Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves demolition‑delay waivers for two porch/repair projects at 6 Park Avenue and 17th Circuit Avenue East
Summary
The Historical Commission granted demolition‑delay waivers for exterior repairs at 6 Park Avenue and for porch refurbishment at 17th Circuit Avenue East, finding the proposed in‑kind repairs and retention of key porch elements would not be detrimental to local historic resources.
At the July 9 meeting, the commission considered two relatively brief applications and approved both by unanimous roll‑call votes.
Sarah Berry, representing the property at 6 Park Avenue, described masonry parging repairs to crumbling concrete columns and front‑facing elements; commissioners confirmed the work is repair‑oriented, the finish will match existing coloring, and the beadboard ceiling and decorative cornice will be retained. The commission closed public comment and approved the demolition‑delay waiver, finding the proposed work would not harm historic resources.
Jo Maris Garcia presented a MassDevelopment‑funded porch refurbishment for 17th Circuit Avenue East: the project will refurbish (not fully replace) portions of the front porch, replace an enclosed balustrade with a new balustrade system, install composite decking on the porch floor, and retain the porch beadboard ceiling and roof elements. Commissioners asked about unacceptable materials (staff said vinyl soffit would not be approved) and directed the applicant to preserve visible historic features. The commission voted to approve the proposed porch work as consistent with the district’s resources.
Why it matters: These approvals permit targeted, in‑kind repairs and modest replacements that address safety and deterioration without changing the visible historic character of the street‑facing facades.
