Lexington Historic Districts Commission Approves Solar, Siding, and Garage in Three Unanimous Votes

LEXINGTON — August 7, 2025 — Lexington Historic Districts Commission unanimously approved solar panels, synthetic siding, and a garage rebuild at its August 7 meeting. The commission voted 4-0 with three abstentions to allow LP SmartSide engineered-wood siding in a brushed finish on the 1964 multi-family complex at 32 Worthen Road, which backs up to the historic burying ground on the center, after a factory representative, Chris Kent, defended the product's 50-year warranty and commercial-grade finish against durability concerns raised by Commissioner Ed Adelman. Commissioners stated explicitly on the record that the approval does not extend to historically significant structures, saying the material "would not go on Buckman Tavern." A separate 7-0 vote approved rooftop solar at 6 Independence Avenue, with the utility combiner box relocation delegated to Adelman as liaison. The board also voted unanimously to support a joint preservation award with the Lexington Historic Commission, with participation expected around Patriots Day 2026, and Chair Mina Spiegel-Cohen disclosed that the proposed four-story, 16 Clark Street multi-family development near Belfry Hill — with a direct sight line from Buckman Tavern — must clear commission review before a January Planning Board deadline.