A $10,000 misunderstanding rooted in building department turnover left a West Harwich property owner facing significant financial loss this week. Jim Twitchell, representing the owner of 73 Route 28, informed the Historic District Historical Commission that he had already purchased two dozen vinyl windows after being told by town staff that the 1850s-era structure was not historically significant. I spoke with the building inspector at the beginning of March and he told me the building was not historic and I only needed an express permit, Twitchell said, explaining that the windows already ordered feature grills between the glass rather than the simulated divided lights typically required by the board. I already ordered $10,000 worth of windows... Now I'm being told it has to come before this commission.

Commission members expressed sympathy for the administrative error but remained hesitant to allow modern vinyl inserts on a prominent historic building. Chair Mary Mazowski noted that there has been turnover in the building department and clearly something was missed, suggesting a potential compromise where the owner might only be required to install more historically accurate sashes on the street-facing side of the house. Brendan Lowey pointed out that technical alternatives exist, stating I confirmed with Harvey today that you can get applied grills for the insert window. Motion Made by P. Dome to continue the public hearing to May 21st, 2025. Motion Passed (5-0)

The commission moved more swiftly to preserve a piece of Harwich’s earliest history at 250 Lothrop Avenue. Applicant Mark Barry sought approval to replace a failing concrete foundation under a barn that he described as bananering and rolling off its sills. Paul Dome highlighted the site’s prestige, noting the property was the residence of Gersham Hall, believed to be the town's first resident. The intersection of Queen Anne and Lothrop is steeped in history, Dome said. Attorney Bill Croll, who performed the title search, confirmed the lineage back to the Hall family. Barry told the board he has a drawer full of old papers from the family yet to be cataloged and is working to stabilize the barn so it can be used for storage. Motion Made by B. Lowey to approve the partial demolition for a new foundation with no delay period. Motion Passed (5-0)

Workforce housing at 718 Main Street also received a boost as the board endorsed a window replacement project to improve energy efficiency for tenants. New owner Jack Thomas requested a Certificate of Non-Applicability to continue capital improvements started by the previous owner in 2019. The current windows are terrible and this will be more energy efficient for the tenants, Thomas said, noting the building fills a vital need for local workers. Dome praised the effort to maintain the attractiveness of the center without over-upgrading it into luxury units. Motion Made by B. Don to approve the Certificate of Non-Applicability. Motion Passed (5-0)

The commission also addressed a jurisdictional dispute involving a boat house on Snow Inn Road owned by Jack Welch. Attorney Bill Croll presented conflicting maps from the early 1930s to argue the structure is less than 100 years old, which would exempt it from commission oversight. A 1934 plan by the same engineers shows no structure on the lot in question, Croll noted. To accommodate a pending Zoning Board of Appeals hearing, Mazowski scheduled a special meeting for April 30 to finalize a determination on the building's age.

In other business, the commission signaled a crackdown on property owners who deviate from approved historic plans. Mazowski ordered an enforcement letter for 115 Route 28, where owners reportedly installed faux chimneys or toppers instead of the full chimney replacements required by a previous decision. Member Bob Don also announced he is finalizing a comprehensive list of Revolutionary War soldiers associated with local properties to bolster the town's historic inventory. The meeting also marked the introduction of Natalie Hutchkins as the new Building Department assistant and Paul Man as the commission's newest member.