CONCORD HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES FROM MEETING 2/19/10
PRESENT: Nancy Butman (Chair), Valarie Kinkade, Holly Larner, Barbara Lynn-Davis. Also present: Service; Lara Kritzer, Department of Planning, Town of Concord.
The meeting was called to order by Chair Nancy Butman at 7:02 PM.
The Agenda was approved with several revisions made by the Chair.
The Minutes were approved with some clarifications and typographical corrections.
Nancy Butman’s Meeting with Brona Simon, State Historic Preservation Officer and Nancy Nelson, Superintendent of the Minuteman National Park
Michael Moresco, Secretary Galvin’s Assistant, was also at the meeting. After reviewing the materials Ms. Simon has concluded that she disagrees with the Concord Historical Commission’s assessment of Hanger 24 meeting Criteria C for architecture, which would make it eligible for the National Register and forestall its demolition. Ms. Simon thought MassPort’s mitigation proposal actually went beyond what was required. Ms. Simon also disagreed with the HC’s argument that the APE (affected area) went beyond the building’s footprint. She said that any proposal for what would replace the building was for the Section 106 Review process and has no bearing on whether the building could be torn down or not. Ms. Simon feels that the APE is only the hanger’s
footprint. The conclusion of the discussion is that the HC and the SHPO’s office would agree to disagree.
Ms. Butman suggested that the SHPO not sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOA), or at least delay signing it until a wider discussion about the future of the Hanger 24 area took place. Ms. Butman argued that the options for the re-use of Hanger 24 were not exhausted. Ms. Simon said it was not necessary to exhaust efforts for re-use of a structure in order for it to be torn down. Ms. Butman believes that this is the end of the line for Hanger 24 and that the HC has done all that it can to date. She mentioned that other groups are still pursuing other avenues to halt the Hanger 24 demolition.
Harrington House National Register Listing
Nancy reported that the HC does have the funds for this and is proceeding on starting the paperwork.
Proposal for an archaeological excavation in the Town Forrest
Lara reported that Allan Schmidt, a Concord resident, is proposing that he conduct an excavation in the Town Forest, near Fairland Pond, to look for Brister Freeman’s house. It was noted that there will be a permitting process for this and that Mr. Schmidt would need to employ a cultural resource firm. Lara has suggested to him that a historical research project needs to happen first including title searches and a better plan for what areas are to be excavated and why. It was suggested that Author Tonni Morison has a foundation with funds to commemorate Underground Railroad sites and that perhaps that might be a good first step to raise awareness of the area as a home of former slaves in Concord. Mr. Schmidt might be encouraged to speak with this foundation about installing a bench or a
bridge to honor the site rather than a more complicated endeavor of an archaeological exploration.
Housing Development at Hanscom Air Force Base
Nancy presented documents that have been forwarded to her concerning expansion of the military housing at Hanscomb Air Force Base. Nancy showed maps and aerial views of the site. Nancy believes the whole development is in Lincoln. She will ask Marcia Rasmussen to check to see if we have any jurisdiction and Nancy will contact the Lincoln Historical Commission to see if they need anything from us.
CPC Update
Finance Committee Hearing: Valarie updated the Commission on the CPC and upcoming Finance Committee hearing on Feb 25. She reported that there is a warrant article being presented which would call for the abolition of the CPC.
CPC Project Review Guidelines: Nancy has suggested that the HC develop some criteria for review of future CPC projects. Nancy has suggested that the HC members put together a list of questions and guidelines which can be used to evaluate CPC applications next year. Valarie suggested each member might bring 2 questions or guidelines to the April meeting.
Preservation Restrictions: The Commission members reviewed a previous Town Council Memorandum explaining when a preservation restriction might be needed when CPC funding is involved. Nancy suggested that the HC make a list of reasons or situations that might trigger a preservation restriction. Lara agreed to make a list of the present historic preservation restrictions and what triggered them in order for the Commission to start this discussion.
Caesar Robins House
Lara updated the HC on the status of the Caesar Robbins House and reported that a developer is working with the Drinking Gourd Project to buy the house. She also spoke of the land issues for the new site. The Town is putting together a Quit Claim Deed with Trustees of Reservations to accept the land.
Updating the Historic Resources Master Plan and Survey: The Commission discussed Carlisle’s plan that Anne Forbes had sent. Barbara asked if Lara thought we needed an updated survey. Lara said it would be a good tool. Nancy suggested the HC was leaning more towards a guidelines revision, like those of Weston, rather than a completely new survey – mainly due to the lack of funding.
The Members agreed to look at neighborhoods within the existing masterplan to further document them; that we should take a more holistic view of the town with less emphasis on individual houses and more on areas–-which could nicely incorporate modern areas as well; that we should look at properties we consider vulnerable and document them––this is the “value of documenting vernacular architecture”; that we should review the “area forms” together to find common denominators.
Lara is still promising to investigate the existing CD to see how and if the data on that can be amended––saving us lots of time.
We want to build on what we have, not duplicate it.
Holly seconded a motion at 8:50 to adjourn the meeting and we did.
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