Lincoln Historical Commission
Historic District Commission
Meeting Minutes
December 2, 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
Barbara Myles, Director, Lincoln Library
Kathleen Harris, 37, Laurel Drive
Joel Freedman, 38 Laurel Drive
Susan Law, Coldwell Banker
NEXT ANTICIPATED MEETING: Tuesday, January 6, 2004, 7:30 p.m., Town Offices
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Minutes of the October 7, 2003 meeting were approved as written.
Library Snow Guards:
Barbara Myles, Director for the Library, came before the members to discuss the installation of snow rails along three areas of the roof above the library entrance: (1) to the left of the entrance above the turret and the Children s Room windows; (2) directly above the book drop; and (3) to the right of the book drop above the down spout. This should solve the problem of snow sliding off the roof over the entry, which is quite dangerous. They would be three-pipe adjustable snow guards consisting of brass base plates, brass rails, and brass rivets and brass bolts. After a brief discussion, David Ries moved to approve the snow guards as shown in a design presented by Ms. Myles. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
Brown s Wood (Laurel Drive and Moccasin Hill area):
Kathleen Harris and Joel Freedman came before the members to discuss the desire to have the Brown s Wood neighborhood preserved as a historic district and to find out what steps need to be taken to get this process started. This is a neighborhood of 1950 s houses with modern architecture, which was incorporated to buy land and build houses and ended up developing Valley Pond. Some of the neighbors would like the area protected to prevent having these houses torn down and being replaced by inappropriate houses for the area. After a brief discussion, it was suggested that they take a poll of the neighbors who are in favor of this and read through the by-laws so that they are informed as to the rules and regulations of being included in a historic district. They were given the by-laws and a form
used to inventory houses for historic preservation. They will meet with the neighbors and get back to the members with any questions.
Demolition Delay By-Law:
1 Hawk Hill Road (demolish existing structure):
Susan Law, Realtor, came before the members on behalf of the owner, Ruth Ray, to request permission to demolish the existing structure at 1 Hawk Hill Road. The house is a multi-level contemporary built in 1963 comprised of 12 rooms. It is currently for sale and it was felt that the area was lovely but some may feel that the style was not particularly attractive to buyers because of the layout of the house. Several abutters voiced their concern that something inappropriate for the neighborhood could be put up instead, which could change the whole character of the neighborhood. After a brief discussion, Susan Law withdrew the application for now and will consult with her client as to whether she wants to go forward or not with this request. There was a further discussion about the feasibility of
changing the Demolition Delay By-law and this will be discussed further after reviewing Mass. General Law 40C and the possibility of being able to change the Town s by-law.
Other Business:
Flint Homestead The members continued the discussion of the Flint Homestead on Lexington Road. Colin Smith discussed his draft letter with Buzz Constable and revisions were given to the members to read over and they will come back with any comments or suggestions at a future meeting. The final draft, which will include options that the HDC is comfortable with, will be given to the Selectmen to read over and approve before going to Henry or Edward Flint. Colin Smith will discuss the options with Tim Higgins. Mary Spindler will continue to check with Sudbury, who has dealt with similar situations, to get their input. The members felt that it was highly desirable that the personal property be inventoried. The members will continue to seek a solution, which
will be agreeable to all parties.
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There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine Carroll
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