The proposed restoration and expansion of the 1826 Alonzo Weeks house at 166 Bank Street hit a significant roadblock Wednesday night as the Historic District Historical Commission slammed a design they claimed bore no relationship to the home’s historic character. Attorney William Crowell, representing owner Michael Wending, argued that the project was a necessary partial demolition rather than a full removal, stating that the proposal will not destroy or substantially diminish the historical significance of the structure. Architect Antonia Butwell detailed severe structural red flags in the antique portion, noting that the cost to repair the foundation, floor framing, electrical, and HVAC would exceed the cost of rebuilding it. She specifically pointed to a non-conforming staircase as a major driver for the need for a higher roofline.

Wending provided a grim assessment of the building’s current state, describing a broken back roof ridge and a basement held up by temporary jacks. I found a five-gallon bucket held by a nail to collect drips in the attic, Wending told the board. The logs are decomposing. There is really nothing left of the skeleton. Despite the structural concerns, the commission remained unmoved by the proposed aesthetic changes, which included six dormers and six columns. Member P. Doane led the pushback, arguing the design was unrecognizable as a traditional Cape. If I asked my mother to find the Cape house in this design, she'd be troubled, Doane said. From a historic preservation standpoint, this is unacceptable. Member L. Alzac emphasized the deep roots of the Burgess family on Bank Street, noting the site's connection to Revolutionary War history and stating, I have real issues with this.

B. Lowey suggested the applicant stop spinning their wheels and follow specific guidance to save the property's Cape look. He advised the team to omit the porch altogether, remove the middle dormer, and maintain a modest captain’s entry. Motion Made by P. Doane to continue the hearing to the April 15th meeting to allow for design revisions. Motion Passed (4-0-0)

The commission found more common ground regarding 34 Oak Street, an 1820 structure where Joseph Hennessy proposed a two-phase addition. Agent Robert Ward assured the board that we're not touching the main structure built in 1820, and confirmed the original front windows would be professionally restored. Ward described the need for the work, noting that the kitchen floor is sinking because the original fur timbers are notched 30 inches apart. P. Doane requested that the new foundation include a brick veneer to maintain the brick theme seen on the historic portion of the home. Motion Made by B. Lowey to approve the partial demolition and additions with no demolition delay, with conditions including window restoration and brick veneer on the new foundation. Motion Passed (4-0-0)

At 97 Route 28, the board sanctioned a partial demolition to rebuild a dilapidated front porch and an unconventional fire escape. Agent Patrick Jacobs, who arrived late following a sports injury, explained that the fire escape was particularly problematic as you walk across the roof to get to it. The board agreed to allow AZEK and PVC materials for the project, provided they are painted to match the original wood aesthetic. Motion Made by B. Lowey to approve the partial demolition and rebuild of the front porch and second means of egress with no demolition delay. Motion Passed (4-0-0)

The meeting also touched on town-wide preservation efforts through two citizen petitions presented by Patrick Otton. Otton urged the town to designate more scenic roads to protect trees and stone walls, noting that Harwich currently lags behind neighbors like Chatham. Regarding a proposed tree preservation bylaw, Otton said the goal is retaining the rural historic character instead of turning Harwich into an urban backyard. While the board could not formally deliberate on the petitions, they expressed interest in the preservation of the town’s aesthetic beauty.

Finally, the commission highlighted a $5,000 warrant article for the upcoming Town Meeting to fund the Historic Preservation Award program. P. Doane reported that the funds would support a plaque program similar to one in Chatham, utilizing $80 oval aluminum plaques with raised gold lettering. It's tastefully done, Doane said, adding that the commission also plans to feature winners in a rotating poster display at the Community Center to raise public awareness of preservation successes.