Panel delays demolition of 1938 Cape home

Other Committee · Meeting of October 20, 2026

CHATHAM — The Chatham Historical Commission voted 6-1 that a 1938 house at 44 Buena Vista Road is historically significant, then imposed a 12-month demolition delay over the architect's objection. Architect Mike Tartamella of Patrick Ahern Architect, representing owner Vista Pines LLC, argued decades of additions left the house with "little physical or architectural relationship" to its 1938 form and sought approval for full demolition. Member Wilson countered the additions "added to the historic character," and Chair Bob Lear said the house is "a real treasure for Chatham," noting the commission is "voting for the whole town." Member Donovan dissented on the significance finding; member Barr recused herself from both votes.

Resident Brian Phillips urged the board to block "ridiculous McMansions." Separately, the commission unanimously approved a like-for-like porch repair at 308 Cedar Street with no demolition delay, after owner Deb Campbell described the porch floor as "spongy" with a safety hazard.

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Source: the Other Committee meeting of October 20, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.