Historical Commission backs Community Day Center request for CPC restoration funding 

The Historical Commission voted to write a letter supporting the use of Community Preservation Committee funds to help restore the building occupied by the Community Day Center of Waltham on Felton Street.

CDCW director Chloe-Rose Crouch told the commission the program’s current building at 20 Felton St. needs new siding and windows. Built in 1887, the building has historical significance to Waltham’s meat industry. 

Without CPC funds, Crouch said, the building may need vinyl siding and historically inaccurate windows because of budget constraints.

The commission voted to authorize Chair Mort Isaacson to write a letter to the CPC supporting the replacement of the building’s siding and windows. The letter will also state that the Commission looks forward to consulting with the CDCW on the proper materials for the restoration.

Crouch still must appear before the CPC to formally ask for the funds, but wanted the Historical Commission’s support before making the request.

In other business, the Commission voted to:

• Allow the demolition of two additions to the Clark Farmhouse at 399 Lexington St. The house is on Chapel Hill Chauncey Hall School’s campus and is currently faculty housing. According to the school’s chief financial officer, Gwen Pajasik, repairing the two additions would be costly on top of the interior and exterior preservation the school is planning. The Commission encouraged the school to save as much of the additions as possible.
• Allow demolition of the existing structure at 103-105 Central St. While the building was previously owned at one point by Robert Treat Paine, it was his only connection to the property. The Commission did not believe the building was historically significant. Two transit-oriented townhouses are planned for the lot.
• Place a demolition delay on the existing structure at 107-111 Central St., directly next to 103-105 Central St. The building was built in 1834 as a duplex and was owned by two families for more than 140 years, with half of it rented out. Ron Cincotta, who spoke on behalf of both Central Street projects at the meeting, said the demolition delay on 107-111 Central St. would also delay the project next door. Cincotta and the commission agreed to a site visit so commissioners can see the building’s interior, which Cincotta said is beyond repair and may change the commission’s mind about the demolition delay.
• Authorize Isaacson to sign off on a City Council special permit for the demolition of 51 Bacon St. The existing building will be replaced with a three-unit residence.
• Authorize Isaacson to sign off on a City Council special permit for the conversion of the gas station at 962 Main St. into a Seasons Corner Market. The gas pumps will remain, but the existing car service center will be removed.