WHC Minutes, January 12, 2009
Present
Member: Arlene Cloutier, Jim Collins, Sharon Connors, Norma Judson, Jane Loos,
Geraldine Millham, Dora Millikin
Alternate: none
Absent
Member: none
Alternate: Anne (Pete) Baker, Bette DeVeuve, Tim Bryant, Chris Vezetinski
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair Sharon Connors (SC) in the Town Hall basement. SC noted that there is a quorum. Others in attendance included:
Brian Corey 1041 Main Road, Westport
Robert Haines, Jr. & Matt Haines 1994 Main Road, WPT
Paul Hebert Builder for 1976 Main Road, WPT
Nancy & Jonathan Paull 1384 Drift Road, Westport
Betty Slade 2037 Main Road, WPT
Richard & Dorothy Tongue 1660 Drift Road, Westport
A. Public Hearing for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 1994 Main Road
1. Robert Haines, Jr. and Matt Haines (owners) presented their proposal to replace about 25 vinyl clad casement windows with new double hing windows, and to change the style of the windows on the front porch, possibly to six over one. They also showed an example of the type of window they are considering using, to demonstrate the manner of construction and the look of the cladding. There are several different sizes of windows on the house.
2. Jim Collins (JC) noted that the Haines’ experience with deterioration of vinyl clad windows is common, and pointed out the long-term advantages of well-painted, wood windows and storm windows, given the conditions at the Point. GM suggested that the owners, while considering changing the style of the front porch windows, look at other bungalow houses in the historic district as well as older (pre-remodeling) photos of the house, to learn what windows and trim was usually found on that type of building. SC explained that the applicants are not constrained by the current window size and type, but may take the opportunity of this repair job to request changes in the size/scale of the windows and trim to something more in keeping with the house’s original design.
3. The WHC referred the Haines brothers to the section in the WHC Guidelines for the Historic District where it is stated that 'new and replacement windows (discernable from a public way) shall not be vinyl or metal clad' nor should they have false muntins. The Haines brothers were given two copies of the Guidelines.
4. In order to allow the applicants more time to investigate their options, Jane Loos (JL) moved and Geraldine Millham (GM) seconded a motion to continue this public hearing until March 2, 2009 at 8pm. The motion was approved, unanimously.
B. General Business
1. Acting Chair. SC informed that she would not be able to attend the next regular WHC meeting on February 2, 2009. Given that the Vice Chair may also be unavailable, SC requested someone else be acting Chair during her absence. JL moved and Arlene Cloutier (AC) seconded a motion to authorize GM to be Acting Chair for that meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.
2. Preliminary Review for 1976 Main Road. Paul Hebert, contractor, represented the owners of 1976 Main Road and presented the owners’ own computer-generated sketch showing their current proposal. The proposed changes include: adding three dormers to the front, extending the ell deeper into the lot and adding a full second story on the ell. Before proceeding with hiring an architect, the owners requested WHC feedback.
Several WHC members noted that the drawings for this proposal were seriously out of scale and did not truly represent the existing building or the proposed changes. The WHC requires architectural scale drawings to accompany applications.
3. JC noted that the expansion capability of a cape (and in this case, a three-quarter cape) is limited. JC concluded that the proposed two-story addition overwhelms the original cape. Others commented that the ell (currently only one story) is built flush with the cape, rather than set back; adding a second story on that same footprint would create a massive wall to the south, out of keeping with the traditional manner of adding ells to a cape. The general consensus was that three dog shed dormers on the front was too much, and the proposed even spacing was out of proportion with the first floor door and windows. JL suggested that they may wish to consider creating an entirely new ell with only one floor, set back from the cape and wider to provide the same incremental space without overwhelming the cape.
4. Mr. Hebert thanked WHC for the feedback.
5. Missing Drawing for 1813-1815 Main Road. JL explained that the Building Inspector (BI) had noticed that the drawings for the corn crib were missing from the batch of plans, which he had received from WHC following their approval at the WHC January 5, 2009 meeting. JL found copies of these plans in the files, and four WHC members signed them. JL undertook to provide two copies to the BI.
C. Continuation of December 1, 2008 and January 5, 2009 Public Hearings for Certificate of Appropriateness for 2048 Main Road
1. Dorothy Tongue represented the owners/applicants, and presented revised plans for the south elevation of the boathouse. WHC had requested, at its January 5, 2009 meeting, revised plans of that elevation to reflect correctly how the raised septic field would relate to the relocated boathouse.
2. WHC members noted that the revised drawing for the south elevation seemed backwards, possibly a photocopy of the north elevation from the reserve side, since it showed the land as being uphill to the east rather than to the west and the placement of the raised septic mound on the downhill side of the boathouse. SC noted that this was the third time WHC had requested the drawings be clarified. However, SC agreed to proceed if Mrs. Tongue would confirm that the septic mound would not extend under the boathouse. Mrs. Tongue confirmed that the boathouse would not be over any part of the raised septic mound.
3. SC explained that WHC had already approved the relocation of the boathouse and the raised septic mound, but had not reached a decision about the proposed deck/railing/balusters. JC noted that some of the objections to the proposed deck/railings/balusters related to them being too precious for a utility building . JC suggested this could be remedied if they were not painted, but left to fade naturally to gray. Norma Judson (NKJ) moved and AC seconded a motion to approve the boathouse plan, as drawn, located as per the site plan, with the materials list as revised on January 12, 2009 to show the deck/railings/balusters to be left natural (cedar, mahogany or teak), and the new door and trim painted white. The vote in favor was unanimous.
D. Demolition Request for 874 Main Road.
1. Brian Corey, owner, presented his proposal for the development of the property at 874 Main Road. The buildings on the property are included in the Westport Historic Inventory and are subject to WHC review under the terms of the Westport Demolition By-Law. Mr. Corey noted that he had come before WHC on several occasions to consult about his development plans and possible salvaging of the house and barn. He also welcomed feedback about his current plans for developing a bank on the northern-most part of the property and a small office building at the back of that parcel.
2. JC complimented the proposal for moving the proposed main building away from the road and putting its most narrow elevation facing the street, leaving a wide green buffer at the road, and splitting up the parking areas. JC also agreed with Mr. Corey that the drive through structure should be minimized (especially the roof) and suggested that placing that facility at the back of the bank building, instead of at its side facing the street, would reduce its visibility without materially altering its utility. JC suggested that the attempt to make the buildings look “cape-cod like” should be careful not to fall into being too cute. JC suggested that the cupola on the large cape-style bank building be eliminated and the windows be proportioned to the commercial size of the building and not just stick in house-sized windows. Others suggested that the proposed sidewalk into the property be aligned to enable a good flow with public sidewalks now being studied for that part of town. JC noted that the proposed stable or carriage house look for the office building had become quite complicated and fancy, and suggested that something more in the spirit of a simple, straight-forward New England barn would be more appropriate to Westport.
3. JL moved and GM seconded a motion to designate the existing buildings at 874 Main Road as NOT preferably preferred, because the main house is not of particular architectural or historical merit (although it is built on an old foundation), the barn is of recent vintage and the connecting buildings are not of particular architectural merit. The motion was approved, 5 for and 1 against; the seventh voter (JC )had already left the meeting by the time of the vote.
Votes For: 5 AC, SC, JL, GM, DM
Votes Against: 1 NKJ
Abstain: 0
4. Mr. Corey reiterated his offer to pay up to $2,500 to advertise the fact that the house is available to someone who wishes to move it. He explained that he has yet to decide whether he would move the barn to other land that he owns. JL agreed to make this information available to the Massachusetts Historical Commission list serve which reaches people interested in historic preservation all across the Commonwealth. Mr. Corey reminded that the plans would likely continue to evolve as the project passes through the various Planning Board and other town commissions. Mr. Corey thanked WHC for its input.
5. GM advised that the stones from the house foundation are worth saving and reusing. Mr. Corey agreed, and noted that he also was making arrangements to salvage the stone from the proposed CVS property on Route 6.
Adjournment. The next meeting will February 2, 2009. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 pm.
Drafted by Jane Loos, revised February 2, 2009, approved February 2, 2009
Member: Arlene Cloutier, Jim Collins, Sharon Connors, Norma Judson, Jane Loos,
Geraldine Millham, Dora Millikin
Alternate: none
Absent
Member: none
Alternate: Anne (Pete) Baker, Bette DeVeuve, Tim Bryant, Chris Vezetinski
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair Sharon Connors (SC) in the Town Hall basement. SC noted that there is a quorum. Others in attendance included:
Brian Corey 1041 Main Road, Westport
Robert Haines, Jr. & Matt Haines 1994 Main Road, WPT
Paul Hebert Builder for 1976 Main Road, WPT
Nancy & Jonathan Paull 1384 Drift Road, Westport
Betty Slade 2037 Main Road, WPT
Richard & Dorothy Tongue 1660 Drift Road, Westport
A. Public Hearing for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 1994 Main Road
1. Robert Haines, Jr. and Matt Haines (owners) presented their proposal to replace about 25 vinyl clad casement windows with new double hing windows, and to change the style of the windows on the front porch, possibly to six over one. They also showed an example of the type of window they are considering using, to demonstrate the manner of construction and the look of the cladding. There are several different sizes of windows on the house.
2. Jim Collins (JC) noted that the Haines’ experience with deterioration of vinyl clad windows is common, and pointed out the long-term advantages of well-painted, wood windows and storm windows, given the conditions at the Point. GM suggested that the owners, while considering changing the style of the front porch windows, look at other bungalow houses in the historic district as well as older (pre-remodeling) photos of the house, to learn what windows and trim was usually found on that type of building. SC explained that the applicants are not constrained by the current window size and type, but may take the opportunity of this repair job to request changes in the size/scale of the windows and trim to something more in keeping with the house’s original design.
3. The WHC referred the Haines brothers to the section in the WHC Guidelines for the Historic District where it is stated that 'new and replacement windows (discernable from a public way) shall not be vinyl or metal clad' nor should they have false muntins. The Haines brothers were given two copies of the Guidelines.
4. In order to allow the applicants more time to investigate their options, Jane Loos (JL) moved and Geraldine Millham (GM) seconded a motion to continue this public hearing until March 2, 2009 at 8pm. The motion was approved, unanimously.
B. General Business
1. Acting Chair. SC informed that she would not be able to attend the next regular WHC meeting on February 2, 2009. Given that the Vice Chair may also be unavailable, SC requested someone else be acting Chair during her absence. JL moved and Arlene Cloutier (AC) seconded a motion to authorize GM to be Acting Chair for that meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.
2. Preliminary Review for 1976 Main Road. Paul Hebert, contractor, represented the owners of 1976 Main Road and presented the owners’ own computer-generated sketch showing their current proposal. The proposed changes include: adding three dormers to the front, extending the ell deeper into the lot and adding a full second story on the ell. Before proceeding with hiring an architect, the owners requested WHC feedback.
Several WHC members noted that the drawings for this proposal were seriously out of scale and did not truly represent the existing building or the proposed changes. The WHC requires architectural scale drawings to accompany applications.
3. JC noted that the expansion capability of a cape (and in this case, a three-quarter cape) is limited. JC concluded that the proposed two-story addition overwhelms the original cape. Others commented that the ell (currently only one story) is built flush with the cape, rather than set back; adding a second story on that same footprint would create a massive wall to the south, out of keeping with the traditional manner of adding ells to a cape. The general consensus was that three dog shed dormers on the front was too much, and the proposed even spacing was out of proportion with the first floor door and windows. JL suggested that they may wish to consider creating an entirely new ell with only one floor, set back from the cape and wider to provide the same incremental space without overwhelming the cape.
4. Mr. Hebert thanked WHC for the feedback.
5. Missing Drawing for 1813-1815 Main Road. JL explained that the Building Inspector (BI) had noticed that the drawings for the corn crib were missing from the batch of plans, which he had received from WHC following their approval at the WHC January 5, 2009 meeting. JL found copies of these plans in the files, and four WHC members signed them. JL undertook to provide two copies to the BI.
C. Continuation of December 1, 2008 and January 5, 2009 Public Hearings for Certificate of Appropriateness for 2048 Main Road
1. Dorothy Tongue represented the owners/applicants, and presented revised plans for the south elevation of the boathouse. WHC had requested, at its January 5, 2009 meeting, revised plans of that elevation to reflect correctly how the raised septic field would relate to the relocated boathouse.
2. WHC members noted that the revised drawing for the south elevation seemed backwards, possibly a photocopy of the north elevation from the reserve side, since it showed the land as being uphill to the east rather than to the west and the placement of the raised septic mound on the downhill side of the boathouse. SC noted that this was the third time WHC had requested the drawings be clarified. However, SC agreed to proceed if Mrs. Tongue would confirm that the septic mound would not extend under the boathouse. Mrs. Tongue confirmed that the boathouse would not be over any part of the raised septic mound.
3. SC explained that WHC had already approved the relocation of the boathouse and the raised septic mound, but had not reached a decision about the proposed deck/railing/balusters. JC noted that some of the objections to the proposed deck/railings/balusters related to them being too precious for a utility building . JC suggested this could be remedied if they were not painted, but left to fade naturally to gray. Norma Judson (NKJ) moved and AC seconded a motion to approve the boathouse plan, as drawn, located as per the site plan, with the materials list as revised on January 12, 2009 to show the deck/railings/balusters to be left natural (cedar, mahogany or teak), and the new door and trim painted white. The vote in favor was unanimous.
D. Demolition Request for 874 Main Road.
1. Brian Corey, owner, presented his proposal for the development of the property at 874 Main Road. The buildings on the property are included in the Westport Historic Inventory and are subject to WHC review under the terms of the Westport Demolition By-Law. Mr. Corey noted that he had come before WHC on several occasions to consult about his development plans and possible salvaging of the house and barn. He also welcomed feedback about his current plans for developing a bank on the northern-most part of the property and a small office building at the back of that parcel.
2. JC complimented the proposal for moving the proposed main building away from the road and putting its most narrow elevation facing the street, leaving a wide green buffer at the road, and splitting up the parking areas. JC also agreed with Mr. Corey that the drive through structure should be minimized (especially the roof) and suggested that placing that facility at the back of the bank building, instead of at its side facing the street, would reduce its visibility without materially altering its utility. JC suggested that the attempt to make the buildings look “cape-cod like” should be careful not to fall into being too cute. JC suggested that the cupola on the large cape-style bank building be eliminated and the windows be proportioned to the commercial size of the building and not just stick in house-sized windows. Others suggested that the proposed sidewalk into the property be aligned to enable a good flow with public sidewalks now being studied for that part of town. JC noted that the proposed stable or carriage house look for the office building had become quite complicated and fancy, and suggested that something more in the spirit of a simple, straight-forward New England barn would be more appropriate to Westport.
3. JL moved and GM seconded a motion to designate the existing buildings at 874 Main Road as NOT preferably preferred, because the main house is not of particular architectural or historical merit (although it is built on an old foundation), the barn is of recent vintage and the connecting buildings are not of particular architectural merit. The motion was approved, 5 for and 1 against; the seventh voter (JC )had already left the meeting by the time of the vote.
Votes For: 5 AC, SC, JL, GM, DM
Votes Against: 1 NKJ
Abstain: 0
4. Mr. Corey reiterated his offer to pay up to $2,500 to advertise the fact that the house is available to someone who wishes to move it. He explained that he has yet to decide whether he would move the barn to other land that he owns. JL agreed to make this information available to the Massachusetts Historical Commission list serve which reaches people interested in historic preservation all across the Commonwealth. Mr. Corey reminded that the plans would likely continue to evolve as the project passes through the various Planning Board and other town commissions. Mr. Corey thanked WHC for its input.
5. GM advised that the stones from the house foundation are worth saving and reusing. Mr. Corey agreed, and noted that he also was making arrangements to salvage the stone from the proposed CVS property on Route 6.
Adjournment. The next meeting will February 2, 2009. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 pm.
Drafted by Jane Loos, revised February 2, 2009, approved February 2, 2009
« WHC Minutes, January 5, 2009 | Main News Page | Westport Home Page | Another test »