9/3/2008 HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Minutes

Home Browse Search

Town of Mashpee Historic District Commission Minutes of Meeting September 3,2008 Roll Call: Present: Chairman Lee Gurney, Marian Spencer, Wayne Picard, Mike Robbins Absent: Earl Mills. Joe Mullin Also Present: Town Planner Tom Fudala The meeting commenced at 4:41 p.m. Public Hearing: Certificate of Appropriateness for Alteration_s_ Mashpee One Room Schoolhouse 364 Main Street Tom Fudala read the public hearing notice for the one room school house. Catherine Laurent, Director of the Department of Public Works,was available to present materials and information regarding the project. Ms. Laurent shared photos of the schoolhouse from its former site, as well as more recent photos at its current location. Upon relocating the building, it was discovered that there was some rot and insect damage, which is currently being addressed. In addition, shingles are being removed and replaced. Among the proposals for which the DPW is seeking Historic District comment is a stepping stone walkway that would proceed from the parking lot to the two separate doors of the schoolhouse. A gray colored stone has been selected,that will be laid in random shapes, and will provide a handicap accessible walkway that will also allow ease of maintenance. Although the building itself is waived from being handicap accessible due to its location in a historic district, a video depicting the interior of the building is being considered for viewing in the Archives Building. The DPW also considered a crushed shell walkway but felt that it might not be historically accurate and would cause maintenance issues. At this time,there will be no access from the Rt. 130 sidewalk. Mike Robbins inquired whether the Commission had jurisdiction over walkways that were not visible from the roadway. Ms. Laurent indicated that she appreciated any feedback provided by the Commission. When the foundation was poured for the building, a ledge was created on the perimeter to allow for a 16"manufactured stone veneer that would be 1 %"deep. The stones would be individually placed and mortared in position. Mr. Robbins agreed that it was a good and affordable solution. Ms. Laurent shared a sample of the native fieldstone rock,the Walden style which is gray in color, as well as a picture of the Englewood style which is brown in color. The Commission agreed that either style/color would be appropriate. Since increasing the height of the foundation to accommodate the veneer,there is now a 22"-23" step up into the building. As a result, it will be necessary to add either granite steps or a wood stair. The original steps into the schoolhouse when it was situated at the cemetery consisted of pieces of granite,which creates an uneven surface and a possible liability. Ms. Laurent proposed using blocks of solid unpolished granite, which would be dark grey in color. Two to three slabs 1