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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-09-15-HC-minMeeting Minutes Lexington Historical Commission September 15, 2011 Commission Members Present: David Kelland, Chair, Frank Kern, Marilyn Fenollosa, Sally Zimmerman Absent: Wendall Kalsow The meeting was called to order at 7:52 p.m., Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building Formal Hearings: 116 Vine St., Leary Property (Rescheduled from 7/21/11) The Town of Lexington was represented by selectman Hank Manz. Mr. Manz read into the record a prepared letter dated September 15, 2011 addressed to the Lexington Historical Commission (attached) outlining the town's intentions regarding 116 Vine St. The following abutters and /or interested parties were present and spoke against a demolition of the house. Harold Hemond, 104 Vine St., stated his belief that the Salemi report is biased in favor of demolition. Sited example of the reports statement that 200 ampere service is required. Petar Litchev, 121 Vine St. stated that an affordable housing plan that includes retention of the house could be well integrated into the neighborhood. Lawrence McCray, 125 Vine St. asked the Commission about the procedure in this matter. Chairperson Kelland responded that under the bylaw movement of the house to another location constitutes demolition. Robert Pressman, 22 Locust Ave. In reponse to Mr. Manz's prepared letter, item 6, Mr. Pressman stated that affordable housing is one of the things that "strengthen the town" and that Lexington has a positive record with regard to it. The record is not "appalling ". Mr. Hemond added that preservation of historic properties is also one of the things that strengthen the town. Commissioner Comments: Sally Zimmerman —the standards for high quality affordable housing are attainable with the house currently situated on the property. There are other options besides demolition and that all possibilities have not been examined by the town. Marilyn Fenollosa - The Salemi Report says that the house can be preserved. An affordable housing developer who has walked the site has reported that it (affordable housing) is feasible. Frank Kern — citing the lack evidence of a bona fide effort to find a buyer who is willing to preserve the house without demolition, or proof that finding a buyer is not likely, stated that the Commission has no choice but to delay the demolition. David Kelland — Mr. Kelland read into the record a letter from Aaron Henry dated 7/28/11 (attached). A motion was made and seconded to find the house at 116 Vine St. preferable preserved. The vote was 4 -0 in favor. Documents received: 0 Letter from Hank Manz, Chair, Lexington Board of Selectmen dated 9/15/11, 0 Letter from Aaron Henry to Lexington Historical Commission dated 7/28/11. Other Business: 11 Mountain Rd. —The Commission reviewed interior and exterior photographs of a barn located on the premises. The conservation commission would like to restore the barn and use it for storage. A motion was made and seconded to designate the old horse barn at or beyond 11 Mountain Road a significant building to be under consideration for inclusion in the Cultural Resources Survey. The vote was 4 -0 in favor. For Review - Ms. Fenollosa said that a draft of a document titled "Lexington Municipal Buildings" prepared by Bargmann, Hendrie + Archtype dated 8/31/11 will be circulated to the commission for review. The report was prepared using CPA funds. CPA Proposals Due - Ms. Fenollosa also stated that applications for projects to use CPA funds are due to the CPC 10/15/11. Possible projects include: • Funding to investigate new uses for the Stone Building • Documentation of the Estabrook Elementary School Support completion of a National Register listing of the Moon Hill development as a supplement to the Mid - Century Modernist NR and context statement currently being prepared on the Peacock Farm development. A motion was made and seconded to prepare applications to the CPC for the above projects. The vote was 4 -0 in favor. A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:33 p.m. with all in favor.