HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-21-HC-minMeeting Minutes
Lexington Historical Commission
July 21, 2011
Commission Members Present: David Kelland, Chair, Marilyn Fenollosa, Wendall Kalsow, Frank Kern,
Sally Zimmerman
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m. , Selectman's Meeting Room.
Formal Hearings:
15 Dewey Road — Nima Shokrollahi, applicant, presented the reasons for the request for demolition
along with a written report (attached) from Javad Shokrollahi, a registered professional structural
engineer. Reasons stated were foundation cracks /settlement, water problems, mold, termites, roof
needs replacement. Ms. Shokrollhari expressed their desire to build a new and larger home in keeping
with the neighborhood.
The applicant was asked whether there was a cost estimate for the suggested repairs or whether she
had additional documentation as to the cost and technical feasibility of conducting the recommended
repairs to solve the problems cited in the report. The applicant replied that she had no such estimate
and asked whether these could be provided at a later time. The applicant was briefed on the
procedures under the demolition delay bylaw.
The applicant was informed about the special significance of 15 Dewey Rd. It's being one of the first
Peacock Farm style homes in one of the few mid - century modernist developments in the country. Also
about the application process currently underway to seek National Register listing for mid - century
modernist developments in Lexington. The applicant was encouraged to use the Historical Commission
as a resource in seeking to preserve the home and that contact information would be provided as to
qualified designers and contractors familiar with this style of home.
The following abutters were present and encouraged the applicant to preserve the house rather than
demolish it. Daren Conboy, 17 Dewey Road, Clair Smith, 16 Dewey Road, John Frankovich, 19 Dewey
Road.
A motion was made and seconded to find the home at 15 Dewey Road preferably preserved under
section C of the demolition delay bylaw with the vote being 5-0 in favor.
40 -42 Woburn St . —The applicant presented architectural drawings of the proposed addition to the
building. Commission members followed by asking questions in order to ascertain the exact extent of
the demolition proposed to the existing structure in order to accommodate the addition. Since no
before and after drawings were presented an understanding could not be achieved.
A motion was made and seconded to impose the twelve month delay for the purposes of clarifying the
nature of the modifications. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
There were no abutters present.
116 Vine St . — The applicant was not present at the hearing.
The following abutters and /or interested parties were present and spoke against a demolition of the
house. Sean Kinneen, Harold Hemond, 104 Vine St., Petar Litchev, 121 Vine St.
Mr. Litchev noted that the house was not secured as the basement appeared to have been left open one
evening and remained open until morning. Photographs would be available he said. Mr. Kelland said he
would speak with Gary Rhoads, Lexington Building Department, about the unsecured situation.
A motion was made and seconded to continue the hearing until August 18 2011 the next scheduled
meeting of the Historical Commission. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
Other Business:
Marilyn Fenollosa spoke briefly about her involvement with meetings associated with housing expansion
at Hanscom AFB and the impact on the adjoining Battle Road National Historic Park. It was expressed
that loss of vegetation is a concern that is not factored into expansion projects of this nature along with
traffic concerns.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 9:22 p.m. with all in favor.
Documents received:
Existing conditions assessment [15 Dewey Rd.] from Javad Shokrollahi, registered professional
structural engineer