Owners of the 175-year-old structure at 73 Route 28 reached a landmark compromise with the Historic District Historical Commission (HDHC) on Wednesday, securing permission to use vinyl siding on three sides of the building while preserving its original wood facade. The decision concludes a continued hearing regarding the Greek Revival and Italianate villa, where the necessity of lead paint remediation clashed with the town’s strict architectural preservation standards. Agent James Twitchell detailed the safety hazards of falling lead paint and the high cost of traditional removal, which the owner estimated at approximately $30,000. Twitchell presented a custom-made metal J-channel designed to eliminate the standard one-inch plastic strip at seams, stating he was proposing to put aluminum trim coverage on all the trim on the entire house and clapboard style vinyl siding on the entire house on top of what's there because it's got lead paint everywhere.

Chair Mary Maslowski noted that while the commission has the authority to impose a 12-month demolition delay, such a move might only postpone critical maintenance. The project proposes a partial demolition to install new vinyl siding and aluminum trim on the entire building, Maslowski said, acknowledging the structure's age and historical significance. Guest expert Duncan Berry raised concerns regarding the preservation of the home's distinctive corner treatments. My only concern is that—were you able to handle the corners in such a way that you treat the pilasters with the same kind of detail? Berry asked, specifically referencing the architectural integrity of the Greek Revival style.

In response to the board’s aesthetic concerns, property owner John proposed a hybrid approach to ensure the project could move forward immediately. If we delay and don't do anything, the property is just going to be another year where it's going to get worse, John explained. What we're thinking maybe if we can propose a compromise that we paint the front of the house, try to keep it as natural as it is right now, but put vinyl on the other side of the house. Member Paul Doane shifted the discussion to the property's current upkeep, specifically a dumpster and debris located in the front yard. There's no need for that dumpster in the front of the building, Doane argued. I'm going to move that—if you don't agree that it should be removed—that that be part of the motion. We either need to put some sort of a fence structure and put the dumpster behind it. While Maslowski noted that general property maintenance falls outside the commission's typical purview, she agreed to include the screening of the dumpster as a formal condition of approval.

Following the discussion, the board moved to finalize the agreement for the property, which is also identified in town records as Case HH 2025-16. Motion Made by B. Louney to approve Case HH 2025-16 with conditions including that the front of the house be saved with like-for-like wood materials, the barn be allowed vinyl and aluminum trim, and a fence or shielding be added around the dumpster. Motion Passed (5-0). The board also formally closed the public hearing. Motion Made by L. Zisac to close the public hearing. Motion Passed (5-0).

The commission also turned its attention to future funding and town-wide recognition projects. Paul Doane suggested the timing is ideal to approach the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for financial support to identify and label local homes dating back to the Revolutionary War. To honor all the work we've done on finding all the revolutionary housing, that we should put plaques on all the revolutionary things and the timing is good to ask CPC to fund it, Doane stated. Maslowski agreed that the HDHC should lead the application to emphasize the historical significance of the homes. Additionally, the board began preliminary discussions on establishing a new "Historic Preservation Award" to recognize high-quality renovation work throughout Harwich, with a formal discussion planned for the next agenda.

In administrative business, the commission moved to fill a critical vacancy on the Community Preservation Committee. Motion Made by M. Maslowski to send a letter to the Select Board requesting the formal appointment of Paul Doane to the CPC for the remainder of the current term. Motion Passed (5-0). The board also noted that the property at 115 Route 28, known as "Two Chimneys," is currently under agreement, and the commission will receive a formal update on its compliance status at their next meeting, scheduled for the third Wednesday of the month.