FINAL
Present for the Board of Appeals and attending the meeting were: Bill Rossi, Chair, Frank LoRusso, Rodney Bunker, Peter Knight, Wendy Weldon and Chuck Hodgkinson. Absent were Barbara Armstrong, Chris Murphy and Michael Halbreich. Also present: Tauras and Ellen Biskis, and Richard Osnoss.
Mr. Rossi opened the meeting at 7:00 PM with the following agenda:
- Tauras Biskis continued hearing: 55 Old Woods Rd.; Map 26 Lot 5.
MINUTES: The August 9, 2005 minutes were reviewed. Mr. LoRusso made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Knight seconded and the vote was four in favor with one abstention (Ms. Weldon).
TAURAS BISKIS: Mr. Rossi opened the continued hearing at 7:10 PM and explained to Mr. Biskis that his special permit will need a unanimous vote in favor from Messrs. Rossi, LoRusso, Bunker and Knight. Ms. Weldon will abstain from the vote. With this understanding Mr. Biskis summarized his revised plan as follows: 1. The current historic house that he would like to reproduce is the Mayhew-Robinson-Barclay house c. 1870. 2. Photographs of the chosen house that included a 1980’s renovation were presented. 3. A second set of photographs of the same house that was built in 1992 by Richard Osnoss were also presented to represent a form of the house before the 1980’s renovations.
Mr. Osnoss added that his house is not an exact reproduction of the original house but does represent the architectural design and feel of the mid-1800’s era. After much discussion the Board read a letter from the Planning Board dated 9/12/05 and summarized by stating the proposed rough plans for reproducing the chosen house are not an accurate reproduction of the original house. There are several modern features that were not a part of the original architectural design -- such as the windows and trim details. It was explained that the Board is not a historical review board and they must evaluate special permit applications against the zoning by-laws. The by-law clearly states that the chosen house must be a reproduction of the architectural dimensions and form of a house built before 1850. The
by-law is written specifically with regard to exterior reproduction. It is the applicant’s responsibility to convince the Board that the proposed plans are an accurate reproduction of the original historic house.
The Board commented that there are several qualified architects on the island that can properly research the architectural history of a structure and provide documented proof of its original exterior design features such as windows, trim, siding, entryways, roof pitch etc. They continued by stating this is the type of evidence they require to grant a special permit under Article 6 Section 6.3 and that there are companies that can reproduce historic features with current materials (ex. windows). The only exceptions that may apply relate to doing what is necessary to meet the current building codes.
Upon further discussion the applicant requested the hearing be continued to October 11. Mr. LoRusso made a motion to accept the request and continue the hearing to 10/11/05 @ 7:25 PM. Mr. Bunker seconded and the vote was four in favor to continue and one abstention (Ms. Weldon).
Mr. Knight made a motion to adjourn. Mr. LoRusso seconded and the ZBA meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted by Chuck Hodgkinson.
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