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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHC 05 21 24 DRAFT MINUTESDraft DRAFT MINUTES Barnstable Historical Commission This meeting was held on May 21, 2024, at 3:00 PM Selectmen’s Conference Room, Town Hall Nancy Shoemaker, Vice Chair Present Marilyn Fifield, Clerk Absent George Jessop Present Cheryl Powell Absent Jack Kay Present Barbara DeBiase Present Robert Frazee Present Erica Brown, Administrative Assistant Present Vice Chair Nancy Shoemaker called the meeting to order at 3:00 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 Vargas, Jody, 151 Pine Avenue, Hyannis, Map 307, Parcel 141, Built circa 1710, Listed In- dividually on the National Register of Historic Places. Full Demolition: Demolish existing fire damaged house. Steve Cook from Cotuit Bay Design was in attendance for this item. Steve noted that there was a fire at this dwelling last year that caused a lot of damage. At minimum to repair this dwelling it would need a new roof, siding, windows, doors, electrical, plumbing, hvac, insulation, alarm systems, and repair all the fire damage. There is also lead paint which would need to be removed. The stairs to the basement were described as a small hatch and the stairs going upstairs is a set of good morning stairs. It appears the construction is post and beam with vertical boards. The beams, joists, and chimney are all failing. It is more efficient to fully demolish the building and rebuild it as a new Cape style house that is similar in design and that is up to code. It is not cost effective to restore this dwelling. Steve commented that he is sympathetic to losing such a historic home given the number of historic dwellings he has worked on in the past. The house at one point had to be lifted to put in the concrete foundation, but this is some rubble on the outside that still exists and as such it is hard to determine if there’s anchor bolts or anything like that. Discussion: Jack asked if there is a lot of water damage and noted his concern that mold may be another problem. Steve responded that there is some water damage but most of the damage is from the fire and Draft smoke. Jack asked if they were able to restore it, how would they make it code compliant. Steve replied that the home would have to be brought to the bare bones of the home to bring it up to code and then put it back together from there. Jack noted that there may be difficulty weather proofing this dwelling if they decide to impose an eighteen-month delay. Bob commented that he read the public comment letter and he sympathized that he feels desperately unhappy with the current situation for the neighborhood and its families. The concerns of drug deals and safety issues are better suited for local law enforcement and not the Commission’s purview. He noted that there could be historic value within the structure that did survive. He noted that consideration of reconstruction, re-use of materials in a reconstruction, or materials repurposed would have him lean more towards a delay to see what could be done if anything. Bob asked if there is value in referring this to the Cape Cod Commission as he is skeptical in that typically a referral is usually reserved for a homeowner that wants to off a building that has other alternatives. George noted that costs change over time. Nancy noted that the materials are different from what we use now. Bob and Nancy commented that it would be important to document the building in some sort of fashion as well as photo documentation to record its prosperity. George noted that he would like to see who the recycling contractor is if the decision is to re-use the materials. Steve agreed to a continuation of this item to bring options forward to the homeowner for consideration. Public Comment: Nancy read in comment from Marilyn Fifield. Marilyn commented that this dwelling is one of the town’s oldest homes and as such a demolition delay must be imposed otherwise there would be no regulation in effect should the CCC accept a referral. A CCC referral should be voted for as well. An independent, professional inspection should be pursued by an expert with experience with similar historic homes. Another option for the homeowner if the property is salvageable is to list its availability for sale with the National Trust for Historic Preservation to help garner worldwide attention. The link is below for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. https://circaoldhouses.com/national-trust/ Laura Wentzel commented that she lives across the street from this home. This home has been a nightmare as it has been used as a drug den, an illegal boarding house, and has many visits from the local police department. It was once a beautiful home when the mother, Nancy, had lived there. Since the fire there have been squatters and tents in the back. As sad as it is to lose a historic home, it is best if it is demolished and rebuilt. Her concern is what will be in its place and how it is used. Steve responded it would be a Cape style single family home. How it will be used as a rental or if the brother would be moving back in has still not been decided. Laura commented again that it is sad to lose such a historic home, but that it was lost years ago. John Richmond from the Hyannis Historical Society commented that this home has a lot of history given its age and that it was Ora Hinckley’s house. John noted that he nor the historical society do not have any claims to expertise but would love to see any portion of the home to be saved as part of a reconstruction or failing that salvage what they can of the wood to use in the construction of the new dwelling. If anything could be salvaged from it perhaps it could be used as a fundraiser for the library which has the Ora Hinckley connection. Nancy noted that Ora Hinckley was a librarian there for 35 years. John noted that the Crocker’s lived there and at one point it was a tavern. He stated that he knows that this is a question of practicality and to save the entirety of the structure is not practical, but even if the shell could be preserved it would be better than tearing it fully down. Erica read in a public comment letter from Dr. Mary Ellen Janeiro into the record. She noted that she is in support of the demolition as the house was lost on the day of the fire. Since the fire the home has been left unkempt. To deny demolition would consign the neighborhood to years of looking at a crumbling house Draft and all the woes that come with it. She noted a love for their homes and the neighborhood, and how keen they are to see a new home built that honors the character of the home it would replace. She thanked the commission for restoring pride in the neighborhood, ownership, and safety should they approve this request. Barbara Flinn commented that she had been speaking with the homeowner. Everyone would like to have the house preserved and have it restored. Barbara noted that if it were referred to the CCC that they would give 180 days delay so that it wouldn’t be destroyed right away. She noted that it would be a shame if it were to be demolished without the chance for reconstruction. Nancy confirmed that Barbara had spoken with the homeowner about trying to preserve it. Steve noted that the homeowner was looking for the most efficient and cost-effective way to clean up this property and seeking a full demolition seemed to be the way to do that. Barbara commented that one option could be selling the property to someone or an entity that would be willing to restore this dwelling. MOTION: Bob Frazee moved to continue the Notice of Intent Application for 151 Pine Avenue in Hyannis until the June 18, 2024, meeting at 3:00pm located at Town Hall within the Selectmen’s Conference Room. Jack Kay seconded. So Voted: Nay- Jack Kay, George Jessop, Robert Frazee, Barbara DeBiase, Nancy Shoemaker. Sullivan, Lawrence & Elizabeth TRS, 91 Craigville Beach Road, Hyannis, Map 267, Parcel 115, Built 1920 Full Demolition: Demolition of the existing principal dwelling. Lawrence Sullivan was in attendance for this item. Lawrence stated that this house was owned by his grandparents and passed down. Unfortunately, the house is not in good shape. The middle of the house was the original and was added on throughout the years. The house has rot issues, mold, and is has basically no heat. The plan is to rebuild within basically the same footprint, but the home may have to move slightly for conservation reasons. Discussion: George noted that the applicant should work with building to ensure buildability should the footprint need to be moved. The Commission discussed should the applicant save a wall or two and that the full demolition would also be applicable to a partial demolition should the need arise. Public Comment: None MOTION 1: George Jessop moved that after review and consideration of public testimony, the application, and associated materials, the Significant Buildings located at 91 Craigville Beach Road, Hyannis, is a Preferably Preserved Significant Building. Bob Frazee seconded. So Voted: Nay- Jack Kay, George Jessop, Robert Frazee, Barbara DeBiase, Nancy Shoemaker. MOTION 2: Draft George Jessop moved that in accordance with Section 112-3(G), the Barnstable Historical Commission determines that the full demolition of the Preferably Preserved Significant Building located at 91 Craigville Beach Road, Hyannis, is not detrimental to the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage or resources of the Town. Bob Frazee seconded. So Voted: Aye- George Jessop, Jack Kay, Robert Frazee, Barbara DeBiase, Nancy Shoemaker. Dinardo, Jeffrey & Apse, Maria, 55 Poponessett Road, Cotuit, Map 035, Parcel 002, Built 1942 Full Demolition: Demolish the existing principal dwelling. Peter Pometti was in attendance for this item. Peter stated that he has represented several dwellings in Cotuit before with historical significance, but that this dwelling is not one that holds such significance. The dwelling has not been kept in good shape. The new house would be an approximately 2700 sq ft cottage style dwelling with a detached garage. He stated is the intention to also demolish the accessory dwelling that exists on the lot as well. Discussion: Bob asked about an addition to the rear of the dwelling had a little bit of postmodern flavor to it. Bob asked if it was something worth saving or potentially reusing depending on what sort of shape it is in. Peter noted that it was a later addition and not a 1920s postmodern addition. Public Comment: None MOTION 1: Bob Frazee moved that after review and consideration of public testimony, the application, and associated materials, the Significant Buildings located at 55 Poponessett Road, Cotuit, is a Preferably Preserved Significant Building. This motion is to include the demolition of the accessory structures as well. Jack Kay seconded. So Voted: Nay- Jack Kay, George Jessop, Robert Frazee, Barbara DeBiase, Nancy Shoemaker. MOTION 2: Bob Frazee moved that in accordance with Section 112-3(G), the Barnstable Historical Commission determines that the full demolition of the Preferably Preserved Significant Building located at 55 Poponessett Road, Cotuit is not detrimental to the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage or resources of the Town. This motion is to include the demolition of the accessory structures as well. Jack Kay seconded. So Voted: Aye- George Jessop, Jack Kay, Robert Frazee, Barbara DeBiase, Nancy Shoemaker. Other: Draft • Community Preservation Committee Update: A wonderful Letter of Intent was presented at the May 20th remote CPC Zoom meeting, seeking $165,000 in CPA historic preservation funds to repair 270 gravestones at the Federated Church cemetery in Hyannis. The Committee voted to advance the proposal to the application stage, which could return to next month's agenda, if it’s ready then. It will be pursued by Fanin Lehner Preservation Consultants with decades of experience. Also, the Committee saw photos and heard the report of how effective the initial CPA funding at the cemetery has been, as the black wrought iron fence funded to enclose the property has eliminated vandalism and addiction on the premises, and both had been prevalent before the fence was added. Also, the Historical Society of Santuit and Cotuit is seeking another $30,000 to supplement its previous CPA grant to fund restoration of their homestead's buttery plus completion of HVAC work previously funded but now inadequate due to price increases, and this was also voted to the application stage for further consideration as early as next meeting. • Discussion of upcoming historical events open to the public: o Sturgis library will have an exhibit for June that is given by the Barnstable Historical So- ciety on graveyards of Barnstable Village. It will be centered on Nathaniel Holmes who was the first stone carver on the Cape. o West Barnstable Historical Society is having a meeting on May 28th at 5pm at the Tavern on the Green. This meeting will be a gathering of people telling stories. o On May 31st Steve Howland will be giving a lecture on the Howland family at the 1717 Meetinghouse. o The Craigville Beach bonfire will be August 10th so Centerville home week is the week leading up to the bonfire. • Election of Chair- Bob Frazee nominated to elect George as temporary Chair. Barbara seconded. So Voted: Aye- George Jessop, Jack Kay, Robert Frazee, Barbara DeBiase, Nancy Shoemaker. • Trayser Artifacts Update: Bob and Nancy will be meeting with the consultant, Liz Holbrook, on May 22nd at 11am. Erica noted that Liz has stated that given the fact that the artifacts have been in the attic for the last twenty years a good number of them are in decent shape. Erica showed the updated inventory to the Commission. Bob noted that on the excel spreadsheet that there is not a way to expand the photos. • Cotuit Form Bs: Bob Frazee moved to accept the Form Bs and submit them to the MHC for consideration. Jack Kay seconded. So Voted: Aye- George Jessop, Jack Kay, Robert Frazee, Barbara DeBiase, Nancy Shoemaker. Minutes April 16, 2024 Jack Kay moved to approve the minutes of April 16, 2024. Bob Frazee seconded. Draft So Voted: Aye- George Jessop, Jack Kay, Robert Frazee, Nancy Shoemaker. Abstain- Barbara DeBiase Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair Next meeting will be June 18, 2024. With no further business before this Commission, a motion was duly made by Commissioner Kay and seconded Commissioner Frazee by to adjourn the meeting. Aye: George Jessop, Jack Kay, Bob Frazee, Barbara DeBiase, and Nancy Shoemaker. Meeting adjourned at 4:45pm. Respectfully Submitted, Erica Brown, Administrative Assistant