Cambridge Historical Commission

A rendering of a building proposed for 122-132 Western Ave., in the Riverside neighborhood of Cambridge.

In a long, contentious meeting of Cambridge’s Historical Commission, a plan to demolish the A.J. Spears Funeral Home and construct a six-story residential building in its place faced pushback from residents.

Ultimately, the commission and developer agreed to defer a vote on demolition to a later meeting but expressed a desire to see the project at 122-132 Western Ave. continue.

The hearing was intended to decide whether the Riverside neighborhood property would be subject to a yearlong demolition delay, which is required for buildings deemed “significant” and “preferably preserved” by the commission. Real estate attorney Patrick Barrett said at the

See Full Page