On Wednesday, the Swampscott Historical Commission heard public comments regarding the fate of the home at 11 Boynton St. as the commission prepares to make a final determination on the property’s historical significance.
Commission Chair Nancy Schultz opened the meeting by noting a demolition permit application was submitted to the town’s building department on Oct. 5, prompting notification of the commission the following week, on Oct. 12. The commission then held a meeting on Nov. 9, where it made the initial determination that the property was, in fact, historical significant based in part on the fact that it met both criteria for eligibility in that it is more than 75 years old and bears architectural or historical significance. In this case, Schultz said, the building traces its origins back to at least 1880 and was likely part of a mid-1800s town expansion, which included the arrival of the railroad.
After hearing public comment Wednesday, the commission will make a final determination on significance next month, and by determining the property is indeed significant, they could institute a nine-month pause on demolition, Schultz said.
Commission Vice Chair Jonathan Leaman explained that the home was constructed in an early Gothic style, with steeply pitched gables that mirrored much of the other houses in the neighborhood. He also noted that the commission had reviewed an application for 9 Boynton St., where it could ultimately work with the developer to preserve the home’s exterior while its interior was completely renovated.
During the meeting, the commission heard from several residents living in the area, all of whom had lined up in opposition to the demolition, fearing new development on the property, like condos, that could puncture the fabric of the area. Among them was Chris Robinson, who said he would have to have a “better understanding” of what is being proposed for the site before he could support any project in the area.
“It could use some sprucing up, but I think a complete demolition is extreme,” Robinson, who lives at 12 Boynton St., said.
But, Jerzy Wabno, who introduced himself as a representative for the future owner of the property, noted that the sale of the home is not yet final, and no plans for its future have been completed.
Wabno, who at times voiced frustration with the process, said a new development was planned for the site, but he was still working to determine the best use for the property, with an architect and a team of engineers examining it. Wabno said his team determined demolition was necessary because the home had a “leaky” foundation and no sprinklers.
Justina Oliver, a commission member, said at least five of the other homes on the street have similar gables. She rejected the claim from Wabno that in working to preserve the home, the commission was opting to leave vinyl siding and windows in place, noting that those could be replaced without demolishing the building itself.
Schultz told residents that a final determination would be made at the commission’s next meeting, slated for Jan. 4.
