Meadows

Meadows

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to give Mr. Barton and his wife enough room for the large family gatherings they planned to have during the holidays.

“Although for 90 percent of the time the house will be occupied by just one couple, it will be a gathering place for their four children for special occasions and holiday^ ... it will be used at times for the entire family - that's why the need for a large dining room and a large living room.”

John Wells, an architectural historian with the Division of Historic Landmarks of the Department of Conservation and Historic Resources, was asked by the board to consult as an expert on historic preservation.

He told the group that, after reviewing Mr. Kulski’s proposal and seeing the property that afternoon, he had, “several concerns about the proposed renovation.” He noted that one of those concerns, about changes to the building’s interior, are not within the board’s scope of authority and would not be addressed.

One concern which does fall under the board’s authority, he said, is that the proposed addition would “obscure and possibly cause damage to the twin chimneys” on the south side of the building, which he called its "prominent architectural feature.”

With the wing added, he said, that would become the building’s dominant architectural feature. That, along with moving the entrance way from the side to the center of the building, would destroy the asymmetrical style which is the hallmark of the structure.

“I gather that you feel that the addition is too large?” Mr. Kulski asked.

“In this location, it is too prominent and too large,” Mr. Wells replied.

Mr. Kulski noted that the addition is only about one-quarter the area of the existing structure, and added that he has done renovations of historic buildings when the addition comprised an area three-quarters the size of the original structure. “I beg to differ that the addition is significant.”