A 135-year-old home at 78 Bank Street will be elevated 18 inches to accommodate a new foundation as part of an 800-square-foot expansion project cleared by the Historic District Historical Commission (HDHC) on Wednesday. Applicant Angelo Carriero presented plans to remove several non-historic porches added to the 1890 structure between the 1920s and 1950s, replacing them with a more cohesive addition and a new porch on the north side. I’ve labored over how to historically and correctly meet this house without overburdening it, Carriero told the commission, explaining that he built a physical model to demonstrate the scale of the new dormers. Chair Mary Mazowski clarified the home’s traditional orientation, asking, The front door actually faces the next house as it always has? which Carriero confirmed.

The project drew concerns from neighbor Kathy Armilio, who cited anxieties regarding the demolition process and the lack of garage details on the submitted plans. I have many concerns... I'm nervous about the demolition, Armilio stated. Mazowski reminded those in attendance that the commission’s authority is limited specifically to the historic significance of the structure. Our only ability is to impose a demolition delay if we are uncomfortable with what is being put in its place. We don't have the means to stop a project or regulate septics and driveways, Mazowski said. Member Paul Don scrutinized the age of the existing dormers, noting, If the dormers are from 1914, they qualify as over 100 years old. Carriero responded that the dormers had been bastardized during earlier renovations and he intended to reconstruct them in the style of 1917. Motion Made by B. Lowey to determine the proposed demolition at 78 Bank Street would not diminish historic value and impose no delay, with a condition to use Anderson 400 series FDL windows. Motion Passed 4-0.

The commission also greenlit a multi-part renovation for a 1925 home at 11 Nuns Road. Attorney Michael Donovan described the project as an effort to remove eyesores, including a large wooden exterior staircase and a precarious widow’s walk. Architect Mike Tardamela noted the project would replace contemporary casement windows with more historically appropriate models. We are maintaining the original hundred-year-old box, Tardamela said, adding that additions from the 1980s and 90s would be modified to create a more cohesive second story. Brennan Lowey questioned the technical specifications of the materials, asking, Have you selected your window brand? Tardamela confirmed the use of Pella Architect series windows to meet modern energy codes while maintaining historic aesthetics. Motion Made by B. Don to determine the proposed demolition at 11 Nuns Road would not diminish historic value and impose no delay, with a condition to use Pella Architect series 6-over-1 SDL windows. Motion Passed 4-0.

Beyond specific property applications, the board revisited a 2016 determination that Route 28 in West Harwich is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Resident Sally Urbano sought guidance on moving the designation forward, noting that funding through the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) had been a past hurdle. Duncan Berry spoke in favor of the designation, arguing that a federal district provides a good ROI for heritage tourism and offers tax credits to homeowners. However, Bob Don flagged significant financial barriers, pointing out that many properties require updated MACRIS (Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System) forms. I'm concerned that many of these properties need updated MACRIS forms, and there is currently no money to do more right now, he noted, estimating costs at about $300 to $500 per form.

The meeting concluded with a proposal from Paul Don to establish an annual Historic Preservation Award to recognize high-quality renovations. We could have a plaque for the property and a commemorative wall in a public building, Don suggested. Bob Don recommended the award include more than just century-old homes, stating, I would include landmarks, not just houses... some mid-century modern restorations are historically significant. The board plans to finalize details for the award and the West Harwich district discussion at its September meeting.