FINAL
Present for the Historical Commission and attending the meeting were: Jane Slater, Chair, Karin Wetmore, Steve McGhee, Barbara Armstrong, Lenny Jason, Warren Doty and Chuck Hodgkinson. Bette Carroll and John Flender were absent. Kate Warner, Krishana Collins and Aaron Zeender also attended.
The meeting came to order at 5:00 PM.
TEA LANE FARMHOUSE: The Commission welcomed Krishana Collins and Aaron Zeender who presented architectural drawings of her renovation plans for the historic Tea Lane Farmhouse. The ground lease for the property requires the Historical Commission’s and Board of Selectmen’s approval of the renovation plans. Ms. Collins mentioned that she has not yet decided if the new windows will be six over six or nine over nine panes. A new entry way will be added that mirrors the addition on the opposite side of the house and a dormer will be added on the north side as allowed. After much discussion the Commission agreed the plans are very thoughtful and well done. Ms. Slater read Exhibit I from the ground lease that outlines the renovation guidelines for the farmhouse. The
Commission also agreed the plans are consistent with the guidelines. Mr. Doty added that the work done to date by Ms. Collins has been fantastic and asked if she is planning to remove the large bushes in front of the house facing Middle Road. Ms. Collins said she is planning to replace the bushes with other types of shrubs. Mr. Doty thought this would be an improvement over what’s there now.
The Commission read a letter from Jonathan Scott with his opinion on how to preserve the farmhouse. The Commission agreed that Ms. Collins’s renovation plans are acceptable. After brief discussion a motion was made to approve the plans as presented along with the approval of replacement windows whether they are six over six or nine over nine. The motion was seconded and without further discussion passed unanimously with six in favor. A letter will be sent to the Board of Selectmen informing it of this decision.
RUTH HARRIS HISTORIC HOUSE; 1 Wequobsque Rd.; Map 30 Lot 46; Historic Resource # 78 in the Chilmark Master Plan: Kate Warner presented renovation and expansion plans for this historic house that was built in the early 19th century. She explained a new foundation will be installed and the entire house will be renovated. The Commission explained it is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the architectural integrity of the structure’s exterior is preserved. Ms. Warner explained how the small additions will match the current design of the structure. The Commission agreed.
After discussion a motion was made to approve the plans as presented. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved with six in favor.
STONE WALL RESTORATION: Chuck H. reviewed the location of three sections of stone walls along Middle Road that the Commission plans to restore with the CPA appropriation. He also explained that the previous cost estimate of $2,500 was for two of the three stone walls and asked Mr. Morgan to provide a quote for restoring all three walls. He presented a revised quote of $4,000 from Morgan Landscape and Stone to restore all three stone walls.
After brief discussion a motion was made to award the project to Morgan Stone and Landscape for $4,000. The motion was seconded. In discussion it was agreed to have Mr. Morgan leave any breaks in the stone walls that may exist for old pathways. The motion came to a vote and passed with five in favor and one abstention (Ms. Armstrong).
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION LETTER: Chuck H. distributed a letter from the Massachusetts Historical Commission dated November 28, 2012 asking for an update on nine specific historic structures and sites in Chilmark. The Commission reviewed all nine historic sites. Chuck H. offered to provide photos of each for the next meeting. The Commission agreed to follow up on this project at the January meeting.
CHILMARK SCHOOL: The Commission was curious about whether or not the Chilmark school curriculum includes a lesson or segment on local Chilmark history. It recalled that previous efforts were made to have Chilmark history included in one of the history classes. It was agreed someone should contact the principal to inquire about whether or not Chilmark history is covered in class and if so, try to obtain a copy of the lesson plans.
MEETING MINUTES: The October 24, 2012 meeting minutes were reviewed and approved as presented by consensus.
NEXT MEETINGS: The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 15, 2013.
With no further business to conduct the meeting adjourned at 6:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted by Chuck Hodgkinson, CAS.
| 