HomeMy WebLinkAboutOKH 07 24 24 Draft Minutes
Town of Barnstable
Old King’s Highway Historic District Committee
MINUTES
Wednesday, July 24, 2024, 6:30pm
To all persons deemed interested or affected b y the Town of Barnstable's Old King’s Highway
Historic District Act under Section 9 of Chapter 470, Acts of 1973 as amended. You are hereby
notified that a hearing was held by remote participation via Zoom Meetings on the following
applications:
Bett McCarthy, Chair Present
George Jessop, AIA Absent
Ryan Coholan Present
Lesley Wallace Present
Wendy Shuck, Clerk Present
Erica Brown, Administrative Assistant Present
A quorum being met, Chair Bett McCarthy called the hearing to order at 6:30 pm. The Chair
explained the hearing and appeal process and invited the public to address the Committee and
view the plans of interest when the application is called.
______________________________________________________________________________
Roll Call
Chair Bett McCarthy called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm and took roll call.
Attendance Roll Call:
Ryan Coholan
Lesley Wallace
Wendy Shuck
Bett McCarthy
CONTINUED APPLICATIONS
Lemay, Matt & Sarah, 56 Redwing Lane, Barnstable, Map 318, Parcel 007, Undeveloped Land
Construct new colonial style home with carriage house on vacant lot.
Josh Blakely, Matt & Sarah Lemay, and James Stokes were in attendance for this proposal.
Matt Lemay, the applicant, gave a small presentation about who they (Matt & Sarah) are as this is their
fourth meeting and wanted to introduce themselves a bit more and wanted to share how they have been
listening to the Committee and share their feedback of the changes that they’ve made. Matt shared how
they have been part of the community for years and generations. As for the changes, Josh has been able to
work with the land engineering folks to move the carriage house as far back as they can due to
conservation restrictions, over thirty things have changed to the house to help garner a more historical
look including window changes, the square footage of the house has been reduced further, they did pull
inspiration from other homes along 6A especially on Aberle Way which are newer homes, and he
reiterated they would like to expose the ancient stone wall with indigenous trees and plantings behind it.
They committed to this and would like to contribute to the village.
Josh Blakely went over some more of the changes to the home. He started with the site plan stating that
they worked with down cape engineering to push the carriage house back. He noted that the stone wall
and the work limits per conservation will all be preserved. As for the design, a colonial revival home with
a full width porch with symmetrical columns. They have matched the symmetry as far as window
placement, window spacing, and window sizing. Trim and rake details are included. The carriage house is
sitting parallel to the main structure. The south elevation will be parallel with route 6A. Josh noted the
windows are meant to have 6 over 6 windows as well. The carriage house has seen less revision, but it is
meant to replicate the house.
Committee Discussion:
Wendy- Requested to see the plot plan again. Wendy asked to clarify where the driveway is. Josh
responded it will be parallel with Red Wing Lane. Josh stated that the garage door may be partially seen
from 6A. Wendy noted that the applicants have listened, and the house has a more historical feel
especially changing the windows. The front door should probably change with a door without lights and
with only side lights. Josh stated that they are willing to change the door. Wendy asked what the new
square footage is. Josh stated that the main house is 3000 square feet now. Wendy noted that typically
most of the additions on these types of homes are on the back of the house and since the wings of the
house are on the front, this house appears large. The carriage house needs more changes and would like to
see that carriage house look more like a garage. Wendy noted she appreciates the work, comments, and
time taken for this, but it needs more work.
Ryan- Stated that the movement of the carriage house makes a big difference. Ryan asked for clarification
on what will remain as a buffer between the house and 6A with exposing the stone wall. Josh stated that
Matt and Sarah are consulting with conservationists about that to work with indigenous plantings so
anything that would get planted would be found in the area. It will not be wide open. The main concerns
is working to expose that stone wall and preserve the stone wall. Ryan stated he thinks the applicants have
done a wonderful job hearing the feedback, making adjustments, and compromising where they can.
Lesley- Thanked the applicants for continuing to make changes. Noted that the roof change and the
change of the porch are big improvements. She can see where Wendy is coming from with the door, but
the windows are a vast improvement. Asked if the porch could be changed slightly to mirror the one on
Aberle Way. Josh clarified about the columns and the soffits. On the carriage house, suggested taking the
two windows out on the west elevation and replacing them with another garage door to give it a more
carriage house feel. Looking at the south elevation of the carriage house it appears off. The blank space
towards the right side of the carriage house is empty and makes it look asymmetrical. Matt stated he
would be good with a window being added in that space to create more symmetry. Lesley clarified that
the windows on the carriage house would also be 6 over 6. Josh stated that they would be.
Bett- The overall look is not hitting the mark historically. She noted that the homes on Aberle have more
pointed triangular shapes, and it breaks up the massing on the front. There is house on Hyannis Road that
has a front porch, but it breaks up the flat roof line on the front. Bett agrees with Lesley’s comments about
the porch and liked the suggestion that Lesley made. Bett noted that the carriage house appears as a
garage and not a carriage house. Bett suggested on the house if there is another sort of triangular shape to
help break up some of the massing.
Public Comment:
Carrie Woods- Introduced herself as her and her husband own the Barnstable House on 6A. Carrie thanked
the Committee for their time and dedication to their work as volunteers. Carrie noted that she met Matt
when he was taking photographs of her house. Her and her husband went out to speak with them and had a
long talk about what Matt is trying to accomplish on this lot. She felt impressed by Matt and his family’s
commitment to preserving Old King’s Highway. She was there to speak on a character level of Matt and
his family. She appreciated the thought and time the family has put into this project.
Matt Chase- Owner of the lot. Stated that he and his family have put in a lot of time and consideration to
whom they would be selling the property to with the knowledge of preserving the character of the
neighborhood. They are in an agreement for the sale of the lot which has been pushed back and pushed
back and is not sure if they were to sell to someone else or a developer that they would put the time and
effort into this as Matt and Sarah have.
Wellesley Marsh- Noted that when this house went before the board of health it was proposed as a four
bedroom with no carriage house. On the application, the square footage has not been written anywhere and
asked what the square footage would be. Josh answered that it is 900 sq ft for the carriage house and 3000
sq ft for the main house. Noted that the work limit line has changed from the first set of plans to this one.
Asked if that was something the applicant could change or would it need to go before conservation because
of the wetland. Josh stated that it would need to go through conservation and have been working with down
cape engineering concerning where the carriage house may be moved to. Asked what the height of the
house is. James stokes responded that it is 29ft. Noted some changes in between the first site plan and this
one. The overall design is not indicative of the area. The size is not indicative of the area either.
Mary McKenzie- Thanked the applicant for the revisions and had a couple questions. The east elevation
now has three revisions and noted that the window in the top center is large. Asked if there is living space
there. Asked about the maximum height of a house in Barnstable. Ryan responded the maximum height is
30ft. Asked if the pitch of the roof same throughout the whole design. James responded the main house
with the two wings are both 7 pitch. The garage is 10 pitch. The windows were placed to create symmetry.
It is the same height and width. That is unfinished space there. Noted that the plan for landscaping does not
have a landscape plan. Her concern is the 5 maples in between her property and their property. The window
looks great.
Ryan Coholan- Commented that after hearing the comments of the Committee and the public, he heard a
lot about how the lot pertains to the structures and how some traditionally go behind the house. He noted
that traditionally when that would have happened there was no restriction to those wetlands and that would
have made it easy. He noted that this a unique piece of land that someone whether it be residential,
commercial, or a developer is going to do something with it. There is some truth to that it is better to know
than what we don’t know. Echoed the comments of Lesley and the front porch and column detail. He would
ask that if this moves forward, that that be recorded as a modification to the decision.
The Chair asked if the applicant would like to continue this item. Matt stated that they are at the end of the
agreement time and it would be up to Matt Chase as the owner of the lot to extend their agreement. Erica
noted that the applicant can either move forward with the application for a decision or agree to a
continuance. The agreement between the applicant and lot owner is not within the scope of jurisdiction.
They could agree to a continuance and work with the lot owner to extend their agreement, and if they cannot
come to an agreement to extend then they could withdraw their application. It is up to the applicant to
choose if they would like a decision or another continuance. Matt agreed to a continuance.
Wendy Shuck moved to continue the Certificate of Appropriateness Application for Lemay, Matt & Sarah, 56
Redwing Lane, Barnstable, Map 318, Parcel 007, Undeveloped Land to Construct a new colonial style home with
carriage house on vacant lot to the August 14, 2024 meeting at 6:30pm to be held remotely via Zoom.
Ryan Coholan seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote
Ryan Coholan-aye
Lesley Wallace- aye
Wendy Shuck- aye
Bett McCarthy- aye
Andryauskas, Frank & Margaret, 50 First Way, Barnstable, Map 301, Parcel 046, Built 1974
Build new 30’D x 64’L x 30’H home.
Mike Rockwell, Frank and Margaret Andryauskas were in attendance for this proposal.
Mike Rockwell presented that they took the Committee’s comments to heart and worked on this project to
make it look less cluttered and some more symmetry. One of the largest changes was to pull the garage
back from the front and reduced the garage height. The roof pitch of the garage is the same. The triple glass
door was replaced with a 6 panel two light centered entry door. The windows are all symmetrical. There
will be a short rail in the cut out on the left side. All windows were changed to 6 over 6.
Committee Discussion:
Wendy- Pleased with the changes, The style of the house is much more in keeping. The third floor is a little
off the inset and the dormer. Very nice changes that will blend in with the neighborhood. One other concern
is the size of the house. Mike stated the existing house is about 1200 square ft and the proposed is 2700 sq
ft. Wendy noted there is one other house of about that size in the neighborhood so it isn’t out of place, but
it may appear big in the neighborhood.
Lesley- Appreciates that the garage has been pushed back and it is a great location. She also agrees with
Wendy that the third floor throws the design off. She would prefer to see two dormers or two insets for the
symmetry.
Ryan- The scaling of the overall structure is creative and recognized the push back of the garage. There are
a lot of newer structures in that neighborhood that have quirks. The asymmetry on the top floor is the quirk
for this home. This dwelling would fit in that genre.
Bett- The changes are very well done especially taking out the sliders and creating symmetry with the
windows. The changes make this home blend in better with the neighborhood. Agrees with Wendy about
the third floor.
Mike- Noted that the front elevation is the water side so the combination of the inset and dormer is to create
that view for the homeowner. Mike noted that he would need to run it by the homeowner, but it would be
conceivable to do two dormers or two insets.
Frank- They would be willing to compromise and do two insets.
Ryan- Clarified that would be talking about two insets. Ryan’s concerned with it looking like two holes in
the roof. Wendy noted they did mention that a railing would be installed which would help with that.
Public Comment:
Bruce Richards- In favor of the plan as previously designed, but does like the idea of symmetry and the
changes that have been made to this plan. Bruce noted that he is in favor of the symmetry. They are in
support of this proposal.
Bill Quinn- Not a direct abutter but lives one street over and knows the applicants and the home well. To
start denying applications purely on size would be a harkening to the past and the only structures that would
exist would be saltworks. He noted that perspective is everything. He noted that there are plenty of homes
in the neighborhood equal or similar in size that this home would not be out of character. He does agree
with the symmetrical changes to the doors and windows. He is in support of this proposal and asked that
the Committee pass this COA with these minor changes. He would be more in favor of two dormers and a
porch on the north side of the elevation.
Erica noted that there were six letters of support submitted in support of this proposal. The Committee
acknowledged that they read the letters.
Frank- Noted that although they were disappointed that they were not approved the first time, they do
believe they have a better design now. He also thanked his neighbors for their overwhelming support.
Janice Richards- Agrees with the symmetry and is in full support of this proposal with the symmetry.
Wendy Shuck moved to open the public hearing. Seconded by Ryan Coholan.
Roll Call Vote
Ryan Coholan- aye
Lesley Wallace- aye
Wendy Shuck- aye
Bett McCarthy- aye
Wendy Shuck moved to approve the Certificated of Appropriateness application for Andryauskas, Frank & Margaret, 50 First
Way, Barnstable, Map 301, Parcel 046, Built 1974 to build new 30’D x 64’L x 30’H home with one modification to make the
third floor symmetrical by using two insets and removing the dormer otherwise as submitted.
Seconded by Ryan Coholan.
Roll Call Vote
Ryan Coholan- aye
Lesley Wallace- aye
Wendy Shuck- aye
Bett McCarthy- aye
APPLICATIONS
Lewis, Robert & Jon TRS, 58 Second Way, Barnstable, Map 319, Parcel 002, Built 1973
Installation of an interconnected rooftop PV system 14 panels. A total of 7 panels are visible from public
view, and 7 panels on the rear of the home are not visible. Will be flush mounted. Black.
Wendy Shuck moved to open the public hearing. Seconded by Lesley Wallace.
Roll Call Vote
Ryan Coholan- aye
Lesley Wallace- aye
Wendy Shuck- aye
Bett McCarthy- aye
Steve Kelly from Sunrun was in attendance for this item.
Steve presented a proposal for a solar system in three arrays for a total of 14 panels. They are black on black panels with a black
skirt. There are some fire setbacks which limit the usable space. They have tried to limit the visibility of the panels from the street
as they can.
Committee Discussion:
Wendy- There are homes with solar panels in that neighborhood and the placement of the panels will not be all that visible from
the road. The pitch of the roof helps with that visibility. No concerns.
Lesley- Agrees with Wendy’s comments. Appropriate.
Ryan- Not a designated scenic way and appropriate.
Bett- The pitch on the front is so narrow that it will be minimally visible. No issues.
Public Comment:
Bill Quinn- In favor of any kind of solar panels except for the raised panels that create an unfavorable
look. He has panels on his own home and wished to convey his support of this proposal.
Wendy Shuck moved to open the public hearing. Seconded by Ryan Coholan.
Roll Call Vote
Ryan Coholan- aye
Lesley Wallace- aye
Wendy Shuck- aye
Bett McCarthy- aye
Wendy Shuck moved to approve the Certificated of Appropriateness application for Lewis, Robert & Jon TRS, 58 Second Way,
Barnstable, Map 319, Parcel 002, Built 1973 to install an interconnected rooftop PV system 14 panels. A total of 7 panels are
visible from public view, and 7 panels on the rear of the home are not visible. Will be flush mounted in black as submitted.
Seconded by Ryan Coholan.
Roll Call Vote
Ryan Coholan-aye
Lesley Wallace- aye
Wendy Shuck- aye
Bett McCarthy- aye
EXTENSIONS
None
MINOR MODIFICATION
None
Approval of Minutes
None
Next Meeting Date: August 14, 2024; August 28, 2024
ADJOURNMENT- Wendy Shuck moved to adjourn the meeting Wednesday July 24, 2024. Ryan Coholan
seconded.
Ryan Coholan- aye
Wendy Shuck- aye
Lesley Wallace- aye
Bett McCarthy- aye
Meeting adjourned at 8:12pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Erica Brown, Administrative Assistant
Planning & Development