2008-06-05
Beverly Historic Commission
Draft Minutes - June 5, 2008
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Date:
Board:
Location:
Members Present
June 5, 2008
Historic District Commission
Beverly City Hall
William Finch, Chair, James Younger, John
Condon, Matthew Lewis
Ralph Turcotte
Kate Newhall
Eileen Sacco
Members Absent:
Others Present:
Recorder:
Finch called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Aooroval of Minutes
The Beverly Historic District Commission meeting minutes for May 22, 2008 were presented. Younger
moved approval as amended, Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried.
265 Essex Street - Demolition of Barn - Essex Park Rehabilitation and N ursini!: Center
Finch recalls that the Commission held a public hearing at the last meeting on May 22, 2008 and the
purpose of this discussion is to issue a decision.
Atty. Tom Alexander addresses the Commission and reports that the owners have met with the neighbors
and John Thomson who are interested in preserving and or working with someone to preserve the
structure.
John Thomson addressed the Commission and explained that they have applied for a small grant to do a
study to see what is involved in preserving the barn. He stated that they would like to continue pursuing
this and suggested that it might be a good site for affordable housing. He notes that the site adds a lot to
the streetscape.
Thomson states that he had a conversation with Arron Sturgis regarding preservation of the barn; he
estimated that 25% of the building could be saved and 75% would be new construction. He noted that
there would be changes to the integrity of the design if it is reconstructed. He also noted that to invest
money into the stabilization of the building would be a waste.
Finch states that the question is if the barn is of historical significance. Younger stated that there are not
many barns left in Beverly and this adds to the neighborhood.
Younger moved to find that the building is historically significant. Condon seconds the motion. The
motion carries.
Finch asks what kind of time is needed to determine if a preservation effort is feasible.
He notes that if the Commission imposes a delay of demolition it could be lifted at anytime.
Atty. Alexander stated that the owners are concerned about liability and also are not looking to do
additional construction, explaining that they are happy to work with Mr. Thomson and cooperate with
him. He stressed that they are not looking to take on additional expense.
Thomson stated that it would be a public benefit to preserve the resource.
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Beverly Historic Commission
Draft Minutes - June 5, 2008
Atty. Alexander noted that they are concerned because kids are getting in and damaging the barn. He
stated that they are sympathetic to Mr. Thomson's and the neighbor's concerns but they are concerned
about the time frame and they would like a shorter delay rather than longer, noting that they want to
cooperate. He estimated that it could cost $10,000 to stabilize the property.
Thomson stated that he felt that they could provide a report in three months on the progress and the delay
could be lifted at that time if there is a reason to do so.
Atty. Alexander requested that they be allowed to take it down at that time without further action
provided that they follow the regulations.
Younger stated that he would prefer to preserve it because it's role historically in the streetscape.
Finch stated that the lifting of the delay could be considered upon documentation that a resolution has
been reached.
Atty. Alexander stated that if they get an enforcement order from the building inspector they will be back
sooner.
Finch suggested that they install a fence for safety reasons.
Building Inspector Steve Frederickson addressed the applicant and suggested covering the windows with
plywood on the ground floor to make the building safe as a temporary solution.
Finch summarized that Mr. Thomson and his group will report to the Commission in three months and
that the report should include a road map for the dismantling of the building.
Thomson noted that it is not possible for him and his group to make this happen. He explained that they
have an interest in seeing this happen but they do not have the finances to do this. He requested four
months to come up with a plan to present to the Commission. Finch agreed that they could help draft a
plan on how to proceed with this.
Younger stated that if they bring forward a plan for documentation of the barn that includes drawings and
photographs, the Commission could act immediately to lift the demolition delay.
Younger moved that before any demolition occurs, the owner shall submit a plan documenting the
existing conditions and a plan for disassembling the barn according to the recommendations of Arron
Sturgis. Condon seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Other Business
Newhall reported that she has received an inquiry on a potential demolition at 76 Trask Street for a
building built in 1864. Finch suggests that the Commission take a look at it to be sure, noting that it may
be historically significant.
Next Meetin2
Newhall will schedule a meeting when needed.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Historic District Commission this evening, Condon
moved to adjourn the meeting. Younger seconded the motion. The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
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