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Lynnfield commission approves demolition of historic barn known as the “Windmill Factory” after permit error
Summary
The Lynnfield Historical Commission found a demolition permit for 39 Forest Hill Avenue had been issued in error under the town's Demolition Delay Bylaw and, after reviewing the barn's history and salvage options, voted unanimously to approve demolition; the commission will send letters to the building inspector and homeowners.
Chair Kirk Mansfield said the Lynnfield Historical Commission convened on April 15 to review an inadvertent permit issuance that allowed demolition work to begin at 39 Forest Hill Avenue without the Commission's required Demolition Delay review.
Mansfield said residents had contacted him after portions of the property — the family room and garage — had already been demolished. After visiting the site, he said he learned from the Building Inspector's Office that the property had been overlooked as subject to the Demolition Delay Bylaw and that a permit had been issued in error; he said he immediately requested that no further work occur until the Commission completed its review.
The Commission debated whether the barn at the address, which Mansfield identified as one of the town's most historically significant surviving barns known locally as the "Windmill Factory," warranted protection. "Although the barn may appear to have little apparent character or historical significance, it is one of the town's most historically significant surviving barns," Mansfield said, noting the structure's association with the town's windmill manufacturing history.
Architect Mat Cummings told the panel he had not been aware of the barn's history and said he did not believe much of the original structure remained after years of repairs. When commissioners asked whether any salvageable materials could be preserved for the Commission, Cummings said that if materials remained, the homeowner would most likely incorporate them into the new design.
Vice Chair Steve Todisco moved to approve demolition of the barn; Commissioner Abigail Kilgore seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Mansfield said the Commission would send a letter to the Building Inspector and to the homeowners documenting the Commission's review and decisions.
The meeting, called to order at 6:30 p.m., adjourned at 7:17 p.m. No further formal actions regarding this property were recorded at the meeting.
