HomeMy WebLinkAboutAndryauskas, Richards, & Galvani Letter of SupportDear Members of the Old Kings Highway Historic Commission Committee:
We are the owners of the three propertfes directly adjacent to Doug MacPhail’s property at 45 2nd Way.
Although we did not attend the August 12 meetfng, we have watched the meetfng video several tfmes.
We value and respect the Committee’s responsibility to evaluate applicatfons for aesthetfc
appropriateness and compatfbility with the historic character of the district, neighborhood, and
individual propertfes. We also appreciate the tfme and care the committee volunteer members devote to
this work. This is not easy work!
We are writfng to express our support for approval of Mr. MacPhail’s proposed boathouse. As immediate
neighbors, we believe the following points support its appropriateness:
1. The design is cohesive with the existfng cottage, the only minor difference we note is the color of
the trim wood.
2. Relocatfng the existfng structure is environmentally responsible. This approach is expected to
keep approximately four tons of material out of the landfill.
3. The property’s layout and scale appropriately accommodate the structures. The three buildings
appear thoughtiully positfoned, and the shed has already received Committee approval. Because
the lot is substantfally larger than most nearby propertfes, the additfonal boathouse mass will
not create an undue sense of density.
4. Existfng landscaping provides substantfal screening. The row of evergreens along the road largely
obscures, both the shed and the proposed boathouse from public view.
5. The off-season storage of boats in the boathouse will be a bonus visually during the off-season.
6. The sliding doors are appropriate to the building’s functfon and local character. They provide
wide, unobstructed access for boats and equipment while reflectfng the familiar design of area
boathouses and barns. In this case, the architecture appropriately follows the structure’s
intended use.
7. The proposal is consistent with the neighborhood’s historic context. The property reflects the
character of the neighborhood as it existed before the Old Kings Highway Historic District
Commission was established in 1973. That contfnuity, together with the proposed structure’s
compatfbility with the existfng property, supports its approval.
We hope these comments are helpful as the Committee considers the applicatfon. From our perspectfve
as immediate neighbors, the proposed boathouse is compatfble with the property and the historic
character of the surrounding neighborhood, and we respectiully support approval.
Thank you for your consideratfon and for your contfnued efforts to preserve the character of the Old
Kings Highway Historic District.
Respectiully,
Peggy & Frank Andryauskas 50 1st Way
Janice & Bruce Richards 31 2nd Way
Ann Galvani 61 2nd Way