HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHC 01 20 26 DRAFT MINUTESDRAFT MINUTES
Barnstable Historical Commission
This meeting was held on January 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM
Held Remotely via Zoom
Robert Frazee, Chair Present
Nancy Shoemaker, Vice Chair Present; Late Arrival 4:30pm
Cheryl Powell Present; Late Arrival 4:07pm
Jack Kay Present
Barbara DeBiase Present
John Richmond Present
Andrew Fisher Present; Late Arrival 4:10pm
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:
APPLICATIONS
27 Marchant Avenue LLC, 27 Marchant Avenue, Hyannis Port, Map 286, Parcel 025,
Built 1778, Non-contributing Structure within the Hyannis Port National Register
District
Remove existing roof structure and rebuild with same slope 30” taller with new shed
dormers on the front and back. Replace door and window with sliding patio door.
Replace large gable window with two smaller windows. Materials and details to match
existing.
Gregory Legault was in attendance for this item.
Greg presented the existing three car garage with a small amount of living space. The
intent is to raise the roof and add dormers to expand the living space. All materials will
match including the trim details, cedar roofing, and window details. The skylights will
be eliminated and replaced with shed dormers. The South elevation will change
slightly. The door will be replaced with a triple door, and one window will be replaced
with a double hung to get more light. The rear will have the skylights removed and a
larger shed dormer added.
Commission Discussion:
Bob clarified that the new elevation of the roof peak would not exceed that of the
dwelling. Greg answered that the garage would still be subordinate to the dwelling.
Bob also noted that this is a non-contributing building within the National Register
District. Jack noted that since this is not a contributing structure there is no need for
concern regarding the roof elevation as it is subordinate to the dwelling.
Public Comment: None
Motion 1:
Barbara DeBiase moved that after review and consideration of public testimony, the
application, and associated materials, the Significant Building – 27 Marchant Avenue,
Hyannis Port is a Preferably Preserved Significant Building. Jack Kay seconded.
Nay: John Richmond, Jack Kay, Barbra DeBiase, Robert Frazee
Abstain: Cheryl Powell
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 –
27 Marchant Avenue, Hyannis Port is not detrimental to the historical, cultural, and
architectural heritage or resources of the Town. Jack Kay seconded.
Aye: John Richmond, Jack Kay, Barbara DeBiase, Robert Frazee
Abstain: Cheryl Powell
94 Steven’s St LLC, 94 Steven’s Street, Hyannis, Map 309, Parcel 231, Built 1902 in
Cotuit and moved to Hyannis in 1949
Full demolition of the existing buildings.
John Richmond recused himself from this matter at 4:14pm.
Attorney Kenney, Roberto Maia, Michelle DaSilva, and Roberto Deloso were in
attendance for this item.
Attorney Kenney gave some background to the project including a synopsis of the four
previous meetings that this item has appeared before the Commission. After lengthy
attempts to find a place to move the vestibule they found one, but over the past year
that deal fell through. They then came back before the Commission as an informal
discussion to give that update and to seek guidance on how to proceed in which the
Commission requested the applicant to come back before the Commission with an
application on how they would like to proceed. The Commission also provided some
suggestions to reach out to different organizations regarding the historic portion which
the applicant did. The Cotuit Historical Society was the only organization to respond in
which there was an interest from Frank Raspante had interest in the historic portion.
Frank has been interested in the past but did not feel it was economically feasible at the
time. Frank and Roberto have been conversing regarding the possibility of moving the
historic portion of the church to Frank’s property in Cotuit.
Frank Raspante noted his family had acquired some property next to a cranberry bog in
Cotuit where he feels like the historic portion of the Church could be moved to. The
cranberry bog dates to the 1870s and he has been trying to proceed with a renovation
project for the property for some time now. If the vestibule could be dismantled,
moved, and rebuilt it would be the best way to move the structure. The question lies
within how to take it apart and rebuild it. He would not like to see this structure be
demolished.
Commission Discussion:
Bob thanked the applicant for their due diligence as well as Frank Raspante’s interest in
the historical portion. Cheryl questioned how the materials would be dismantled and
stored. Roberto noted that they would have to cut the church into approximately 12’ or
less pieces and wrap the material in the same materials as you wrap a boat. The main
concern is protecting the architectural elements from water. Nancy Shoemaker noted
that she came into the meeting late and would not be able to vote, but she did visit the
Church and took interior photographs. Ahe noted that the vestibule was intact but that
the fire department had been using the other portions of the church for training. Some
pictures were shown from the interior of the Church with the sheet rock removed. Jack
noted that the materials do not appear to be from 1902.
Public Comment:
Cindy Nickerson shared a photograph of the original 1902 structure in Cotuit and noted
that according to the Historical Society, the South end vestibule is not the historic
structure, and, in fact, the historic structure is the Northwest portion of the Church.
The Commission questioned how they determined that the South end was the historic
portion. Jack noted he would be in Town and offered to visit the Church to help
definitively determine which portion of the Church is from 1902. The Committee agreed
that they should definitively know which portion is from 1902 before proceeding.
Attorney Kenney and Roberto noted that they are on a time restriction due to the
building permit.
The Commission and applicants agreed to a continuance to Tuesday January 27th with
the stipulation that Jack may be able to visit the property with the intent of determining
which portion is the historical portion.
Motion:
Cheryl Powell moved to continue the Notice of Intent Application for 94 Steven’s Street
to Tuesday January 27, 2026, at 2:00pm to be held remotely via Zoom. Barbara DeBiase
seconded.
Aye: Barbara DeBiase, Cheryl Powell, Jack Kay, Andrew Fisher, Robert Frazee
Abstain: Nancy Shoemaker.
John Richmond reentered the meeting in his official capacity at 5:30pm.
Hadley, Thomas & Laurie, 55 High Street, Cotuit, Map 035, Parcel 028, Built 1874,
Inventoried
Removal of existing bulkhead enclosure, non-compliant stairs, and second floor deck.
Replaced with modest 250 sq ft addition with small roof deck. Rebuild front porch and
expand it and replace rear deck with a smaller deck. Vinyl siding and trim to be
replaced with clapboard and architectural shingles. Windows to be replaced with
architecturally accurate energy efficient windows.
Brendan Shields was in attendance for this item.
Brendan noted the Form B gave a very detailed history of the property including how
long his family has owned the property. In 1945 an apartment with an exterior staircase
was constructed on the second floor. The dwelling needs some improvement. The
renovations proposed are to help his family for medical reasons. There are three main
renovations proposed. One is to update the exterior components such as siding,
windows, and trim. The second is to extend the front porch to wrap around the
dwelling and to help with access to the dwelling. He noted other houses in the area
with the same type of porch proposed. The third is to remove the staircase from the
apartment and replace it with a small first story addition. The back deck would be
removed and replaced with a smaller entry.
Commission Discussion:
Bob noted the changing of the configuration of the porch and roof are considerations for
the Commission. The changes to the side of the dwelling does not contribute
tremendously to the architectural value of the dwelling. Bob noted his concern for the
sidewall shingles and roofing due to the Mansard. Brendan confirmed that the
sidewalls would be cedar shingles and only the roofing would be asphalt shingles just
like one of the other Mansard dwellings in the area. No issues or concerns from the
other Commissioners.
Cheryl Powell left the meeting at 5:39pm.
Public Comment: None
Motion 1:
Barbara DeBiase moved that after review and consideration of public testimony, the
application, and associated materials, the Significant Building – 55 High Street, Cotuit is
a Preferably Preserved Significant Building. Nancy Shoemaker seconded.
Nay: Nancy Shoemaker, Barbara DeBiase, John Richmond, Jack Kay, 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 - 55 High
Street, Cotuit is not detrimental to the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage or
resources of the Town. John Richmond seconded.
Aye: Nancy Shoemaker, Barbara DeBiase, John Richmond, Jack Kay, Andrew Fisher,
Robert Frazee
Other:
• Discussion of upcoming historical events open to the public.
• Correspondence
o Cape Cod Commission DRI Notice: Riverview School- 35 Scudder Ave,
Hyannis
Minutes
December 16, 2025
John Richmond moved to approve the minutes of December 16, 2025, as submitted.
Nancy Shoemaker seconded.
Aye: Nancy Shoemaker, John Richmond, Jack Kay, Barbara DeBiase, Andrew Fisher,
Robert Frazee
Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
Next meeting will be the special January 27, 2026 meeting followed by February 17, 2026
meeting.
With no further business before this Commission, a motion was duly made by
Commissioner Shoemaker and seconded by Commissioner Fisher to adjourn the meeting.
Aye: Robert Frazee, Nancy Shoemaker, Barbara DeBiase, John Richmond, Jack Kay, and
Andrew Fisher
Meeting adjourned at 5:50pm.
Respectfully Submitted.
Erica Brown, Administrative Assistant
Planning & Development