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Madison historic commission approves rear-elevation change at 498 Boston Post Road
Summary
The Madison Historic District Commission unanimously approved an application to replace two rear windows with a door and one window at 498 Boston Post Road, with commissioners finding the change marginally visible from the road and consistent with existing window patterns.
The Madison Historic District Commission voted unanimously at a July 8 special meeting to approve an application to alter the rear elevation of the house at 498 Boston Post Road, permitting the removal of two existing windows to install a door and one window, plus new steps and a guardrail.
The decision came after commissioners reviewed existing photographs and a proposed elevation drawing that showed the east (rear) side of the house facing Cherry Lane and only marginally visible from Boston Post Road. The applicant, Mr. Hafeli, offered no new materials but answered questions about the proposal and confirmed the new windows will match the existing pane patterns and that siding will fill the space beside the new door.
Chair (first reference uses role because no full name was provided in the record) said the commission had previously seen the application and asked the applicant to summarize any changes. Commissioners raised only minor clarifying points: one member confirmed the projecting window frame projects about six inches and will continue down to grade, and a commissioner asked whether a storm door was planned — the applicant said none had been specified. The chair also asked about a small shed roof visible in photos; the applicant described it as "tiny" and possibly a past water guard but could not confirm its precise dimensions from the straight-on view.
Following brief discussion that commissioners characterized as reasonable for an idiosyncratic historic house, the chair asked for a motion to open the matter to a vote. A motion and a second were made on the record (the meeting transcript does not name the mover or seconder). The chair then called for the vote and announced approval, instructing the applicant to proceed.
"Please go forward with your project," the chair said after the vote, and added that they would sign and scan the application and submit it that afternoon. The meeting adjourned at 5:39 p.m., nine minutes after it began.
The commission did not record any amendments to the proposal during the meeting; specifics about material samples, contractor schedules, or building permits were not provided in the public record and were not requested during the vote.
