2022-10-27 Historical Commission Minutes

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rR Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Rlc eoard -committee -commission -council: NOV 16 Am 8: 32 Historical Commission Date: 2022-10-27 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Location: Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: General Business Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Virginia Adams (Assoc), Jonathan Barnes (JEB), Sarah Brukilacchio (SB), Samantha Couture (SC) - Chair, Sharlene Reynolds Santo - Treasurer (SRS) Members - Not Present: Pino D'Orazio, Amelia Devin Freedman, Chris Keller Others Present: Penny Flaherty, George Liakos, Chris Gregoris Co-owners of 583 Main St Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Sharlene Reynolds Santo Topics of Discussion: 583 Main St - JEB provided a brief summary of the CPDC minor modification request made by owners to modify parapet. This is desired because the weight of the current design is not properly supported by the current structure. The Building Inspector has not required the owners to submit a demolition application for the work proposed. CPDC requested that the applicant speak with the RHC before receiving final approval. George shared plans of new design using just a brick facade that is supported to decrease the height and weight of the wall. VA suggested using artificial materials to replicate the current design so as to keep these important architectural design elements. VA also suggested that they check the Massachusetts Historical Commission ListSery for possible contacts to accomplish this. George voiced concern about the costs and the weight of design. JEB let him know that we understood that the structure must be improved and asked if there was a way to keep the look using other materials. The owners have been dealing with this situation for nearly a year and want to get it fixed asap to limit their liability but claimed they would consider finding a way to keep architectural features. VA asked if the awnings and signage would remain as is and was assured that they would. George stated that they want to implement the current plan as submitted to CPDC and will look into later revisions to make the building look more like it does now. There is a plan to add dentil molding. Chris believed that the current plan had been approved by CPDC and Engineering. JEB expressed his belief that CPDC had not yet approved the current plan. Rather CPDC had continued their decision to their November 7th meeting and asked the applicant to meet with RHC to discuss possible changes to their plans and return to CPDC on 11/7. They will consider our suggestions, but want to deal with the liability and are not willing to increase their costs significantly. The downers do not want the RHC to hold things up . The owners did agree to save examples of what is being removed on site so that they could be duplicated in the future. Owners agreed that the concrete pilasters are staying. Penny said that they are willing to beautify but want to take care of the safety issue. JEB asked what was being presented to the CPDC on Monday, November 7th. It appears that no new plan will be submitted. VA asked about changing the brick to red on the new section to match the rest of the building and owners agreed. Page I 1