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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHC 05 20 25 DRAFT MINUTESDRAFT MINUTES Barnstable Historical Commission This meeting was held on May 20, 2025, at 4:00 PM Within the Selectmen’s Conference Room Barnstable Town Hall, 367 Main Street Robert Frazee, Chair Present Nancy Shoemaker, Vice Chair Late Arrival; 4:01pm Cheryl Powell Late Arrival; 4:02pm Jack Kay Present Barbara DeBiase Present John Richmond Present Andrew Fisher Present Erica Brown, Administrative Assistant Present Corey Pacheco, Senior Planner Present Chair Robert Frazee called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Acting under the provisions of the Code of the Town of Barnstable, ss 112-1 through 112-7, the Historical Commission held a Public Hearing on the following applications previously determined significant and referred to Public Hearing: CONTINUED APPLICATIONS None APPLICATIONS Doud, Michael & Florence, 29 Lafayette Avenue, Hyannis, Map 287, Parcel 045, Built 1900 Partial Demolition: Modification to previously approved decision in 2023. Addition of a two- story deck, add bulkhead, change of staircase window on right side elevation, change kitchen window on rear elevation, extend right elevation dormer, change front elevation dormer, and add shed roof over front entry way. Bill O’Brien was in attendance for this item. Chair Frazee noted in reviewing the 2023 approved application, Bob noted that the Commission approved a significant architectural feature to be changed. Bill started the presentation with noting some background to the situation. The condition of the house needed more updates, and the building commissioner noted some changes that were required to meet code. This plan is an as built plan. The plans complement existing features in the area. When they opened the front porch, it had a significant amount of rot. At the back of the house there was no basement access. Instead of a traditional bulkhead they included a bump out to enter it. The kitchen window and the staircase window were changed to the client’s preference. The Juliet balcony was nixed from the plans and replaced with two windows. The dormer was extended to accommodate another window for the bathroom. Commission Discussion: Bob noted that this is not the loss of a historic building, but a lot has changed since coming back to them. It is a contributing structure within a NR which is well published and well known. Bob encouraged the commissioners to please note any of their concerns if they believe the changes were egregious. Bill noted that he would have liked the building department to note a building permit does not state when a house is on the national register. Cheryl felt that if they are looking at their purview and their task as commissioners that these changes are not egregious. Cheryl would have approved of this proposal if it had come before them. She noted that the changes are nothing contrary to what has been approved in the past. Other historic commissions encourage homeowners to upkeep their properties. Cheryl suggested that a compromise may be considerable for NR houses to be noted in a better way. Jack commented that a lot of people are affected by this. He would like to see a better flow of process for inspectors, applicants, and the commission so that, hopefully, it would be less disruptive. This is a learning opportunity. Jack wondered what role the Commission should play in compliance. Bob responded that this question may be something the Commission would like to address later. Jack noted that not any one item does not significantly change the house architecturally as approved in 2023. Nancy questioned the balcony on the left side of the house and how it would be framed. Bill noted that the rails will be Azek with balusters. Decking has not been confirmed. John- Noted he did not see anything egregious and had driven by the house. Public Comment: None Motion 1: Cheryl Powell moved that after review and consideration of public testimony, the application, and associated materials, the Significant Building – 29 Lafayette Avenue, Hyannis is a Preferably Preserved Significant Building. Barbara DeBiase seconded. Nay: Nancy Shoemaker, Barbara DeBiase, John Richmond, Jack Kay, Cheryl Powell, Andrew Fisher, Robert Frazee Motion 2: Cheryl Powell moved that in accordance with Section 112-3(F), the Barnstable Historical Commission determines that the partial demolition of the building located – 29 Lafayette Avenue, Hyannis is not detrimental to the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage or resources of the Town. Aye: Nancy Shoemaker, Barbara DeBiase, John Richmond, Jack Kay, Cheryl Powell, Andrew Fisher, Robert Frazee Garrett, Mark & Alison TRS, 649 Scudder Avenue, Hyannis, Map 287, Parcel 050, Built 1908 Partial Demolition: Modification to previously approved decision in 2024. Expand scope of partial demolition of the original structure due to rotted and deteriorated materials. Restore and rebuild using modern materials to match all existing profiles. Restore wraparound porch with corbel detailing and clapboard skirting, restore 2/2 windows, restore clapboard siding, repair trim, new roofing, remove secondary door on front façade and replace with 2/2 window, revise sunroom elevation, new gable roof on south elevation, remove north elevation addition and rebuild within the same footprint, and extend dormer on rear elevation. Isabella was in attendance for this item. Charlie Snow, builder, was also in attendance. Isabella introduced herself. This home was purchased and had an application in 2024. Isabella did watch that hearing. The ultimate look of that house is not what Alison and Mark wanted. She was able to find a picture of the house showing the Greek Revival with the turn of the century porch. The door would be removed and replaced with a window. The clapboard skirting would be restored, and the clapboard siding would be restored throughout as noted in the 2024 meeting. Repeating the vernacular on the south façade. Generally following the demolition plan as proposed in 2024 with the slight difference. The main box of the historical home will be preserved. The goal is to return it to what it is. The dwelling has been demolished in the interior. The vinyl siding is the band aid to complete the lift and set it back down onto the new foundation. Commission Discussion: Cheryl stated that she does not mind the windows going back to the 2/2. She has no exceptions given the restoration. Cheryl asked the reason why the full porch could not be restored. Isabella noted that it would encroach on the setbacks. In speaking with the building department, it was shortened by 8 inches and that is what the building department approved. They will be achieving balance. Jack- Noted that he was concerned about the septic. Isabella noted that this was the previous plan and all they had to measure with. Charlie gave an overview of the septic. Nancy- Noted she would prefer to see the lattice for the porch skirting. Public Comment: Michael Doud noted it is nice to see the house being rejuvenated and supports this proposal. Motion 1: Barbara DeBiase moved that after review and consideration of public testimony, the application, and associated materials, the Significant Building – 649 Scudder Avenue, Hyannis is a Preferably Preserved Significant Building. Cheryl Powell seconded. Nay: Nancy Shoemaker, Barbara DeBiase, John Richmond, Jack Kay, Cheryl Powell, Andrew Fisher, Robert Frazee Motion 2: Barbara DeBiase moved that in accordance with Section 112-3(F), the Barnstable Historical Commission determines that the partial demolition of the building located – 649 Scudder Avenue, Hyannis is not detrimental to the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage or resources of the Town. Cheryl Powell seconded. Aye: Nancy Shoemaker, Barbara DeBiase, John Richmond, Jack Kay, Cheryl Powell, Andrew Fisher, Robert Frazee Other: • Discussion about Establishing a Local Historic District for Hyannis Port: Bob gave background information regarding the conversation surrounding the establishment of a Local Historic District in Hyannis Port. A study Committee would put together a proposal to be presented to Town Council and the Massachusetts Historical Commission. It is a more complex entity on the level of detail that the Historical Commission does not have purview over. The Commission could serve as the Study Committee. It was suggested to recommend Town Council to appoint a new Committee for this with the possibility of one or two commissioners to serve as representatives from BHC. Bob noted past or present members of HHDC or OKH to serve as representatives from other commissions that administer this type of district. He also noted residents from Hyannis Port should serve on the study committee. Cheryl suggested someone from the local churches, civic association, or the golf club in Hyannis Port. Cheryl suggested against a paid consultant. Corey noted per MHC there is no position for a consultant. Jack noted that it is a cost to the Town. Jack investigated the history of Hyannis Port applications that the Commission reviewed and noted there were only 7 Hyannis Port applications last year before BHC. Bob suggested that the Study Committee research all of this. Public Comment: Michael Doud noted his support of the notion to include members of Hyannis Port whether that be residents or members of the various associations in Hyannis Port. He questioned the boundaries of such a district and recommended that the civic association be involved with this. Bob noted that the Study Committee would suggest the boundaries and thanked Michael for his comments. Cheryl moved to recommend Town Council appoint a Study Committee to establish a Local Historic District in Hyannis Port that is not exclusively the Historical Commission. BHC and CCC could serve as advisory commissions. The Commission requests that the Town Council consider certain candidates, notably residents or members of the various Hyannis Port associations. John Richmond seconded. Aye: Everyone • Correspondence: Invitation to Comment Section 106- 565 Main Street, Centerville: Bob noted his only concern is that there was not a full structural analysis completed yet. It says it will be, but it hasn’t been. The concern would be for the steeple. Cheryl suggested we ask for more information before commenting. It was noted that the request for comments be made within 30 days. Jack agreed with the structural analysis needs to be a requirement, but otherwise it does not appear that the Commission has much purview over this project as no demolition is being proposed and the proposed work is not exterior. The other commissioners agreed. Bob noted that the proposal is a common preservation technique. “Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this project. The Barnstable Historical Commission would like to express our concern regarding the structural integrity of the steeple. We recommend that an analysis on the structural of the steeple be completed before proceeding with the installation of any equipment to help mitigate any unforeseen complications or potential damage to the steeple and church structure.” Cheryl stepped out of the room. Jack Kay motioned to accept the comment as stated. Nancy Shoemaker seconded. Aye: Nancy Shoemaker, Barbara DeBiase, Jack Kay, John Richmond, Andrew Fisher, Robert Frazee • Discussion of upcoming historical events open to the public. Cheryl Powell left the meeting at 5:56pm. Minutes April 15, 2025 Nancy Shoemaker motioned to accept the minutes of April 15, 2025, as edited. John Richmond seconded. Aye: Nancy Shoemaker, Jack Kay, Barbara DeBiase, John Richmond, Andrew Fisher, Robert Frazee. Abstain: Cheryl Powell Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair Next meeting will be June 17, 2025. With no further business before this Commission, a motion was duly made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner DeBiase to adjourn the meeting. Aye: Robert Frazee, Barbara DeBiase, John Richmond, Nancy Shoemaker, Jack Kay, and Andrew Fisher Meeting adjourned at 6:03pm Respectfully Submitted, Erica Brown, Administrative Assistant