Historic District Commission
Minutes
Land Use Meeting Room
November 1, 2011
Members present: Chair Jason Berger, JB; Steve Sample, SS; Elaine Steinert, ES
Absent with notification: Clare Cantone, CC;
Staff present: Peggy Ammendola, PA
Minutes: October 4, 2011-The minutes were tabled as there was not a quorum.
October 18, 2011-This meeting was canceled.
5:30 pm Hoff’s Mobil, 90 Main St., Map 43 Parcel 192, remodeling.
Present were Architect Harry Pisila and Glenn Hoff. Mr. Pisila presented a site plan for the proposed conversion of Hoff’s Mobil station and garage to a retail convenience store while maintaining the gasoline retail service. The plan is to clean the building and replace the existing brick with a standard red brick and removing the garage door which will be replaced with store front windows and doors. No expansion is planned; the exterior lighting will not change. Mr. Pisila pointed out that the modern building has always been a garage and has no architectural detail or historical significance.
Also present was Dan O’Brien, proprietor of O’Brien’s Market which abuts Mr. Hoff’s establishment on the south side, and his attorney, Alexandra Glover.
Ms. Glover submitted a letter for the file and stated that the concerns which applied with the first application are the same. She feels that the remodeling will result in a substantial change in the appearance of building and it is not compatible with the protections afforded in the Historic District. Ms. Glover feels that wood windows would be more appropriate, and that with a “wall of glass” there would be an increase in the lighting for the neighborhood. She told the Commission that they should deny the certificate.
Mr. Pisila responded that the lights shine downward and would not illuminate Cliffwood St. as Ms. Glover suggested. He said that their “hands are tied” regarding lighting as they must comply with the Building Code. Mr. Pisila said that there will be less exterior lighting than exists currently and that there have not been any complaints in the past regarding lighting. The exterior lighting will be the existing canopy at the gas pumps and that is down lighting.
George Jordan of 138 Walker St. asked about the location of the handicap parking and the air hose. Mr. Jordan was told where the handicap parking space would be and was told that there was no air hose. Mr. Jordan said that he feels that this building as proposed has no appeal and told the Commission that they should deny the application and the applicant should bring in a better drawing that would be “in keeping with the community”.
Mr. Coyle of 6 Main St. asked if there would be signage in the windows. He was told that Mr. Hoff would comply with the sign regulations which restricts additional signage in windows.
Shannon Reber expressed concern that emotion was becoming an issue and said that the focus should be on making the façade better.
Ann O’Brien, sister of Dan O’Brien argued that the use change creates competition with O’Brien’s Market.
JB responded that the HDC was to look at aesthetics, not the use.
JB also brought to the attention of the applicants that a sign shown on the proposed façade may not be allowed as there is another sign already and only one sign is allowed. At which time the applicant withdrew his request for additional signage.
The public portion of meeting was closed and the Commission discussed the application.
ES asked it the applicant could “soften up” the building “so that it looks like a business in Lenox”. She said that this building is a “cold straight line building that is next to an antique building” and that she would like it to be more in keeping with the character of Lenox.
SS suggested that the architect raise the bottom wall below the window, currently four feet high, so that the windows would be smaller. He felt that would cut down on some of the light. SS also suggested the use of shutters and that the building should be in context with the neighborhood.
Mr. Pisila responded that shutters were designed to be functional and that they would not be appropriate for this kind of building. He added that increasing the height of the lower wall would not affect the light which is mounted on the ceiling. He asked for the definition of the character of Lenox and said that to apply some design standards to a building that has never had such would be false.
Discussion ensued on the fact that the existing building is a difficult structure, but that the proposed change is appropriate and would be an improvement given what now exists on that site.
SS made a motion to approve the plan as presented with the exception of excluding the requested sign on the face of the building. ES seconded the motion and the Commission approved 3-0.
Mr. Pisila said that they may remove the Mobil sign that is existing and that in that case the applicant would come back for approval for placing a sign on the building..
Christos Grigoropoulos, 9 Franklin St., Map 43 Parcel 81, remove existing rear deck. This application was withdrawn November 1, 2011.
Other business: JB advised the Commission that the Board of Selectmen have asked him to attend the November 3, 2011 meeting to discuss signage in the Historic District and he asked the members if they had anything that they wanted him to address. SS said that the PB is looking at improving the Zoning Bylaw regarding signage and possibly streamlining the process. It was agreed that the Zoning Bylaw and Historic District Bylaw should mirror each other relative to signage.
ES made a motion to adjourn at 6:40 pm. SS seconded the motion. The Commission agreed to adjourn 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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