Historical Commission preserves six homes, clears two others
Historical Commission · Meeting of August 10, 2026
Wellesley Historical Commission preserves six homes, clears two for demolition in marathon session. Chair Michael Racette led the board through eight preservation-determination hearings plus a waiver, seating alternates Emily Maitin, Odessa Sanchez and Jackie Hempel to reach a seven-member voting panel. The commission voted 7-0 to preferably preserve 22 Standish, 34 Sheridan, 11 Wachusett, 61 Lowell, 22 Cypress and 62 Pine Plain roads, each triggering a 12-month demolition delay, but split 5-2 to deny preservation at 42 Pine Plain Road after member Jackie Hempel argued for renovation over teardown and neighbor Sharon Murray called the house "the ugliest house on the street." Members also voted 7-0 not to preserve 16 Willow Road and approved a redesigned Heckle Street waiver 7-0 with new conditions on its porch roof and trim.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,797 words
Source: the Historical Commission meeting of August 10, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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