The Harwich Historic District Historical Commission (HDHC) halted plans for a Route 28 renovation on Wednesday, citing a lack of detailed architectural plans despite the property owner’s warnings that a barn on the site is collapsing and a tenant-occupied porch is being held up by temporary supports. The request for 97 Route 28, filed by JNS Cape Houses LLC, sought to demolish a detached barn and rebuild a historic farmer's porch. Agent Patrick Jacobs told the commission the porch is in significant disarray and represents a safety issue, explaining, I've temporarily supported it. There are three units occupied by tenants, so it's a safety issue.

The property is subject to a historic preservation restriction and sits near a Habitat for Humanity project, a sensitive area for the town as it balances housing density with historic character. Owner Sam expressed frustration with the delay, noting that the building department already has plans for a two-bedroom unit designed to look like a barn. The porch millwork is not worth saving or able to be saved, he said, adding that he was willing to wait a month to provide the board with the specific visual details they required. Chair Mary Mazlowski remained firm on the need for oversight, stating, It's a very classic barn facade. Typically, when replacing something like that, we like to see the plans for what's going in its place. Member Bob Don noted he could not make a determination without seeing a list of materials, as the porch originally featured fairly ornate ornamentation. Motion Made by L. Alisac to continue matter HH2026-08 to Wednesday, March 18th. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

The commission found smoother waters for a project at 37 Squatum Road, though the hearing highlighted the town's struggle to track aging properties before they hit the century mark. Applicant John Domas sought to change the roofline and add a kitchen and screen room to a structure built in 1925. I'm not tearing it down because I love the structure and it's actually quite sound, Domas said, describing the yellow southern pine timbers. Member Paul Don questioned the scope of the project, remarking, It looks like a substantial increase in size. It doesn't seem to jive... It's hard to find the original house. Mazlowski clarified that because the house only turned 100 this year, previous work did not require commission review. Motion Made by B. Don to close the public hearing. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Despite an address discrepancy in the formal filing, the board cleared the project. Motion Made by B. Don in Case HH 2026-07 (listed as 37 Swan Road) to impose no demolition delay, finding the proposed work would not destroy historic value. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

Amid Harwich’s broader fiscal crisis—where an $86.6 million budget has pushed the town to within $92,000 of its legal tax levy limit—the commission reviewed its own lean finances. The HDHC’s total FY2026 budget stands at just $700, covering advertising, dues, and small expenses. Paul Don pointed out the irony of the small figure, noting that the current budget barely covers mailings, even as the board seeks to launch a preservation award program. The commission discussed using its remaining $350 in general expenses to fund plaques or awards but will seek clarification from the finance department first.

The meeting ended in tension during public comment when resident Matt questioned the board's integrity regarding a separate demolition at Wychmere Harbor, known as the Snowind property. He criticized Bob Don for speaking in favor of the design at a Cape Cod Commission meeting, suggesting board members were playing around with their official status while speaking as individuals. Mazlowski cut the comment short after the resident began disparaging members. I do not appreciate you disparaging people, Mazlowski said, noting the Snowind item was not on the night's agenda for deliberation. The board also approved previous records. Motion Made by P. Don to approve the minutes from January 15th and January 21st. Motion Passed (4-0-0).