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Thursday February 19, 2009
Hingham Town Hall
7:00 P.M.
Present: Chairman Scott Ford, Nancy MacKay, Chuck Clutz, Winston Hall, John McCoy
Absent: Susan Berry, Bill Tuite, Elaine Marcell, Ben Wilcox, Arthur Choo
Chairman Scott Ford recused himself from the hearing for 126 South Street. Member Chuck Clutz called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
126 South Street
Roger and Nancy Hoit introduced owners Ed and Donna Fitzwilliam. Mr. Hoit then described the plans for an addition to the cape at 126 South Street, a one-story addition to the rear and driveway side. Commission members had no significant objections to the design or the size of the addition. Acting Chairman Chuck Clutz noted that the existing house will remain prominent with respect to the size and placement of the addition. John McCoy questioned the appropriateness of a bay window for the style and age of the house, despite the fact that the bay is on the rear of the addition. Mr. Clutz then remarked that the bay encroaches on the setback, a point that Mr. Hoit acknowledged is the case.
Decision
The Commission voted unanimously to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for 126 South Street for construction of a one-story rear addition on the driveway side of the house in accordance with plans dated January 30, 2009. Clapboard and roof will match the existing house; windows will be wood true divided light with an aluminum storm and half screen. Note: shingles noted on the plans are incorrect. Mr. Hoit will revise the plans to reflect the use of red cedar shingles rather than asphalt shingles.
Other Business
Chairman Scott Ford returned to the meeting room to discuss the possibility of charging fees. Andrea Young explained that the Selectmen and Advisory Committee recommended that the Historic Districts Commission join other town departments and charge application and processing fees. Commission members were generally not in favor of imposing fees for work in historic districts, believing it an imposition on residents who already have to adhere to district guidelines for exterior work. There was consensus that fees should cover costs of advertising hearings, mailing abutter notices, copying materials and other preparation required for a hearing; there should not be a fee for maintenance and repair applications. Chairman Ford pointed out that the Commission holds about 70 hearings every year and if the Commission charged a $25 fee for a Certificate of Appropriateness, an amount most members agreed was not excessive, the Commission would only recover approximately $1,750 per year. That amount would probably not cover combined mailing and advertising expenses. Commission members concluded that there should be no fee for a Certificate of Non-Applicability and that any fee charged should be a flat processing fee. Further discussion will take place at a later date.
The next HDC meeting is on Thursday March 19, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.
Chairman Scott Ford adjourned the meeting at 8:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Young
Administrator