2002-02-14Historic District Commission
Meeting Minutes – February 14, 2002
Page 1
CITY OF BEVERLY
Public Meeting Minutes
BOARD: Historic Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: February 14, 2002
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: William Finch, Matt Lewis, James Younger John
Condon & John Frates
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER: Diane Presutti
1. Permission of Demolition: 275 Elliott Street/H. Marron & J. Wittenberg
Mr. Jerry Wittenberg approaches the Board and begins to explain that being a resident of
the neighborhood; Mr. Marron and he decided to look into finding the owner of the
property. They felt the property was in such bad shape it must have been abandoned. The
contacted the owner in New York who in turn sold the property to Mr. Marron and Mr.
Wittenberg on December 26, 2001. Their first plan was to refurbish the existing home.
When seeing the state of disrepair of the home they decided to tear it down and rebuilt a
single family dwelling. Mr. Wittenberg was contacted by numerous antique dealers
asking to tour the home for anything of value. No items were sold at this time but within
a few weeks the house was illegally entered and the floors, doors, and oher architectural
woodwork were removed without the consent of the owners. Due to the state of disrepair,
the property was uninsurable. Mr. Wittenberg states that Mr. Steve Archer contacted him
regarding a buyer for the home. This buyer wanted to move the home. Mr. Wittenberg
states that three weeks lapsed and Mr. Archer never got back in touch with him.
Mr. Marron states that he bought the house as an investment. When he first visited the
home it was occupied by an elderly man.
Mr. Griffin speaks on behalf of his son Scott who lives at 1 Echo Avenue. His son has
been a resident for five years and is in favor of having the home demolished.
Historic District Commission
Meeting Minutes – February 14, 2002
Page 2
Mr. Finch distributes pictures taken of the home prior to the meeting. The various
pictures show the disrepair of the home. He also reiterates the conversation Mr.
Wittenberg had with Mr. Archer. He states that he heard from a realtor who knew of
someone who had wished to purchase the property at the time it was sold.
Mr. Finch also the states that the responsibility of the Board is to determine if the
property is historically significant; and that if it is significant, to determine if it is
“Preferably Preserved” and thereby delay the issuance of a demolition permit for up to
six months.
Mr. Finch also asks when Mr. Wittenberg last saw the home in tact prior to the burglary.
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He states that the home had 18 or 19 century chimney breasts, staircase, floor boards,
and frame worth preserving. He suggests there should be appropriate time to find a
company that might restore or disassemble the frame. He asks Mr. Wittenberg and Mr.
Marron to delay demolition until May 1, 2002, to give time for anyone interested in the
building to come forward.
Mr. Younger questions the time frame the HC has to work with.
Mr. Wittenberg and Mr. Marron agrees on May 1, 2002.
Mr. Finch asks if there is any further discussion. He reads a letter dated 1/31/2002 from
Diane & John Denman of 271 Elliott Street in favor of the demolition.
Mr. Lewis agrees with May 1, 2002 deadline.
Mr. Finch asks for motion to declare property historical significant and pref. Preserved.
Mr. Condon motions property is of historical significance and Pref. Preserved; to use date
of May 1, 2002, with intent to facilitate solution.
Seconded by Mr. Younger, motion carries 5-0.
Mr. Finch also states if solution is found prior to May 1, 2002; a meeting will be set up to
move process along. He also suggests that the building be boarded up and secured.
2. Other Business
4 Davis Street:
Mr. Finch states that the Board will invite the owner in to discuss
replacement windows installed without a COA. He also states he could not find any old
archive photos showing original windows.
37 Front Street:
Robert Neiley couldn’t attend meeting and request another continuance
of his application of COA. The Board concurred with the request.
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Meeting Minutes – February 14, 2002
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2 Davis Street:
Owners wish to set up date for their revised application of COA
regarding work plan previously approved by the Board. Mr. Finch states a Wednesday or
Thursday evening in March will be set up.
31 Lothrop Street:
Mr. Finch states that this building was demolished without going
through the Demolition Delay Process or obtaining a demolition permit. City Solicitor
Intends to find that any building erected on the site must conform to zoning to obtain a
building permit, and that grand fathered rights of the building were ended when it was
taken down. Mr. Finch suggested that the Historic Commission should not take any
action relative to demolition Delay Ordinance and leave the matter to the City Solicitor to
resolve.
Mr. Condon motions to adjourn at 8:35 p.m.
Motion carries 5-0.