The proposed "partial demolition" of the Alonzo Weeks house at 166 Bank Street hit a roadblock Wednesday as the Harwich Historic District and Historical Commission (HDHC) demanded a redesign to protect the 1826 structure’s original character. Attorney William Crowell and architect Antonia Butwell presented plans to replace an antique portion of the home with a larger footprint and a roof raised by nearly three feet to accommodate modern living standards. Crowell emphasized the owners want to build a house for the next hundred years, noting that this is not a speculative renovation. Butwell explained that the current staircase is non-conforming and hazardous and that the team aims to keep as much of the existing look from Bank Street as possible.

However, board members expressed significant alarm over the potential loss of architectural history. Lynn Alzak, who has been researching local families, noted the home was built by the son of a Revolutionary War soldier and stands in a historically vital area. Old timber cannot be replaced, Alzak said. I have real issues with this and think more historic research is needed. Paul Doane challenged the necessity of the demolition, telling the applicants that the proposed result has no relationship to the historic appearance of this house and looks more suited for Dedham than Harwich Port. Owner Michael Wending described the structure’s current state of decay, including a broken back ridge and rotting log timbers supported by temporary jacks. Despite these structural concerns, the board insisted on aesthetic continuity. Brendan Lowey suggested the owners omit the front porch, reduce the dormers... and try to make the addition look like it was added onto the original Cape rather than replacing it. Acting Chair Bob Done summarized the board’s mandate, stating his goal is that when you're coming up from Harwich Port, you see that house and it looks just like it was. Motion Made by B. Lowey to continue the hearing to April 15th. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

The commission saw a more cooperative path forward regarding a 206-year-old Colonial at 34 Oak Street. Agent Robert Ward presented plans for new kitchen and master bedroom additions, assuring the board, We aren't touching the main 1820 structure. To maintain the home’s historic theme, the board required the use of brick veneer on all new foundations. Ward stated he had no problem with the condition. Paul Doane emphasized the importance of the detail, noting it would keep the theme consistent with the original brick foundation. Motion Made by B. Lowey to approve the partial demolition of the rear utility room, sunroom, and kitchen for new additions at 34 Oak Street, with conditions including window restoration and brick veneer foundations. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

A restoration project at 97 Route 28 also moved forward, though the demolition of a collapsing barn was stripped from the application pending further legal review. Agent Patrick Jacobs proposed rebuilding a dilapidated front porch using structural PVC materials that will be painted white to match the original wood. Jacobs noted the project would save any architectural woodworking that is salvageable and reproduce the rest. Motion Made by B. Lowey to approve the partial demolition for rebuilding the front porch and second means of egress at 97 Route 28 with conditions, omitting the barn demolition. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

Budgetary priorities for the upcoming Town Meeting were also a focus of the session. The commission is seeking a $5,000 appropriation for its Historic Preservation Award program, an article that Paul Doane noted is now officially on the warrant. The board finalized plans for the awards, selecting a rectangular aluminum plaque with raised gold lettering. The nomination process is now on the town website, Doane said, explaining that the deadline has been extended to mid-April. Additionally, the commission discussed a request from resident Patrick Otton to expand the town’s list of scenic roads and adopt a tree preservation bylaw to retain the rural historic character of Harwich. While Bob Done noted the board’s jurisdiction is limited to trees within historic districts viewable from public ways, the board expressed interest in the broader effort to protect the town's village character.