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2011-09-08Beverly Historic Commission Minutes — August 31, 2011 /September 8, 2011 CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES Board: Historic District Commission Date: August 31, 2011 September 8, 2011 Location: Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA. Members Present The following members of the Beverly Historic Commission were present on August 31, 2011: James Younger and Matt Lewis. Due to a lack of a quorum the meeting was continued to September 8, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Members present on September 8, 2011 were: William Finch Chair, James Younger Vice Chair, and John Condon and Ralph Turcotte and Matt Lewis Members Absent: None Staff Present: Kate Newhall Recorder: Eileen Sacco Finch called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Condon moved to recess for public hearings. Younger seconded the motion. The motion carries. Demolition of the Primary Residence at 875 Hale Street — Montrose School Park, LLC Jeff Rhuda of Montrose School Park, LLC is present at the meeting. Finch addresses those present and explains the role of the Historic District Commission in this matter. He explains that a demolition delay order applies to all buildings over 50 years old when an application is presented to the Building Department. He further explains that if the Commission finds that the building could be historically significant, a public hearing is held to determine if the building is, in fact, significant to Beverly and if so, should it be preferably preserved. He also explains that if a building is not found to be historically significant then no determination as to the building being preferably preserved will be necessary and the Building Inspector will be free to issue a demolition permit. Finch also requests that public comments pertain to the historic significance of the building and refrain from discussing the other permits /approvals for the property. Finch asks the owner or his representative to present their case. Rhuda addresses the Commission and explains that they are proposing to tear down the building because they have no choice, noting that it will be in the way of the proposed road. He also states that they concede that the building is historically significant and should be preserved, however, they will not concede the one -year delay for the demolition because they feel it is excessive. Page 1 of 3 Beverly Historic Commission Minutes — August 31, 2011 /September 8, 2011 Finch notes the Form B Historic Property Inventory Form for the home. Additionally, he noted that the building was built in the 1850's and is shown on an 1856 map of Beverly. Finch opens the hearing up for public comment at this time Robert Lewis of 903 Hale Street addresses the Commission and reviews the history of the families that have lived in the area over the years, noting that Oliver Wendell Holmes lived in the house across the street. He states that the house adds to the character of the neighborhood and is unique and that it would be a waste to demolish this lovely old historic home just for the sake of pandering as many homes as they can on the lot. He states that the house adds to the charm of the neighborhood and there has to be another way to go besides tearing this house down. Tom Grant of 868 Hale Street addresses the Commission and notes that he lives across the street from this property. He notes that the house is eligible for the National Historic Register and its historic presence should be maintained for the City of Beverly. R J Lyman of 812 Hale Street addresses the Commission and states that he does not want to see this property demolished. He questioned if the applicant has made a good faith effort to find someone willing to preserve the house and states that he sent Mr. Symes an offer to purchase the property this afternoon; his offer includes a covenant to preserve and protect the property. Attorney Brad Latham, representing the applicant, addresses the Commission and apologizes for being late to the meeting. He also reviews the criteria for the matters before the Commission this evening and requests that the Commission consider them. There being no further questions or comments from the public regarding this matter, Finch declares that public hearing closed at this time. Finch explains that the Commission cannot direct the owner of the property to accept the offer made to purchase the property; he notes that there may be other feasible alternatives that could save the building as well. Finch asks for comments from members of the Commission. Younger addresses the Commission and states that based on the evidence of its importance in the Inventory Form B and photos, it appears to be a good example of Victorian architecture. Lewis states that he agrees. Turcotte states that it is self evident that the property is historically significant. Condon states that he also agrees. Finch states that this is a fairly simple example of the type of architecture, noting that an addition was added to the side of the building, but it does not obscure the architecture. Younger: moves that the Commission find that the building is historically significant. Turcotte seconds the motion. The motion carries (5 -0). Page 2 of 3 Beverly Historic Commission Minutes — August 31, 2011 /September 8, 2011 Finch states that the next matter before the Commission regarding this property is the question of whether the property should be preferably preserved. Turcotte states that removal of the house would negatively impact the neighborhood and reinforces Mr. Lewis' comments, noting that this is the last farm in Beverly Farms. He also states that this house is a signature house in the neighborhood and the neighborhood would be irreversibly diminished without it. Finch agreed with the Commission's comments as to the visibility of the house and its contribution to the character of Beverly Farms. He states that this is a good example of the Victorian architecture of the 1800's. There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter Younger: moves that the building, defined as Exhibit A on the site plan of land for 875 Hale Street, be preferably preserved because it is it is an integral part of the Beverly Farms character, is a good representation of Victorian architecture and its relationship to the former Oliver Wendell Holmes property across the street adds to the character and historic association of the neighborhood; the Commission finds that the removal of the house would be detrimental to the neighborhood. The motion carried (5 -0). Approval of Minutes The minutes of the Historic Commission held on May 19, 2011 were presented for approval. Younger moved to approve the minutes of the meeting as presented. Turcotte seconded the motion. The motion carried (5 -0). Other Business Kate Newhall addressed the Commission and stated that there was an application filed for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 52 Water Street and, upon discussion with the Commissioners, suggested that the Commission schedule a meeting for Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Historic District Commission this evening, Lewis moved to adjourn the meeting. Turcotte seconds the motion. The motion carries (5 -0). The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m Page 3 of 3