HDC holds 14 Silver Street application for driveway revisions after commissioners and neighbors object to parking apron

The Nantucket Historic District Commission on Oct. 21 held the application for 14 Silver Street for revisions after commissioners and public commenters said the proposed parking and turnaround in front of the cottage would harm the Old Historic District streetscape.

Designer Julie Jordan presented revised plans that added a parking area, low hedge screening and an expanded rear deck; Jordan described a parking area near the house "with a low hedge across the front to add the kind of cottage charm, but give a little privacy because it's quite exposed to silver and the town parking lot."

Commissioner Angus McLeod and members of the Historic Structures Advisory Group urged that parking be moved farther to the west side of the lot so the visual terminus in front of the original cottage remains lawn and landscape rather than hardscape. Mary Bergman (HSAG) called for a single-width driveway rather than a double, and noted the amount of parking in the Old Historic District should be limited. Commissioner Joe Paul and others suggested extending the lawn and adding plantings so the driveway reads as an in-town lane rather than an apron.

Jordan said she preferred to maintain functionality for the homeowner but said she would revise the plan: "I could probably do a very I just want the functionality of them to be able to pull in and park and back and get out of the driveway. ... I think leaving the designing to me, and if you would like a revision on the driveway, I'm happy to accommodate that."

Commissioner Angus McLeod moved to hold the application for revisions; the motion passed by roll call. The applicant agreed to submit revised drawings showing reduced driveway width, moving parking toward the west side of the lot, and additional planting and screening.