The Provincetown Historic District Commission
3:30 p.m. 24 May 2006 Town Hall
Members
Present: Marcene Marcoux, John
Dowd, Chair Carol Neal, Polly Burnell, Nathan Butera, E. Clothier Tepper
Members Excused Absent: None.
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Maxine Notaro, Permit Coordinator, Doug Taylor, Building Commissioner
Administrative Reviews
The work session was called to order
by John Dowd at 3:42 p.m.
Issue: Scott Ravelson – 229
Commercial Street to review
revised plans as previously requested
(Continued to Historic District Commission meeting on 14 June 2006.) \
Issue: Fred Ambrose – 361A Commercial Street for minor south
wall details.
Discussion: Fred Ambrose: Southside stays the same. Will provide sidelights. Will address door on Commercial Street. John Dowd: Fire escape hovers.
Public Comment: None in favor, none opposed.
Issue: Fred Ambrose – 361B Commercial Street for minor north
wall details.
Discussion: Fred Ambrose: North elevation 6/6 to 2/1. South 2/1
on 4 windows. Carol: No mix and match.
Keep 2/1's consistent on whole building. Doug Taylor: 2/2's instead of 2/1's and 3 across top with blind
windows for symmetry. John Dowd: Shift for centering windows. 2/1's have different spacing.
Public Comment: None in favor, none opposed.
Final drawings to be submitted with
changes noted above.
Motion: Nathan Butera Second: John Dowd
Establish a public general/open comment
period at the end of each meeting. Such
comments would not pertain to specific proposals brought before the Commission
on that particular date. Comments would
be limited to five minutes per speaker.
Yea: 6
Nay: 0 Abstain: 0
The public hearing was called to
order by John Dowd at 4:03 p.m.
2006-48
Application by Fr. Henry Dahl,
Pastor on behalf of The Roman Catholic Bishop of Fall River for a Certificate to be issued at 3 Mozart
Avenue and 11 Prince Street 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 rebuild the church
destroyed by fire next to the existing Parish Hall, to restore and relocate the
existing Rectory to an area next to the proposed location of the new Church.
The proposal for the Rectory is to remove portions of the structure which are
not historic, including the removal of the flat roof additions and to restore
the structure to the prior historic look, remove a portion of the existing
three-car garage and rehabilitate to a two-car garage and move behind the
relocated Rectory. If the garage structure cannot be moved due to structural
integrity, then it will be razed and a new two-car garage will be constructed
behind the Rectory. The final requirement is to remove the existing rental
structure near Mozart Avenue.
Members sitting on case: Marcene
Marcoux, John Dowd, Carol Neal, Polly Burnell, Nathan Butera.
Father Dahl and Tom Palanza, architect
for the church, spoke representing the proposal. The removal of additions and restorations to the rectory were
discussed. All of the original rectory
structure would be retained, including the original trim as indicated from
photographs. Flat roof additions and chimney would be removed. Restoration of original windows, now vinyl.
Mozart Avenue would be widened for traffic using church property. The rental property, which is no longer
needed, would either be moved or razed.
To date no one has expressed interest in it. The proposed new church would be similar but larger in size, yet
the same height. White cedar shingles
to be used. White aluminum frame or
Pella/Anderson type windows for stained glass.
Handicap access at grade.
Public Comment: in favor or opposed.
1) Charles Lawton: Rental house to be
razed is not historic. But it is an
eyesore to neighborhood. Church is a
community enter for Provincetown.
Parish is quite cramped using only the Parish Hall.
2) Cathy Henrique: Mozart Avenue has
changed over the years.
3) James Meads: Safety needs to be
addressed and is through the proposed changes in parking and access/egress.
4) Beverly Ferreira: Parish Hall is not a church and we need a
church. 5 Mozart Avenue should be
razed.
5) Marilyn Downey: Safety issue to and
from church must be addressed as per the proposed plans.
6) Gordon Ferreira: Many changes have
occurred in the neighborhood changing the streetscape.
7) Chester Cook: Razing should be
allowed. It is not enough that a
building is old to save it. The
building is not connected, unlike others in Town, to anyone famous.
8) Keith Bergman: Proposed plans meet
the needs of the church in the 21st century while respecting the past. Moving rectory to the side for new community
and traffic flow needs should be allowed.
9) Janice Holloman: Other Prince Street
buildings have been demolished to one wall and then rebuilt even larger.
10) Bob Tosner: Commission should not
delay plans.
11) Donald Morris: (abutter) Expressed
concerns about his property being affected by proposed plans.
12) Donald Morris, Jr.: (abutter)
Concerned about widening Mozart Avenue.
Concerned that land swap between Town and Church blocks access to
Captain Berties Way.
(Father Dahl offered 3 Mozart Avenue to
Mr. Morris.)
13) Eric Dray: Opposed to demolition of
3 Mozart Avenue because of its historic integrity. 7 signs of historic criteria retained even after alterations and
additions. Supports relocation of 5
Mozart Avenue to a suitable location.
Opposes relocation of rectory.
Opposes new plans because the streetscape would be changed.
14) Robin Reed, Esq.: (attorney for Dan
Wolfe) does not see that extraordinary circumstances exist to permit razing of
3 Mozart Avenue. Concerned about loss
of green space with the proposed configuration.
15) Dan Wolfe: (abutter) Concerned
about loss of Cape Town appeal and about the parking lots.
16) James Quirk, Esq.: (representing
Fall River) the fire created extraordinary circumstances. Supports preserving what can be preserved as
long as church services can still be provided.
Tom Palanza added that the proposed
parking does not increase the current number (80) of spaces.
One letter from Jean Conclin (abutter)
read in favor.
Discussion: John Dowd proposes a site visit. Marcene: Site visit not needed at this
time. She believes the commission
should break discussion into three parts.
Carol: Mozart building is the first focus. Marcene: No move of 3 Mozart is yet possible without discussing
the other two issues. Safety addressed
in proposed plans. The fire created a
hardship. Polly: Case not yet made for
demolition. Open to moving
building. The site as well as the
building is historic. Nathan: First
time there are complete plans to look at.
Appreciates urgency but does not want to rush into a decision. Would put parking at rear. Carol: Parking on side or back. Historic fabric, the setting of buildings on
the site. Would like no parking in
front with safety addressed. John:
Basic design is fine. Visited a church
with parking in front, which he did not like.
Streetscape here would be changed.
Village feels lost.
Tom Palanza: Entrance to face parking.
John: No. Church should face Prince Street. Father Dahl: No one comes in or out the front of the church. Entrance faces the wrong direction. Tom Palanza: Grading is an issue. Marcene: Three issues still need to be to
separated: The parking; 3 Mozart Avenue’s razing; and the proposed rectory
changes. Nathan: It's on site
plan. Marcene: Case made on 3
Mozart. Father Dahl: Too little parking
now. The parish will soon be enlarging
in number. Polly: Not convinced on
demolition/razing. Not convinced on
moving rectory. Carol: Extraordinary
conditions Commission must address means the building(s), not the circumstances
(fire). Polly: Moving building on site
does not preserve. Carol: Would like another plan. Quirk: By-laws refer to site. Carol: Building versus site demolition. Quirk: What are concerns? What direction can the Commission
offer? Rebuild as is? Nathan: Would favor razing 3 Mozart, moving
rectory. Is concerned about Prince
Street view and loss of green space. John: Ok with moving rectory. Ok with razing or moving 3 Mozart. Not ok with changing streetscape. Location of parking and cars the issue. Marcene: Votes? Carol: Parking is tied to 3 Mozart. Father Dahl: Needs 3
Mozart addressed.
Tom Palanza: Is screening another way to solve parking problem in
front? Polly: Placement is the concern,
not screening. Parking was managed
before the fire. Father Dahl: Berms?
Vegetation? Carol: Access from
side? (Father Dahl mentions a new
church with parking in front of it.)
Tom Palanza: Work with existing street layout. Nathan: Cannot approve parking as planned. Marcene: Three parts still need to be
discussed. John: Cannot split up
decisions, locking some aspects up.
Marcene: First, rectory move.
Second, 3 Mozart demolition/move.
Third, design. John: Redesign of
rectory ok. Not happy with parking lot.
Everything else in play. Can the church
be pulled in the design toward Prince Street? Marcene: No direction without
votes. John: No surprises. Carol: More options without votes. John: Concern about back of church facing
Prince Street. Tom Palanza: Proposed
plan breaks up parking area.
Motion: Marcene Second: Nathan
Propose that rectory be relocated as
per plan.
Yea: 2
Nay: 3 Abstain: 0
Motion not passed
Motion: Marcene
Second: John
Propose that 3 Mozart Avenue be
demolished.
Yea: 3
Nay: 2
Abstain: 0
Further discussion: (re: church plans) John: Gable on porte-cochere has
no precedent. Spire needle to
narrow. Can cupola be rebuilt? Tom
Palanza: Proposed spire based on insurance proceeds for rebuilding:
pre-fabricated. John: replicate 4
columns, Greek Revival, in place of proposed 3 columns? Carol: Nod to past. Tom Palanza: Base for spire? John: Case windows and portholes.
Motion: John Dowd Second: Polly Burnell
Move to accept plans dated 1 May 2006
with the following changes:
1) Spire to be of a wider configuration
with cupola.
2) Porte-cochere at gable end to be at
90-degree angle.
3) Columns across front, 2 added to
gable end, all same height on boxed plinths.
4) All windows and doors cased 5/4.
Yea: 5
Nay: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-44
Application by Paul F. Colburn on
behalf of Dr. Charles Merrill 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 construct a bedroom
addition and replace the existing deck at the property located at 636
Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA.
(Continued to Historic District Commission meeting on 14 June 2006.)
2006-45
Application by Deborah Paine Inc. on
behalf of Katzel Nominee Trust 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 replace windows on the
west side of 437 Commercial Street and the street side top floor of 439
Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA.
Deborah Paine presented above proposal.
Members sitting on case: Marcene Marcoux, John Dowd, Carol Neal, Polly
Burnell, Nathan Butera.
Discussion: None
Public Comment: None in favor, none opposed.
Motion: John Dowd Second: Nathan Butera
Accept plans as presented.
Yea: 5
Nay: 0
Abstain: 0
2006-46
Application by Carol Carr 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 change the fenestration arrangement by moving a door to existing window
location and move the double window to the door location and to add a skylight
in a location not visible from any public way at the property located at 383
Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA.
Carol Carr presents plans.
Members sitting on case: Marcene Marcoux, John Dowd, Carol Neal, Polly
Burnell, Nathan Butera.
Discussion: John: Styles and shapes vary across front of
building. Polly: Second story windows
not historic currently. John: Doors
were added when apartments were created.
Public Comment: None in favor, one opposed.
Deb Kerr: Moving the doors and windows as proposed would change
configuration of existing building.
Motion: John Dowd Second: Polly
Burnell
Accept plans as presented.
Yea: 5
Nay: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-47
Application by Neal Kimball on
behalf of Rainer Horn and Pearl Baker 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 convert a single-family
residential structure to a guesthouse, add two doghouse dormers on the east
elevation, add a second story with three doghouse dormers above the portion of
the rear ell, raise the ridge line of the roof over the rear garage, remove the
garage doors and replace with stationary carriage house doors, replace and
reposition windows on all sides, remove the angle bay window on the front
elevation and replace with three double-hung windows, repair/ replace all trim
work as required at the property located at 14 Johnson Street,
Provincetown, MA.
Neal Kimball and Rainier Horn presented
proposed plans.
Members sitting on case: Marcene Marcoux, John Dowd, Carol Neal, Polly
Burnell, Nathan Butera.
Discussion: John: Removing bay window great. Proposed dormers too wide. North side doorway kept. Polly: Building is old. 1880's.
John: Change 3 windows to 2. 2
up and 3 down seen around Town.
Marcene: Is there a change in height?
Neal Kimball: 6' to ridge added.
Polly: Little house becoming too massive in size. John: Chimney kept and moved? Marcene: Doors here denied at 7 Johnson
Street. Concerned about size of
side. Nathan: Increase of 1 1/2 versus
2 stories in context of neighborhood.
Should keep door as is. John:
Lower ridge line. Carriage house. No doors.
Add trellis. Make proposed
dormers on side smaller than on the front.
South elevation ok. West
elevation can have louvered shutters.
West and north, the same window size.
Public Comment: None in favor, none opposed.
Motion: John Dowd Second: Nathan Butera
1) Accept east elevation as proposed.
2) Accept south elevation as proposed.
3) West elevation, change 2 windows to
2/2 centered, fixed shutters same as house. Retain chimney. Retain doorway.
Three dormers detailed width of windows.
Lower peak so it doesn't flare out.
4) Remove carriage house doors.
5) Northern elevation return
reinstituted.
6) Use cedar clapboards throughout.
Yea: 5
Nay: 0 Abstain: 0
Approve Minutes:
Minutes of May 10, 2006.
Motion by: Marcene Marcoux Second: Carol Neal
To approve the minutes with no
corrections.
Vote: 4-0-1 (not present at meeting)
Motion to adjourn: Carol Neal
Second: John Dowd
Vote: 5-0-0
The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m
Respectfully submitted by
Winthrop Smith,
Recording Secretary
Approved by
_______________________________ at the meeting of _____________.
John Dowd, Chairperson