Historic District Commission - 11.28.2018 - ApprovedCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
COMMITTEE /COMMISSION: Historic District Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: November 28, 2018
LOCATION: Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot Street
MEMBERS PRESENT: William Finch - Chair; Suzanne LaMont - Vice Chair,
Caroline Mason, Wendy Pearl
OTHERS PRESENT: Emily Hutchings - City of Beverly; Richard Smith -
Architect
RECORDER: Travis Lovett
Finch calls the meeting to order at 7:05pm.
Historic Resources Survey Update - Review of Prospect Hill Boundaries
Upon the recommendation of consultant Wendy Frontiero, the HDC reviewed revised
boundaries for the Prospect Hill area, excluding 4, 6, and 10 Clark Avenue from the area.
Upon review, the HDC approved the revision.
Updates on Potential 6th Round CPA Projects
The Lynch Park CPA Project was voted to be eligible, Pearl said.
Regarding a community -wide historic preservation plan, the Community Preservation
Committee (CPC) had asked the question about whether general CPC funds can be used to
fund a plan. Hutchings said the question about historic preservation plan funding was
discussed on the Massachusetts Historic Commission email list - serve. A representative
from Amherst said plans directly impact future historic preservation projects. LaMont
recommended going to the Community Preservation Coalition website to find other
examples. Pearl said the website has a database of all preservation projects that have been
funded.. Pearl noted that if the plan could not be designated as an eligible project,
administrative funds could be used, as such a plan would assist in CPC decision - making.
Updates on Preservation Projects: Powder House Property Survey
Hutchings stated that the garage in the adjacent parcel does not encroach on the Powder
House property. Pearl asked about the Powder House Lane right -of -way.. Hutchings said
that because no building encroaches on the Powder House property, the Powder House can
be listed on the National Register without consulting other property owners, as the listing
will not impact their properties. It makes the listing process much more straight- forward,
Historic District Commission
November 28, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Page 1 of 3
Hutchings said. There should be a draft nomination to review at the December meeting,
Hutchings said.
Updates on Preservation Projects: GAR Hall
The physical work is going to start by December 10th, Hutchings said. Richard Smith of
Adams & Smith is the architect for GAR Hall facades restoration. Smith described the
project and potential concerns to be addressed.
Discussion ensued regarding how to develop historically appropriate windows for the
building. Smith and the Commission discussed glazing and insulating glass, muntin
profiles, sashes, and storm windows, and how the building code would potentially impact
the design. Hutchings noted that a discussion with the Building Commissioner would be
necessary.
Smith noted that the building is to be restored to its historic 1905 appearance. Smith and
the Commission discussed the egress on the west elevation of the building and how the
building was moved to its current location in the 1940s, which impacted the egress and the
farthest -right window on the west facade. Pearl asked about the paint scheme. Smith
asked about doing some paint analysis, but noted it looks like the building was painted
brown in 1905, as shown in some colorized postcards.
Updates on Preservation Projects: Other
The YMCA sign has been noted by the Massachusetts Historic Commission and that the
nomination form has been amended for listing, Hutchings said.
2019 Meeting Schedule
Regarding the 2019 meeting schedule, Hutchings has noted that the HDC meets on the 4th
Wednesday of each month, except to the 3rd Wednesday in December. No concerns were
expressed about the 2019 meeting schedule.
LaMont motions to table the approval of minutes from July 25, 2018 to the next meeting.
Pearl seconds the motion. The motion carries 4 -0.
New /Other Business: HDC Membership
Hutchings said the planning department is seeking to increase the Historic District
Commission from four people to seven people, as recommended in the City Ordinance.
Pearl noted the Commission needs an architect and a realtor.
New /Other Business: 20 Webster Avenue
There will be a public hearing regarding the proposed demolition of a potentially historic
barn - which is located at 20 Webster Avenue - at 7pm on December 19th. The residence
that is also on the property is not moving. Hutchings said it should be noted that the
property owner is going through the OSRD process to subdivide and develop the property,
Historic District Commission
November 28, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 3
and recommended a site visit. The Commission discussed options for the timing of a site
visit, and determined that December 7th at gam would be an acceptable time.
New /Other Business: Briscoe School RFP
Pearl said she is comfortable with the prospect of finding a developer to utilize the building
and the property, but she has concerns about no protection being placed on the property.
Pearl wants feedback about whether or not a preservation restriction is too much to ask for
the property. Mayor Cahill wants to protect the building, Pearl said. Mason said if the
restriction prevents a developer from bidding on the property, it may be evidence that they
are not serious about its restoration. Pearl voiced concerns about how the property could
be developed while still technically preserving the building, and discussion continued on
how best to protect the historic building without making the property undevelopable.
Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of a preservation restriction and how the RFP
might be worded to emphasize the goal of preserving and protecting the building and site.
Adjournment
Finch motions to adjourn the meeting at 9:1Spm. Pearl seconds the motion. The motion
carries 4 -0. The next Historic District Commission meeting will be held in Beverly City Hall
on December 19, 2018 at 7:00 pm.
Historic District Commission
November 28, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3