2003-12-10
CITY OF BEVERLY
Public Meeting Minutes (Special Meeting)
BOARD: Historic District Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: December 10, 2003
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: William Finch, Matt Lewis, John Frates,
John Condon
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: James Younger
OTHERS PRESENT: Leah Zambernardi
RECORDER: Diane Presutti
Mr. Finch calls the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
1. Special Meeting - 62-64 Dodge Street/Review of Alternative Plans
Mr. David O’Sullivan of O’Sullivan Architecture approaches the Board with footprints
and elevation designs for the historic building at 62-64 Dodge Street. The Architecture
firm has designed units inside the historic building; therefore, no demolition is needed.
Mr. O’Sullivan states that they will be preserving all essential parts of the house. He
points out an add on stairway to the rear right of the property and a rear addition that will
be demolished. He points out the new residential units to the rear of the home have been
moved back. These units will have a cape style with a two-car garage for the tenants of
the historic house.
The historic house will have two units with the chimneys remaining intact. The front of
the house will be preserved and repaired, leaving 3 main rooms intact.
Mr. Frates questions the granite walls in basement.
Mr. O’Sullivan states that the basement will have some repairs and he points to the areas
where there is and will remain crawl space. He believes the floor to ceiling height is 7’
2”. He also states that there will be no basements in the new units to be built behind the
historic house. There will be one commercial unit in the development behind the house.
Mr. Finch asks the Board for any further comments or questions.
Mr. Lewis states he likes how they have decided to keep the house and likes the design.
Attorney Tom Alexander states that they are asking for the Commission’s support in their
petition to the ZBA and for site plan review with the Planning Board.
Historic District Commission
Meeting Minutes – December 10, 2003
Page 2
Mr. O’Sullivan states that the same colors and basically the same materials will be used
on the units behind the house.
Mr. Frates states he is also pleased with the firm saving the historic building.
Mr. Finch likes the design to save the historic house and states that there still is a
Demolition Delay in effect on the historic building.
Mr. Alexander states that they are not looking for action towards the Demolition Delay;
they just want the support of the HDC with the new design.
Mr. Finch states that if Mr. Alexander acquires all permits necessary to go forward with
the development, he will then call an HDC meeting to lift the Demolition Delay. They
will go to the Board in the future to formally lift the delay period.
Mr. Needham addresses the Board and asks for a letter of support to be presented to the
ZBA and the Planning Board. He also asks Mr. Finch to attend the ZBA meeting in show
of support for the project.
Mr. Condon motions to accept as presented, seconded by Mr. Lewis. Motion carries 4-0.
Mr. Condon motions to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Lewis. Motion carries 4-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.