HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-27 Historical Commission Minutesg Historical Commission Meeting Minutes
27 March 2007
Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm in the Town Hall Conference room
Commission Members in attendance included:
Virginia Adams, Acting Chair
Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Secretary
Roberta Sullivan, Treasurer
Mark Cardona, Member
Clayton Jones, Associate Member
Susan Patterson, Associate Member
Others in Attendance: Julie Winter (owner 420 Franklin), Tim Whyte (builder), Erica
Pappi (observer) -
• Meeting called to order by Virginia Adams at 7:3 S pm
• 420 Franklin St. Virginia stated that she had received a call from Julie Winter's mother
voicing concern about having a timely meeting so that they could keep the builder. Virginia
called this special meeting to discuss this property. Tim Whyte spoke. about the purpose of
this request and showed "as built" drawings believing that the rough drawings given us at the
previous meeting were enough for us to see the proposed changes as they would be sufficient
for the building inspector. He mentioned that he had tried unsuccessfully to speak with the
building inspector. They are here to request official approval. Clay asked about the roof,
that needs replacing; wondering if cedar or other spacers/breather would be used between the
roof and the plywood to keep the roof boards and rafters from moisture. Tim stated that there
is a spacer product like a brillo pad that they use in these situations. Virginia voiced her
concern about using plywood, while Roberta felt this would be an acceptable option because
it should protect the old wood as long as a breather was used. Tim told us that no changes
were planned to the outside of the house, including not changing the shingled siding. It was
noted that the RHC has not yet received an official copy of the Preservation Restriction for
this property. Tim stated that they would not touch timbers in the main house, yet there is
one to be removed in the extension which will be reused as an exposed beam in that same
area. Roberta voiced concern with the master bedroom plan since this is the 1711 section of
the structure. She asked if the partition planned to be added in the back to create a bathroom
was necessary. Virginia asked if the bath and closet location could be switched to minimize
the impact on the 1711 section. The owners wish to remove the current flooring with the
hopes of finding wide boards to be refinished. The Commission let them know that this may
not happen. The owners plan to remove the trim and bring the walls up to "today's
standards". The Commission also objected to destruction of the plaster walls, while
understanding the need for replacing the old electrical wires. It was mentioned that because
it is an Historic Structure they may be able to receive some relief from all of the code
requirements. The owners are concerned about insulation, while the Commission tried to let
them know that the thick walls and too much insulation could harm the structure trapping
moisture between the walls. The builder really feels that replacing the old walls would be
better than keeping them. If paneling was found that would be good and it could be put back
on where old plaster can not be put back. There was concern about whether the paneling
would withstand removal and replacement. The group agreed that there are no issues in the
extension area or back area but great concern for the 1711 master bedroom area. The RHC