Milton historic commission approves changes at Broad Street parcel

The Milton Historic Preservation Commission voted 4-2 to grant conditional approval for the demolition of a shed/garage at 119 Broad St. at its Oct. 14 meeting.

Owners Ken and Stephanie Szekely were given permission to demolish the shed, on the condition they make a good-faith effort to salvage as much of the original structure as is possible. The shed/garage is a registered historic structure; the house at 119 Broad St. is a contributing property in the town’s historic district, meaning it is registered with the U.S. Department of the Interior and is eligible for certain tax incentives given the structure largely remains in its original location. 

Stephanie presented a structural engineer’s report that recommended the structure be demolished. She and her husband wanted to repair the shed/garage, but doing so is not feasible.

According to the Szekelys’ engineering report, the exterior of the shed has mostly deteriorated, and the roof has large holes and sagging sections. The exterior walls have water and insect damage, and portions of the structure are missing a foundation. The report stated a new perimeter foundation would be required and the roof would need to be completely rebuilt. Stephanie said the shed, as it exists now, represents a safety hazard.

Still, the commission, given its role in preserving historic properties, wanted to see the Szekelys maintain as much of the original structure as possible, and commissioners made that a condition of allowing the demolition to move forward.

The commission unanimously granted the Szekelys approval of a request to replace the existing asphalt shingles on the house with new asphalt shingles. The change to the shingles is the only change being made to the house. 

The Szekelys purchased the property from the town in July. The town had purchased 117 and 119 Broad St. as part of a 2-acre bundle of properties between Magnolia and Broad streets that had belonged to the family of former Councilwoman Leah Betts. The town is planning to use the parcels fronting Magnolia Street as the location of a new municipal complex with a police station and meeting space. The Broad Street parcels were never in the town’s vision due to officials not wanting the houses on them, given they are located in the historic district, and council members made it clear they did not want to tear the houses down or be landlords.