The Harwich Historic District Historical Commission cleared a significant path for the restoration of one of the town’s storied 19th-century homes Wednesday night, while simultaneously signaling an ambitious plan to broaden the town’s protected historic borders. The commission unanimously approved a modified plan for the Alonzo Weeks House at 166 Bank Street, an 1826 structure that had previously faced scrutiny over the scale of proposed additions and the preservation of its original Cape-style facade.

Architect Antonio Boatwell presented a revised vision for the property that stripped away a previously proposed front porch to allow the original architecture to remain prominent. Boatwell explained that the team reduced the dormers from three to two to match the original number and adjusted the window spacing to honor the historic window-door-window pattern. Property owner Timothy Eert detailed the aesthetic finishes intended for the home, noting the team modeled the front door after the iconic 10 Downing Street. Eert told the board, We want a very historical look. It uses Fine Paints of Europe, a high-gloss finish that looks like a mirror. It will be a four-panel door in a very dark blue, nearly black, to match the shutters. Member Paul Doane expressed confidence in the new direction, stating, I have no doubt it will be done tastefully. Motion Made by B. Looney to approve HH2026-09 with no demolition delay, subject to the plans dated March 31, 2026, with the condition that the shutters and front door be high-gloss, four-panel, and functional. Motion Passed (5-0).

Beyond individual property reviews, the commission pivoted to a large-scale proposal to expand Harwich’s historic districts. Paul Doane urged the board to begin the mapping and research process immediately to prepare for the May 2027 Town Meeting. We need to begin the process now for next May, Doane said. I'd like to see the district expanded to include all of Main Street to South Street and all of Parallel Street. The board discussed extending protections down Bank Street toward Route 28 and along Route 39 to the rail trail crossing. Chair Mary Mazleski tasked members with gathering photos and assessor cards for the proposed expansion areas ahead of the June meeting, while Brendan Looney offered to produce enlarged maps to visualize the new boundaries.

The commission also took a firm stance against a Charter Commission proposal that would limit committee chairs to two-year terms. Members argued that permitting boards require significant institutional knowledge that a mandatory rotation might undermine. Bob Dome noted that there is a lot to learn, particularly on a permitting board, suggesting the current annual reorganization is sufficient. Mazleski agreed, stating, I have no ownership of this position, but I agree. I'd rather see individual committees make that decision annually. Addressing membership challenges, Brendan Looney suggested the town maybe drop the requirement for alternates since we can't even fill the regular seats.

A second major project at 97 Route 28 hit a procedural snag when Mazleski admitted a delay in seeking legal guidance regarding a barn demolition. Agent Sam [Last Name Unknown] noted the barn is unsavable and was previously part of a master permit for a Habitat for Humanity project. Mazleski took responsibility for the stall, saying, That's probably my bad, Sam. Totally on me. I reached out to talk to Counsel and didn't follow up. Motion Made by L. Zalesak to continue the hearing for HH2026-08 to May 20, 2026, no earlier than 6:00 p.m. Motion Passed (5-0). Similarly, a proposal for a new workshop at 475 Sisson Road was delayed as the applicant, Jamie McGrath of Pine Harbor Wood Products, sought time to discuss the board's requirement for a brick veneer foundation with the homeowner. McGrath noted, I would need to talk to the homeowner about the cost of concrete and brick veneer. If that's a condition for approval, I'd like to continue to talk to him. Motion Made by B. Dome to continue the hearing for HH2026-12 to May 20, 2026. Motion Passed (6-0).

In fiscal matters, Paul Doane confirmed he would represent the commission at Town Meeting to support a $5,000 funding article for the inaugural Preservation Awards. The board reviewed four nominations and signaled an intent to honor all of them this year. Additionally, the commission reviewed signage designs for taxpayer-funded Community Preservation Act projects. Kyle McDonald questioned if Harwich had official colors for such signs, to which Mazleski noted that while the school uses blue and gold, the green and cream feels appropriate for the district. The board also accepted a withdrawal for a project involving Alexander and Elizabeth Thompson. Motion Made by B. Dome to accept the withdrawal of application HH2026-11 without prejudice. Motion Passed (6-0). Closing the meeting, Lynn Zalesak shared successful archival research identifying 617 Route 28 as the home of Anthony Phillips, a Revolutionary War veteran found on original militia sheets.