Lincoln Historical Commission
Historic District Commission
Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2003, 7:30 p.m.
Board: Colin Smith, Chair, Eleanor Fitzgerald, Stefania Jha, David Ries and Mary Spindler
Town: Elaine Carroll
Guests: Jack MacLean, Historian
Timothy Taylor, Attorney for Lexington Road Development LP
Lee Harrison, President, Old Town Hall Corporation
NEXT ANTICIPATED MEETING: Tuesday, October 7, 2003, 7:30 p.m., Town Offices
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minutes of the July 15, 2003 meeting were approved with corrections, which will be made.
Old Town Hall Corporation, 25 Lincoln Road (signpost):
Lee Harrison apologized to the members for the series of miscommunications, which were responsible for the need to come before the members at this time. She said that the post was supposed to be a simple cedar post, which was agreed to by the Planning Board. Walpole Woodworkers told them that because of the size of the sign, a metal post would be needed inside the cedar post to support the sign. She said that she know that they didn t needed to come before the members when the signpost was the same as before, but realizes now that they should have done so when the post changed. Mrs. Harrison went before the Planning Board and it was requested that they paint the signpost green to help it blend better. The signpost was painted by a group effort to be more in conformity. She defended the
post size saying that it was in keeping with the size of the building and was needed to hold the sign with all of the tenants on it. She asked that it be left as is for fiscal reasons. They are a non-profit organization and the post was a lot of money. They are planning to plant day lilies around it in the future. Several members felt that it looked better green and Colin Smith said that it was not a big enough issue that it should be taken down. Mary Spindler asked Mrs. Harrison that if and when it has to be replaced, it should be made smaller. David Ries made the motion that no further action should be taken regarding the signpost. This motion was seconded and unanimously approved with the stipulation that, if it is replaced, the post should be smaller.
118 Lexington Road (demolish existing barn):
Tim Taylor, Attorney for Lexington Road Development LP, came before the Commission for a demolition plan review for the existing barn at 118 Lexington Road. Mr. Taylor said that he had spoken with Kerry Glass and the Lincoln Historical Society will be meeting tomorrow, Sept. 10, but she doesn t think that they will do anything about the barn. They would need to either buy the land the barn is on or pay someone to move it. Colin Smith stated that Michael McGarry of Old County Road has expressed an interest in moving the barn. Mr. McGarry said that he was only in the early stages. Mr. McGarry asked Mr. Taylor if the owner is ready to relinquish the barn now. Mr. Taylor said that the owners might say that it is yours for $10 or come back in 2 months. He wasn t sure. The members
felt that it would be preferable to keep it on site but would also like to see it in Lincoln as opposed to being torn down. Colin said that the demolition permit lasts only 6 months and can be renewed for another six months after which time it expires and after that time a new application must be filled out and the applicant has to come before the members again. Mr. Taylor said that the owners have no intention of removing the structures at this time. They feel that the property looks better with the house and barn on it. He doesn t feel that his clients would take it down unless someone comes and says that they do not want the structures. The members have 30 days from the date of this meeting to make their decision and then must submit a report to the applicant and the Building Inspector of their decision. If the request to demolish is denied, the applicant has to wait six months before applying for a demolition permit with the Building
Department. During the six-month period, the applicant must show good faith that they have tried to find a solution other than demolition of the barn. There was a discussion about when the Demolition Delay Bylaw was adopted and which copy was the official bylaw. Elaine Carroll will consult with the Town Clerk and make sure that all members have the official bylaw available to them.
Colin Smith asked that, when a demolition permit is given to an applicant, they be informed about the six-month time limit.
Other Business:
Codman Trust Funds Mary Spindler asked what the status was of the money the Codman Trust had agreed to give to the HDC to help with compiling reports of buildings for inclusion into the Historic Districts. Colin Smith said that he thought the Selectmen needed to write to the Codman Trust approving the gift. He said that he would contact Tim Higgins to see if that had been done.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine Carroll
| 
