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Dennis Historical Commission clears several demolition applications, tables others pending research
Summary
At its June 1 meeting the Dennis Historical Commission reviewed multiple demolition applications, granting no-delay clearance for several structures while tabling at least one property pending ownership and site checks; commissioners also discussed refining the town's demolition-delay bylaw.
The Dennis Historical Commission on June 1 reviewed a busy docket of demolition applications, approving "no delay" for several properties and tabling at least one pending further research.
Chair Diane Rochelle said the commission would sign off on applications that had completed ZBA review and for which members found no architectural or historical reason to impose a demolition delay. She reported consensus that 14 Judith Ann Road (circa 1945) and 290 Old Wharf Road in Dennisport (circa 1945) could proceed and that a request for a demolition delay would not be sought for 29 Corporation Road (a circa-1924 garage), noting the Old King's Highway review had been completed.
A more contested matter involved a barn on the property listed at 159 Sesuit Neck Road (possibly 153 after recent parcel splits). Commissioners described inconsistent owner records and limited roadside visibility of the structure; the group agreed there was insufficient information to act and tabled the item for a site visit and follow-up research. "I'd hold off on it because we don't have enough information," said Bill, a commission member.
The commission also considered DDL (demolition) application #18 for a property referred to as the Horse Foot Plant (two buildings, 1944). After reviewing photos and discussing architectural merit, a motion "to not delay" the demolition was made and approved by voice vote.
The panel emphasized that a building must meet statutory and bylaw criteria to be considered "significant" for a demolition delay. Chair Diane Rochelle noted the commission's practice of taking a consensus when the members do not find historical or architectural reasons to delay demolition, and she said she would sign off on cases that met that understanding.
The commission did not publish formal roll-call tallies in the meeting transcript; approvals were recorded by voice vote. The commission scheduled additional fact-finding for items with unclear ownership or insufficient documentation and advised staff to prepare the information requested for the July 6 meeting.
