe Center for the Arts. The Commission decided that they would not vote on approval for any"art"but would like to be made aware of projects dates and locations. Hosmer House Proiect Ed Adelman informed the Commission that he wrote the Lexington Minuteman a response to the article published on 12.3.20 about the Hosmer House. He stated his letter was to clarify the position of the HDC as having no preference to location/relocation of the Hosmer House. Along with the distinction between what is old and what is new on any addition to the Hosmer House. His response was published in the 12.20.20 paper. Chair Eccles will send links to the members of the Hosmer House article and Ed Adelman letter. ACTION ITEMS Meeting Minutes: Motion to approve the meeting minutes of December 3,2020 with one revision. Seconded. Roll Call Vote, Bob Adams—Yes,Ed Adelman—Yes,Paul O'Shaughnessy—Yes,Anne Eccles—Yes. Motion carried. Public Comments: No public comments Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 7:28 pm. Seconded. Roll Call Vote, Bob Adams—Yes,Ed Adelman— Yes, Robin Lovett—Yes,Paul O'Shaughnessy—Yes,Anne Eccles—Yes. Motion carried. Historic Districts Commission Minutes Town of Lexington January 7, 2021 6