Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 18 · column 2 of 7 · from the scan, no model involved
would completely obscure the elevations of the lawn, altering that feature still further.
If the house is made symmetrical with the addition of a wing, Mr. Haffler said, “in my opinion you deny what the house is.
“I agree with John. An addition could go on the rear and preserve the historic character as well as leave e\ eryone satisfied.”
Former mayor Peter Kramer pointed out that an architectural survey done of the town a few years ago said that The Meadows was, in fact, one of the most notable of the historic homes in the town.
He noted that the town’s Historic District Ordinance directs and empowers the ARB to protect against encroachment of the structures within the district, and to encourage uses of those structures which lead to their conservation and protection.
“That was the intent of the ordinance," Mr. Kramer said. “And what is proposed tonight is in violation of that ordinance. The building is being encroached upon, in my opinion."
“If the owner could not achieve his goal in any other manner, there might be an argument for hardship," Mr. Kramer continued. But. pointing to the suggestion of Mr. Wells and Mr. Haffler that the addition be placed to the rear of the house, he added, “the solution presented would relieve the hardship and prevent encroachment."
"I will grant you," Mr. Kramer said, “that this is not a pure structure. This is not a pure town. We are not a Williamsburg.” The Historic District Ordinance, he suggested, allows for development w hile preserving the historic character of the town.
He urged the board, and Mr. Kulski, to consider the option of placing the addition behind the existing house. “That would allow the owners to enjoy the additional space, without compromising the existing structure ... If it were my house I would put it out back and put connectors on it and enjoy the daylights out of it."
Ray Gooch, a member of the town council, complimented the board’s decision to seek expert advice in making its decision. “This is a major step in implementing the ordinance at a time when the fabric of the community is indeed very fragile.”
Mr. Gooch said, he agreed with the appraisal of the proposed alteration. and urged Mr. Kulski to consider another design. To the board, he said, "If you reject this proposal, I hope an effort is made to accomadate the owners with another design.” And, he added, “I hope the owners knew of the historic district and about our board before they came to our town.”
Mrs. Miller acknowledged that, “we are a fairly young board, and we are learning as we go. This house, we feel, is important - an important piece of our community.”
Mr. Kulski maintained that the suggested alterations would present problems with ventilation as well as “circulation” problems. Placing the dining room in the addition and the kitchen in the main house would place a hardship on Mrs. Barton in serving food, he said.
71.3%