HomeMy Public PortalAbout20100528 - Historical Commission - Meeting MinutesHopkinton Historical Commission
Meeting Minutes
May 28, 2010
7:30 PM
1 of 2
Attendance: Commission members in attendance: Michaelyn Holmes, Claire Wright,
Ron Yankee, Bob Ionta, Bill Shaw, Roger Mezitt
Other attendees: James Regan, Matthew Johnson
1. Signage at Hopkinton Springs Hotel site: James Regan presented the results of
his Eagle Scout project to research, document, and post information about the
Hopkinton Springs Hotel. Three outdoor signs describing the history of the
Hopkinton Springs Hotel were designed, constructed, and erected at the historical site
as part of this project (corner of Spring Street and Lyford Street). James was
recognized by the Commission for his outstanding work.
2. Possible demolition at 80 Hayden Rowe Street: Matthew Johnson presented plans
to demolish the existing residence at 80 Hayden Rowe Street and to build a
replacement house. Pending final purchase of the house, a formal request for
demolition has not been filed yet. Mr. Johnson presented interior and exterior pictures
of the existing structure, a possible design for the replacement home, and two building
reports describing the condition of the existing structure. Building a new home at the
site will require a zoning variance (current 91-foot frontage doesn’t meet 100-foot
requirement). The house sits on a 15,000-sq ft. lot.
The building reports highlighted the need for significant repairs related to chimney,
sagging floor joists, foundation, steam boiler, roof rafters, and mildew problems. Mr.
Johnson feels that the dilapidated state of the house makes it impractical to buy,
renovate, and resell. He would like the Historical Commission’s support for his request
for a zoning variance to demolish the existing building and rebuild on the site. The
home has been on the market for approximately 2 years; several prospective buyers
have declined after evaluating the condition of the existing home.
Discussion and questions by the Commission focused on the potential for re-sale, the
livability and condition of the existing structure, design of the proposed replacement
structure, and the possibility of preserving the streetscape and look of the existing
structure. There was a motion to support the application for a variance and not oppose
demolition of the existing structure with the understanding that the developer/owner
would work with the Historical Commission to retain the historical streetscape of the
site. (motion by M Holmes, second by B Shaw). The vote was 5 in favor, 1 abstain.
Michaelyn will prepare a written letter to the developer summarizing this decision.
3. Secretary’s Report: Approval of minutes deferred (Secretary absent).
3. Treasurer’s Report: Ron Yankee presented the Treasurer’s Report. No changes this
month, but Ron noted $872.26 was remaining in the operating budget for 2009
(fiscal year ends in June 2010). There was a motion for approval (C Wright), second
(R Mezitt), and unanimous vote for approval of the Treasurer’s Report.
4. Re-appointment of commissioners: Roger, Claire, and Ron are up for re-
appointment as Historical Commission members this year. All would like to
continue, but Roger wishes to step down from his representation of the HHC on the
CPC.
5. Train Depot: There was a motion to spend up to $875 to purchase a glass display
case that could be used to display documents and artifacts in the Train Depot (motion
by M Holmes, second by R Mezitt, unanimous vote in support). Ron and Bill to
follow-up with purchase of display case.
6. Dempsey House: No updates on trellis, but Bob to continue researching options.
7. Old North Mill: A site visit on May 9 confirmed the dilapidated state of the Old
North Mill structure. There was general agreement that the building is beyond repair
or restoration. No actions to be taken at this time.
8. East Main Street structures: Possible demolition of structures on East Main
Street: There has been no response from the Building Inspector regarding the observed
demolition of several outbuildings on East Main Street. Michaelyn to re-send email.
9. Adjournment: There was a motion for adjournment at 9:45 pm (motion by M
Holmes, second by R Mezitt, unanimous vote for adjournment). Next regularly
scheduled meeting is Tuesday, June 22, 7:30 pm.