The Provincetown Historic
District Commission
Wednesday, October 19, 2005 Town Hall
Meeting Minutes
Members Present: Clo
Tepper, Carol Neal, Marcene Marcoux, Nathan Butera, Polly Burnell, John Dowd -
Chairperson
Excused Absence: Eric
Dray
Town Hall Representative(s): Doug
Taylor & Maxine Notaro
Work Session 3:30
The work session was called to order by John Dowd at 3:35 pm
Administrative reviews:
491 Commercial,
Mark Kinnane, Cape Associates, wants to use
hardy board, a concrete based product, instead of red cedar clapboard. He
presented a comparison board of the materials with finish paint.
Commission members voiced concerns about
using traditional products, i.e. authenticity and integrity of historic
buildings –vs- the low maintenance concrete. The prominence of the building,
its use, and location are factors in the decision, along with not knowing how
these “modern materials” will age over time.
The commission was in favor of using shingles on the dormers.
Mark Kinnane agreed to get a list of other
buildings in town that have the product installed.
The applicant will return on November 2, 2005.
12 Atlantic Avenue,
Tom Edwards,
Residential Development, wants to do spindle railings instead of flat railings
on the Atlantic Street side of building in order to match the Bradford Street
side of the building.
The board agreed to allow the spindles, though most members favor the
square post look.
Public Hearings
4pm
The public hearing was called to order by John Dowd at 4:05 p.m.
2005-67 (Continued from October,
2005)
Application by Neal Kimball on behalf of Vernon Brown for a Certificate to be issued in accordance with the Provincetown
Historic District Commission established under the General By-Laws, Chapter 15
of the Town of Provincetown. The
applicant seeks approval to add shed dormers and enclose an egress stairway on
the back of the structure; add doghouse dormers on the front; replace all
windows with insulated double hung; add and reconfigure layout of existing
windows; add two egress doors, all exterior doors to be replaced with
historically correct doors, remove vinyl siding and replace with cedar
clapboards, finish roof with architectural grade shingles at the property
located at 10 Washington Avenue, Provincetown, MA.
Members sitting on the case
are: Nathan
Butera, Marcene Marcoux, John Dowd, Polly Burnell
Discussion:
Neal
Kimball presented the plans. The proposed changes on north elevation will bring
the windows in the dormers more in line with the windows in the main body of
the structure. Enclosing the rear stairway on the west elevation was discussed
as improving the existing decking and stairway.
Public comment: None in favor or
against.
Motion: By: John Dowd Second: Marcene
Marcoux
Pursuant
to guidelines 5.a, 5.c, 6.a, 6.b, 7, 8.a.i., 8.a.ii, 8.b, 15;
To
grant a certificate of compliance for the plans as presented, with a doghouse
dormer on the east elevation, and a shed dormer on the west elevation.
All
approved replacement windows must use non-tinted, clear glass and ½ screens,
unless otherwise provided in the decision. Full screens or windows with Low-E
or other tinted glass are not permitted.
Yea: Nathan Butera, Marcene Marcoux, John Dowd, Polly Burnell
Nay: 0 Abstain: Carol Neal
2005-72
Application by Fred Ambrose on behalf of China Trust, T.
Gandolfo, Trustee for a Certificate to be issued in
accordance with the Provincetown Historic District Commission established under
the General By-Laws, Chapter 15 of the Town of Provincetown. The applicant seeks approval to demolition
Building A & B and reconstruct the basic same massing as the existing
structures at the property located at 361 A & B Commercial Street, Provincetown,
MA.
Members sitting on the case are: Carol Neal, Marcene Marcoux, Nathan Butera, Polly
Burnell, John Dowd
Discussion:
Applicant
requested this be continue until 11/2/05
Motion By: John Dowd Second: Nathan Butera
Accept
request for continuance.
Yea: Carol Neal, Marcene Marcoux, Nathan Butera, Polly Burnell, John Dowd
Nay: 0 Abstain: 0
2005-73
Application by Sacha Richter for a Certificate to be issued in accordance with the Provincetown
Historic District Commission established under the General By-Laws, Chapter 15
of the Town of Provincetown. The
applicant seeks approval to add two awning windows above the studio doors on
the first floor of the North side of the building at the property located at 457-459
Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA.
Members sitting on the case
are: Clo Tepper, Carol Neal, John
Dowd, Polly Burnell and Nathan Butera.
Discussion:
The
applicant wishes to install additional windows for light and ventilation on
north side (Commercial St. ), over the doors, trimmed in red cedar to match the
building.
John
Dowd questioned the possibility of putting the windows in the door. The
applicant wishes to keep the doors unobstructed for additional wall space
within the studio.
John
Dowd noted that this is new construction and many concessions have been allowed
for this property because this is contains an artist studio.
Doug
Taylor commented that this request responds to the specific and cultural use of
the property.
John
Dowd suggested a single transom window the full width of the doors.
Carol
Neal read bylaw 8.2 to regarding the interior use of the building, and bylaw 15 referring to the Town’s “unique
heritage”.
Public comment: None in favor or
against.
Motion By: John Dowd Second: Clo
Tepper
Pursuant
to guidelines 5.c;
To
grant a certificate of compliance for the following;
1] Install a pair of awning windows, with 3
light panes each, to be trimmed out as a single window. (above the doors on the
north elevation).
2] Use wider trim around the doors.
3] All approved replacement windows must use
non-tinted, clear glass, unless otherwise provided in the decision. Windows
with Low-E or other tinted glass will not be permitted.
Yea: Clo Tepper, Carol Neal, John Dowd, Polly
Burnell, Nathan Butera.
Nay: 0 Abstain: 0
Maxine will need a new plan
for the trim and window changes.
2005-74
Application by Tom Thompson for a Certificate to be issued in accordance with the Provincetown
Historic District Commission established under the General By-Laws, Chapter 15
of the Town of Provincetown. The
applicant seeks approval to extend cottage, add ell and small dormers to the
cottage, install new windows and doors; no increase in height at the property
located at 3 Fishburn Court, Provincetown,
MA.
Marcene
Marcoux recused herself and exited the room (due to potential conflict of
interest with Tom Thompson, since this is his personal property.)
Members sitting on the case are: Carol Neal, Nathan Butera, Polly Burnell, John Dowd
Discussion:
Tom
Thompson and John DeSouza presented the plans. The applicant seeks to incorporate/connect
the cottage to the house by constructing an ell. The ell construction would not
be visible as the view would be of the existing cottage. They would maintain
the existing architectural features.
The
board discussed the amount of the building which could be seen from Pearl St.
Public comment: In favor = 1,
Opposed = 0.
Donna
Flax, 5 Fishburn Ct, thinks the plan will help the property feel less
congested.
Letter(s) in file: John Dowd read the
letter in the file.
Motion By: Nathan Butera Second: Polly Burnell
Pursuant
to guidelines 8.a.i;
To
grant a certificate of compliance for the plans as presented.
Yea: Carol Neal, Nathan Butera, Polly Burnell, John Dowd.
Nay: 0 Abstain: Marcene
Marcoux, by recusal
2005-75
Application by Neal Kimball on behalf of Thomas Roberts for a Certificate to be issued in accordance with the Provincetown
Historic District Commission established under the General By-Laws, Chapter 15
of the Town of Provincetown. The
applicant seeks approval to Reconstruct egress landing on the west side with
larger and change railing style to captured baluster, change windows in all
existing shed dormers to awning style, add external masonry chimney for added
fireplace on the south side, replace all first floor awning windows with double
hung, re-shingle side walls as required on the east, west and south sides,
replace other windows in kind as required, re-shingle roof with cedar
shakes. No changes to structure being
requested at the property located at 59 Commercial Street, Main house, Provincetown,
MA.
Members sitting on the case are: Carol Neal, Marcene Marcoux, Nathan Butera, Polly
Burnell, John Dowd.
Discussion:
Board
had several brief questions regarding the replacement of clapboard, which is
supposedly in good shape. Neal explained it would only be replaced as needed.
Each
elevation was reviewed. The discussion centered around:
Replacement
of 6 over 6 windows in the dormers with 3 awning, 4-pane windows on the west
elevation.
Screening
under the deck area will be contractor grade lattice and nylon mesh screen
behind in order to keep animals from nesting under the porch.
The change of windows on east side of building with only
4’ to neighboring home.
Proposed plan is to reduce window size to provide
bathroom ventilation and create egress. John Dowd suggested using a skylight
for ventilation and closing in the bathroom window.
Public comment: None in favor or
against.
Motion By: John Dowd Second: Carol Neal
Pursuant
to guidelines 5.a, 9.a, 9.c, 9.d
To
grant a certificate of compliance for the plans as presented with the following
revisions;
1] Boarding up of east elevation gable end
window closest to the south side, on the second story.
2] Retaining the original trim.
3] East
elevation southern most dormer window will not be eliminated.
4] Addition of skylight over the bathroom on
the south elevation, east side.
5] All approved replacement windows must use
non-tinted, clear glass and ½ screens, unless otherwise provided in the
decision. Full screens or windows with Low-E or other tinted glass are not
permitted.
Yea: Carol Neal, Marcene Marcoux, Nathan Butera, Polly Burnell, John Dowd.
Nay: 0 Abstain: 0
2005-76
Application by Neal Kimball on behalf of Tom Roberts for a Certificate to be issued in accordance with the Provincetown
Historic District Commission established under the General By-Laws, Chapter 15
of the Town of Provincetown. The
applicant seeks approval to extend existing shed dormer on the west side;
remove two smaller bump-outs on the east side and replace with one larger
cross-gable style bump-out; remove large first and second floor decks on south
side and replace with smaller deck on the first floor and balcony on the second
floor; remove exterior stairway and second floor egress door on the north side;
replace all existing windows and exterior doors, revise configurations;
re-shingle roof and sidewalls with cedar shakes; elevate cottage on pilings by
approximately 18” (or as per flood-plane requirements) at the property located
at 59 Commercial Street, Oceanside cottage, Provincetown, MA.
Members sitting on the case are: Carol Neal, Marcene Marcoux, Nathan Butera, Polly
Burnell, John Dowd
Discussion:
The
applicant wants to keep the egress from the west side in tact even if garage is
removed in the future.
Each
elevation was reviewed.
North
– Applicant submitted a revision to dormer area with knee support. The revision
was agreeable to board with a possible door change. The bank of three windows
was questioned. The was a suggestion to put one, 2 over 2 window.
South
- Chapter 91 comes into consideration as part of plans. The project engineer
recommends the building be 12-24” higher. It will be placed on pilings.
John
Dowd commented that the plan changes the property from simple cottage with
simple add-on dormer to a Victoria looking guest cottage. It does not speak to
town maritime heritage. He wants to see
it kept simple and authentic.
There
was a lengthy discussion regarding the sizes and locations of windows and
doors, as well as the size of the balcony.
The
board discussed asymmetrical – vs – symmetrical design for windows and doors.
Suggestions to the applicant included - possible door and 1 window on upper
level, possible offset door. Waterfront elevation guidelines encourage
applicant to retain and reflect the historic character of the building.
West
– The cantilevered knee to support balcony is not historically accurate. The
board suggested using a straight post instead.
Public comment: None in favor or
against.
Motion By: Nathan Butera Second: Polly Burnell
To
be continued until 11/2 meeting for revised plans.
Yea: Carol Neal, Marcene
Marcoux, Nathan Butera, Polly Burnell, John Dowd
Nay: 0 Abstain: 0
2005-77
Application by John DeSouza on behalf of Marcene Marcoux
for a Certificate to be issued in accordance with the
Provincetown Historic District Commission established under the General
By-Laws, Chapter 15 of the Town of Provincetown. The applicant seeks approval to renovate a circa 1930 astylistic
dwelling including lifting the structure to excavate for new pilings and
foundation as required to stabilize the structure on the steep slope. Additionally reinforcing the structural
framing, removing a bay window, restoring a former balcony, building a new ell
in the rear, eliminating a roof deck and reconfiguring a deck and new fenestration
at the property located at 186 Bradford Street, Provincetown, MA.
Marcene Marcoux recused
herself and sat with the presenters.
Members sitting on the case are: Clo Tepper, Carol Neal, Nathan Butera, Polly
Burnell, John Dowd.
Discussion:
The
property owners and John DeSousa presented plans and explained the property
needs foundation work and applicant seeks to bring back more of its original
character. The house is shifting downhill. Planting of over 100 trees has
helped to stabilize the soil, but not enough to keep things from shifting on the
severe slopes. In two years the pilings have shifted 8” of slippage.
In 1986
& 1987 major changes were made to the house. This added such things as bay
windows, a slider, and other significant alterations not in keeping with its original
character.
During
the 12 years the owners have occupied the house, many people have explained how
the house once looked and functioned, i.e. window and door replacements, roof
replacement. Chimney is original, though cracked due to the shifting of the
building.
The
building will remain at the same height. The foundation will extend further
downward.
Owners
will maintain vegetation by staging a crane on the west side of the property
and work from the North (uphill) side to the South (downhill) side.
Windows
will have green trim.
The
new addition is to allow for home office space for two separate corporate
offices.
Each
elevation was reviewed.
North
- House is not visible, even by neighbors.
South
- Will be shingled to cover the large foundation area.
The
location of the new ell and window placement/ sizes will be in keeping with a
shingle style construction.
West
- Suggestion by John Dowd to create a large fireplace and chimney to anchor the
building and create a vertical structure at the juncture of the new ell.
The
commission agreed this project included enormous changes from the existing home,
but with no written reference to what was originally there, the changes seem to
be more in keeping with the style and age of the home.
Public comment: None in favor or
against.
Letter(s) in file: John Dowd read
four letters in favor of the applicant.
Motion By: John Dowd Second: Polly
Burnell
Pursuant
to guidelines 5.a, 5.c, 6.b, 9, 15;
To
grant a certificate of compliance for the plans as submitted with the following
revisions;
1] addition of round/river stone fireplace on
west wall
All
approved replacement windows must be non-tinted, clear glass with ½ screens,
unless otherwise provided in the decision. Full screens or windows with Low-E
or other tinted glass are not permitted.
Yea: Clo Tepper, Carol Neal, Nathan Butera, Polly Burnell, John Dowd
Nay: Abstain: Marcene Marcoux by recusal
Motion to adjourn: Carol Neal Second:
John Dowd
Yea: All Nay: 0
The meeting was adjourned at
7:12 pm.
Respectfully submitted by
Carla Anderson
Recording Secretary
Approved By: _______________________________ at the 12/21/05 meeting.
John Dowd, Chairman