BHDC Minutes November 18 2015 - ApprovedBeverly Historic Commission
Draft Minutes — November 18, 2015
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Board: Historic District Commission
Date: November 18, 2015
Location: Beverly City Hall, City Council Chambers, 191 Cabot Street
Beverly, MA.
Members Present William Finch, Chair, Vice Chair James Younger, Martin Lian,
and Suzanne LaMont
Members Absent: Wendy Pearl
Others Present: Allison Crosbie, Staff Planner
Recorder: Eileen Sacco
Finch called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Crosbie explains that the owner has requested to have an informal discussion with the
Commission regarding her options to replace the front door of her property at 26 Front Street, in
the Fish Flake Hill Historic District. She notes that the property was constructed circa 1764.
Finch explains that the Commission is not able to act on anything this evening as there is no
application or proposal before them this this evening. He explains that the applicant can discuss
options with the Commission and members can give some advice and suggestions on what would
be appropriate.
Finch explains that the door that she is requesting to replace appears to be from the 1830s and
states that there are a variety of options that she can consider. He states that she could simply
keep the door as it is and put a storm door on it.
The owner addresses the Commission and states that she really does not want to replace the door,
however it is in such bad condition that during the winter, snow flies through it.
Finch suggests that if it is not possible to replace the door, she could replicate it. He notes that
the architectural components of the door are not inexpensive and suggests she could consider
using longer lasting wood.
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Beverly Historic Commission
Draft Minutes — November 18, 2015
Finch explains that he received a call from Ben Carlson, the owner of the property at 637 Hale
Street which is under Demolition Delay until June 24, 2016. He explains that Carlson reported
to him that he has had discussions with City Planner Aaron Clausen regarding subdividing the
land without a variance. He explains that under the current ordinance that is not possible and
notes that the City is working on an ordinance amendment.
Finch explains that his conversation with Carlson was relative to adding an addition with the
possibility of a two family dwelling.
Finch states that Carlson asked if the Commission would support a variance.
Younger states that it does not make sense to him to have a conversation about this until he has a
plan, noting that the Commission does not have enough information on the proposal to consider
it.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Beverly Historic Commission this evening,
Lian moved to adjourn the meeting. Younger seconds the motion. The motion carries (4-0).
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
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