Historic District Commission
Minutes
Land Use Meeting Room
February 17, 2015
Members present: Chair Linda Messana, (LM); Lucy Kennedy, (LK); Ken Fowler, (KF)
Absent with notification: Elaine Steinert, (ES)
Staff Present: Gwen Miller, Land Use Director/Town Planner, (GM); Peggy Ammendola, Land Use Clerk, (PA)
Town of Lenox-Academy Building, 65 Main St., Map 43 Parcel 61, Certificate of Appropriateness to replace roof.
Presenting the application was Tim Face, who provided a sample of the roofing material to be used. The roofing is Timberline architectural shingle, three tab and the color name is Charcoal.
LK made a motion to approve and KF seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 3-0.
PVI Lenox Village, LLC, 68 Main St., Map 43 Parcel 196, Certificate of Appropriateness to remodel the building and install a new sign.
Present were: Drew Davis of PVI; Scott Gabriel, Construction Manager of J. McLaughlin; and Project Manager Shaun Andriano of C2 Design.
Mr. Andriano made the presentation and provided exterior elevations of the proposal.
J. McLaughlin will occupy the space of the former Villager Gifts. Mr. Andriano said that there would be no external modification to the structure. They will be putting into place trellises and vegetation to give more character to the building and the window and the doors on the front and the rear will be painted “Field in Fine Paints of Europe”. A sample of the color was provided.
There will be two signs, one on the parking lot side and the other on the street side. A sample of the material was provided and the paint colors were described.
KF made a motion to approve the application for exterior changes as presented. LK seconded the motion and the Commission voted to approve 3-0.
James Biancolo 136 Main St., Map 46 Parcel 53, informal discussion regarding plan to add new front steps and ramp/sloping sidewalk for handicap access.
Mr. Biancola provided sketches and reviewed the detail with the Commission. He had been at an earlier meeting with the HDC on December 16, 2014 to discuss this matter and as a result of that meeting he has made attempts to make his ramp smaller and not ADA compliant. Mr. Biancola has looked at LK’s suggestions for placing a ramp or lift on the side or rear of his home and he says that neither are practical solutions. He said also that it would not be practical or reasonable to install an elevator or portable ramp. LK maintains that any change to the front of a Victorian is defacement and that her opinion has not changed since the first informal meeting. When asked, LK told Mr. Biancola that he could do what he wanted with the handrails that were there when he bought his home and
doesn’t have to preserve them.
GM said she was in the office when Mr. Biancola and Building Inspector Don Fitzgerald were in discussion since the first informal and Mr. Fitzgerald said that for handicap access state law trumps the local zoning bylaw for dimensional requirements and other design standards. Mr. Biancola added that MGL has introduced what a Historic District and a Historic District Commission are and can be and allows a residential homeowner exemption from any yard requirements.
KF said that preservation is noble effort, but it doesn’t take in consideration a private home and the right of the homeowner to use their home.
LM said that she was concerned about informal discussions and asked Mr. Biancola when he would be submitting a formal application. He said that it would be very soon.
Approve Minutes
Oct. 28, 2014-Once again there wasn’t a quorum, so the Rule of Necessity was invoked. KF made a motion to approve and LM seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 2-0-1. LK abstained.
November 18, 2014-KF made a motion to approve the minutes and LM seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 3-0.
Other Business
Neon signs- LM said that she has spoken to Town Counsel and the HDC needs to know if the individuals who have neon signs ever received approval. She will go to the District to determine first who has neon signs and then have them file applications with the HDC. The Commission agreed.
Past informal discussion with Tony Chojnowski, November 18, 2014 regarding 50 Church St., Map 43 Parcel 120-LK wanted to discuss her different view from the one expressed at that time. It was determined that Mr. Chojnowski needed to be a part of the discussion, therefore this matter should be put on an agenda. LK will write a letter, submit for review and date will be determined.
KF made a motion to adjourn at 6:40 PM and LK seconded the motion. The Commission voted to agree 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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