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HINGHAM HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION
December 15, 2011 @ 7:00 PM Central Meeting Room North
MEETING MINUTES
Present: Susan Berry, Chair, Nancy MacKay, Chuck Clutz, George Ford, Marty Saunders, John D'Angelo, Jared Grimm, Andrea Young, Administrator
Absent: Arthur Choo, Jr.
General Business
1. Approve Draft Minutes - November 17, 2011
Discussion: Edits were discussed and compiled.
Motion: Commissioner Berry moved to approve the 11/17/11 draft minutes as amended.
Second: Commissioner MacKay In Favor: All Opposed: None
2. Introduction of Town Recording Services - Audio files will be sent to the office along with a transcribed draft.
Request For Certificate of Appropriateness
1. 229 North Street - Applicant: John McDowell / Representative: Ben Wilcox
Located in the Lincoln Local Historic District
Presentation: Mr. Wilcox presented the revised plans to move the barn 30 feet closer toward the street to comply with commission and abutter comments.
Discussion: All commission members are in agreement that the barn be moved closer to the street as now proposed. Commissioner Ford abstained from voting on this matter.
Motion: Commissioner Clutz moved to issue an amended Certificate of Appropriateness approving the move of an additional 40 ft.
Second: Commissioner Saunders In Favor: All Opposed: None
3. 987 Main Street – Applicant: Michael Grehan / Representative: Gary James, James Engineering
Located in the Liberty Plain Local Historic District
Presentation: A new application was received, following a withdrawal of the previous application. Mr. James reviewed the revised plans to move the two existing outbuildings, a shed and the garage, to a new foundation behind the house.
Discussion: The Chair asked about the blue spruce. Per Mr. James the blue spruce and cedar would be taken down. The Chair offered members of the public to view the plans.
Commissioner Ford asked if anything would be done to the structures other than moving them. Per Mr. James, they will only be moved; no changes to the buildings are proposed. The Chair asked if a new foundation would be poured. Per Mr. James, yes, a new foundation will be poured and the old foundation will be removed.
Commissioner D'Angelo asked if the original driveway will be removed. Per Mr. James, it will be removed and a new driveway will be constructed in the location depicted on the plans.
The Chair opened the hearing to the public. One abutter to the south, Mr. Spahn, mentioned that a fence was removed from the street entrance within the last few months. The Chair asked if there were any photographs. Mr. Spahn advised he may have photographs. Mr. James will also check his photos. Mr. D'Angelo asked if the applicant could replace a fence on town property. The commission will take that into consideration. Mr. Spahn said that the posts are still present if the commission would like to see the location. Mr. Spahn added that the shutters on the house have been installed upside down.
Commissioner D'Angelo requested that dimensions of the two buildings be ¬¬¬¬¬¬submitted and placed in the file n in case either building is damaged in the move and has to be reconstructed in part or in whole. Commissioner Saunders advised that the Conservation Commission has not reviewed the plans to determine if the new location is wetlands. The applicant will have to go through each department, i.e. zoning, and conservation prior to the project getting underway. Per Mr. James, the area is not wetlands. Dr. Van Strien, an abutter, asked who would determine if that area is wetlands. The chair clarified that the presence of wetlands or lack thereof, is not in the Historic Districts Commission jurisdiction. Dr. Van Strien is concerned that back filling a swell or divot would change the contour of the land and asked if the Historic Districts Commission would have jurisdiction over that. The Chair confirmed that it would come under the Historic Districts' jurisdiction; however it is not clear if that area would be considered streetscape. Mr. James advised that there will be a pipe under the proposed driveway to allow for drainage. The undulations in the land will remain. Dr. Van Strien feels that putting a road over a divot in the land will require modifications to the land. Mr. Gerry Rankin commented that the town engineer, Mr. Chessia, reviewed and signed off on the plans. The Chair indicated that if Mr. Chessia saw a reason to notify the Conservation Commission he would have done so.
Commissioner Ford reiterated that the purpose of the application before them tonight was to approve, or not, the moving of two outbuildings only. Commissioner Ford advised that the Planning Board has already approved the subdivision road.
The Chair asked the commission members present about their thoughts regarding the divot in the land where the roadway is proposed. Commissioner Grimm feels that the project should move forward. Commissioner Saunders is concerned that the land will be filled in. Commissioner MacKay asked if the Planning Board determined that in order for the plans to go forward the road needed to be as it is on the plans now. Per Mr. James, that is the case. Commissioner Clutz is concerned about possible regrading where the road is to be located. He advised that on either side of the road the land drops away drastically. Commissioner D'Angelo commented that it is unclear if the Planning Board took into account that putting in the road would change the topography. Commissioner Ford advised that it is his recollection that the Planning Board did consider the historical nature of the streetscape. The Chair asked if the divot in the land was 125 feet from the street. It was deemed to be so. The Historic Districts jurisdiction extends 150 feet from Main Street to the district line, approximately to the proposed cul de sac.
The Chair raised the possibility of continuing the hearing. The applicant reiterated that the application on the table is for the two buildings to be moved. Several members of the commission concurred and the chair asked for a motion.
Motion: Commissioner D'Angelo moved to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for 987 Main Street to move two existing structures to be referred to as shed and garage. Structures are to be relocated as per supplied drawings date received 12/6/2011, with the following conditions; applicant to supply a simple, to scale drawing of existing elevations of each structure ,supply photographs of each elevation, and the inside of the garage. The applicant must also supply a measurement of existing ridge height / grades. The shutters on the house must be turned correct side up and the fence must be replaced in the location and according to the dimensions shown in the photograph labeled "fence 12/15/2011".
Second: Commissioner Ford In Favor: All Opposed: None
4. 22 Lincoln Street – Applicants: Matthew and Meg Lind / Representative: Roger Hoit, Architect
Located in the Lincoln Local Historic District
Presentation: Construct a family room addition and mudroom, demolish existing garage and reconstruct same with changes to the roof pitch and garage doors. Mr. Roger Hoit and Mrs. Lind were present to discuss the demolition and reconstruction of the garage, and construction of a family room and mudroom addition. Mr. Hoit advised that the railing between the garage and the family room be removed which is assisted by raising the plate. All the windows in the main part stay the same and new garage roof pitch will match the roof pitch of the house. The streetscape and hardscape will remain the same.
Discussion: The Chair asked if the side door would be wood and painted. Per Mr. Hoit it will be wood and painted. Mrs. Lind indicated that they propose the side lights go all the way down. Commissioner D'Angelo asked if there would be a single row of lights on the garage door. Per Mr. Hoit that is correct. Mr. Hoit responded to all prior comments including that the chimney be brick for a fireplace. Commissioner D'Angelo asked about exterior lighting by the side entrance and garage. There is an existing fixture by the back door. Per Mr. Hoit, they propose some lights in the soffit and carriage lights that will match the back door light. Commissioner D'Angelo asked if they are proposing a spot light, per Mrs. Lind there is no spot light proposed. Mrs. Lind will submit photographs of the proposed lighting fixture, which will match the light on the lamp post. Commissioner D'Angelo asked what the material will be for the side door step. Per Mr. Hoit, it will be brick to match the walkway.
Motion: Commissioner MacKay moved to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for 22 Lincoln Street to construct a family room addition, new side entry to the house, and a new garage. The garage will be demolished and reconstructed on the same footprint with the foundation on a higher plate as indicated on the drawings dated Dec 8, 2011. Siding will match existing, trim and overhang is to match existing based on scale; pediment and windowsill as well as window grill configurations will match supplied plans; the side entrance stoop is to be brick, garage doors to be wood, new chimney to match existing brick in like and kind. Light fixtures will be reviewed upon receipt of photograph. Roofing, paint colors, gutters and friezes to match existing. The plans for the new side entrance will be modified to show side lights in a 5-light configuration.
Second: Commissioner Saunders In Favor: All Opposed: None
5. 19 Middle Street – Applicant: John Riley / Representative: Bonnie Hobbs
Located in the Hingham Centre Local historic District
Commissioner MacKay recused herself from this portion of the meeting.
Presentation: Bonnie Hobbs presented the plans to install a 3 ft high wood fence at the rear and sides of the house. A new lantern post is proposed next to the barn. Per Ms. Hobbs, the interested buyer would like approval for a fence. The sale of the house depends on the ability of the new owner to install a fence.
Discussion: Commissioner Saunders asked if a new lantern post will be installed. Per Ms. Hobbs, it will be. There was a lantern post but it was rotting. Commissioner George Ford did not participate in the discussion and did not vote on the application.
Motion: Commissioner Berry moved to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness to 19 Middle Street, for a 3 ft. high cedar fence and gate to be stained white to match the house. The Newburyport style fence will be in 6 ft. lengths and have pointed tops and 2 rails. The lantern is existing and will be remounted on a new cedar lantern post next to the barn.
Second: Commissioner D'Angelo In Favor: All Opposed: None
Commissioner MacKay rejoined the meeting.
6. 209 Main Street – Applicants: Paul and Esther Healey
Located in the Pear Tree Hill Local Historic District
Presentation: Attorney Healey was present to discuss his application to install a business sign on an existing lamp post.
Discussion: The Chair asked if the post and sign as proposed is wooden or composite. The applicant described the post as MDO (Medium Density Overlay)-board, which is a composite wood product.
Motion: Commissioner Grimm moved to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of a sign on an existing lantern post in the front yard. The sign will be double faced and will be made of MDO board. A single faced oval office sign of the same material will be attached to the garage. Both signs will be in accordance with the specifications received 12/9/11.
Second: Commissioner MacKay In Favor: All Opposed: None
7. 7 Thaxter Street – Applicant: North Street Community Chapel / Representative: Mr. DiSante
Located in the Lincoln Local Historic District
Presentation: Mr. DiSante is proposing a 4ft. high white cedar fence to replace the current fence that is in disrepair. Mr. DiSante advised that the fence would be on top of the retaining wall. The chapel is proposing a natural unpainted wood fence. The proposed fence will be located on top of the retaining wall, which forms part of the boundary with the Hersey House property, and will extend from the rear of the church to the parsonage. The location discussed is in accordance with the markings on the plans.
Discussion: Commissioner Ford asked if there would be caps on the posts. Per the plans and the applicant, there will be caps on the posts. Commissioner Ford asked what the spacing will be between the pickets. The applicant was not certain. The applicant advised that church members are constructing it themselves and the fence will reflect what is shown in the photograph submitted.
Motion: Commissioner Saunders moved to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for 7 Thaxter Street to replace the existing broken fence with 4 ft. high wood fence; the design and spacing between the pickets will be as pictured in exhibit A, and will be installed in the location as shown on the assessors map, Exhibit B. It is the discretion of the applicant to paint the fence or to allow it to weather. If it is to be painted, it will match the color of the church.
Second: Commissioner Ford In Favor: All Opposed: None
8. 25 Fearing Road – Applicant: Gloria Di Loretto / Representative: Herb Kuendig
Located in the Lincoln Local Historic District
Presentation: Mr. Kuendig presented proposed plans to enclose the roof over the porch area on the Cottage Road elevation. The existing door will be filled in and a new door will be added leading onto the deck. The existing window will remain. If the existing door can be saved, it will be; if not, the new door will match the existing 9 light door. Inside the house there will just be an opening; not another door.
Discussion: Shingles will be used to fill in the area where the door is being removed. Mr. Kuendig would like to ask for a modification of the previously approved bump out window on the driveway elevation, it was approved at 6" and the owner would like to increase the window bump out to 12".
Motion: Commissioner Berry moved to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness to 25 Fearing Road to enclose the rear porch area for interior storage and to install a wooden door on the Cottage Street elevation. The new door will be a nine-light door to match existing and will be painted black. The shingles will match existing. The proposal to replace the garage doors has been changed and the existing doors will remain.
Second: None In Favor: All Opposed: None
Motion: Commissioner D'Angelo made a motion to amend the original certificate to revise the width of the bump out on the kitchen window. The bump-out will now be limited to 9". The shingles where the bump-out meets the house are to be woven.
Second: Ford In Favor: All Opposed: None
9. 45 Lincoln Street – Applicant: Cynthia and Brad Galko / Representative: Monica Mackenzie
Located in the Lincoln Local Historic District
Presentation: The owners plan to construct an addition to the rear of the property and a dormer on the existing cape. Ms. Mackenzie presented the proposal for an addition on the driveway side of the property. The front of the house will remain the same. The footprint of the house is remaining the same. The proposed addition will not be visible from the Street but the proposed changes to the side elevation are visible from Lincoln Street. The plan is to raise the roof over the master bedroom, the only part visible from Lincoln Street. The new construction will be lower than the original ridge.
Discussion: Commissioner Saunders would like to have as-is plans to compare proposed plans. Commissioner MacKay asked about the double hung window being eliminated. It was not original to the house. An example of the proposed window was reviewed by all commission members.
The commission discussed a site visit to review the window proposed for removal, determine what part of the project will be visible and to examine the ridgeline and proposed dormer from the side. The commission requested dimensioned non CAD drawings showing the side elevation with the proposed dormer.
Commissioner D'Angelo requested that details be provided regarding the siding material, roofing and flashing.
The Marvin window Ms. Mackenzie proposes is clad. One of the windows will be in a bathroom. Commissioner Clutz has asked Ms. Mackenzie if the Marvin window has been used in other historic applications. Ms. Mackenzie also has a prototype from Pella that she will bring to the site visit. She will ask both window reps if their windows have been used in an historic application.
Motion: Commissioner Berry motioned to continue the hearing to the 1/19/12 meeting with a site visit planned for Saturday, January 7, 2012
Second: Commissioner Ford In Favor: All Opposed: None
Other Business
Lois Levine was introduced as a potential new commission member. Her interview with the Selectman was tonight.
Chairman Berry adjourned the meeting 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Young
Administrator
Historic Districts Commission