Arlington Historical Commission
Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday,
4 June 2002
Whittemore-Robbins House, 7:30 PM
Call to Order: Robert Botterio presiding, with commissioners Patrick Guthrie, Eric Stange, JoAnn Robinson, and Michael Ruderman attending.
Review of minutes of 7 May 2002: approved.
Communications from Mr. Botterio: solely, the request from Mr. William H. Rowe to review the extent of two projects he contemplates; first, the demolition of a garage and subsequent expansion of the home he and his wife June own at 1 Kensington; second, renovations and replacements of the windows at 5-11 Water Street, which Mr. Rowe controls through the Waterpower Trust. The Rowes attended this meeting, and set forth their plans. See New Business below for the decision regarding the garage at 1 Kensington; both properties will be scheduled for formal hearings for the next meeting July 2.
Review of Projects
125 Brattle Lane/Farmer's Lane (Colonial Ridge LLC) 11/99: Ms. Robinson has sent a letter to the developers describing in detail the numerous deficiencies in the nearly-completed structure.
1167 Mass. Ave. (Mirak) 9/00: Guthrie-currently being marketed.
23 Maple Street (Town of Arlington)11/00: Ms. Robinson will answer a request for help in locating old photographs of this building, as Court Street Architects resumes their project.
45 Fairview Avenue (Trvalik) 4/02: Botterio-no activity.
30 Academy Street [f. 20 Pelham Terrace] (McKee) 11/01: Robinson-copper flashing installed.
24 Gray Street (V. Brown, W. Stewart) 12/01: Stange-dons but for porch and steps.
35 Bailey Road (Weil): Guthrie-(de)construction (of old siding) commences.
32 Draper Avenue (R. Kingston, R. Feinbaum) 3/02: Ruderman-foundation dug and basement poured; some small changes in window arrangements reviewed and approved.
3-5 Brattle Street (Fertman) 4/02: Stange-no exterior activity.
468 Mystic Street (Winchester Country Club tennis building) 5/02: Mr. Botterio will monitor future construction on the site of the now-demolished tennis building.
Demolition Pending
962 Massachusetts Avenue (Rita Yegian, owner): November 8, 2001-no change.
Reports
Whittemore-Robbins House (and outbuildings): Carey-carriage house renovations stalled for lack of funds.
Arlington Civic Block Garden: Robinson-no news.
Updates and Expansion to Inventory: Mr. Guthrie will work on plans to add all three town fire stations.
Inventory of public buildings: Stange and Robinson (see Discussion below)
Fundraising Event: “Murder at Harvard” broadcast-possible date of the Thursday night (September 19) following Town Day is open for us at the Regent Theater.
New Business
After reviewing the photographs and sketches submitted by the Rowes, it was decided that the demolition of their existing garage at 1 Kensington Road may proceed without delay, the garage being a late addition to the site and non-contributing to the historical and architectural significance of the principal structure.
The Commission commends the Rowes on their desire and intent in constructing a replacement garage which complements their 1905 home in one of Arlington's most significant residential subdivisions. The Commission suggests the following design elements for the replacement garage will harmonize with the Rowes' home: windows matching the home windows with six-over-two sashes; a garage door of horizontal, flat panels, painted to match the house, with some form of center-line definition (recalling the original, barn-style garage doors); a roof composition to match the house; and a windowed, walk-in door with six-over-two lights. Mr. Stange will answer any questions on these design elements on behalf of the Commission.
In other new business, Mr. Ruderman will coordinate plans with possible “neighbors” for our Town Day booth regarding set-up and take-down responsibilities.
Mr. Ruderman and Mr. Botterio will schedule a discussion with Planning Director Alan McClennon regarding this commission's oversight and guidance of the Old Schwamb Mill.
Future meetings of this commission are set for this location for the following Tuesday nights at 7:30 PM (Ms. Carey to post the same with the Town Clerk): August 5 (although this meeting may be canceled if there is no pressing business), September 3, October 1, November 12 (skipping the first Tuesday of November, it being Election Night), December 3, 2002; and January 7, 2003.
There being no other new business, this meeting was closed at 10:30 PM.
For the Arlington Historical Commission,
A. Michael Ruderman, Clerk
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