2008-04-01 Historical Commission Minutes

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Reading Historical Commission Meeting Minutes T n 1'. April i 2008 H ASS. Meeting called to order at 7.30 pm in the Town Ha~I inference Room Commission Members in attendance included: m l 24 ol. 3~ Virginia Adams Mark Cardono Kathy Greenfield, Chair Karen Herrick Roberta Sullivan, Treasurer Susan Patterson Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Secretary Minutes: • Minutes of March 4, 2008 were reviewed. Kathy made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. Sharl seconded. Approved 4-0. • Donation from RPL Local History Room Rachael Baumgartner from the public library donated a deaccessioned book from the reference room. The book is Directory of Massachusetts Place Names compiled by Charlotte Pease Davis. 1887 • Preservation Restrictions - There are four properties with Preservation Restriction in the town. These restrictions are now on file in Town Hall with the Town Clerk. Peter Hechenbieikner asked if these properties are flagged on the assessor's data base and as a separate layer on the GIS mapping system. Kathy will follow up with Peter. • GIS/Historic Properties Viewer - This mapping system should now demonstrate only the historic structures still existing. • Smart Growth f40R) - Part of the master plan includes starting a smart growth area. Smart growth districts encourage housing around an established area. There are 12 historic properties within the current proposed area. The group reviewed listings and maps for the purpose of determining what impacts this plan could have on historic `properties. The Commission will look at the area before the next meeting so as to gather data to develop a preservation plan. • Demolition Delay By Law - The Commission discussed the current procedure to improve it prior to its next usage. A discussion ensued regarding the definition of a "complete application". A Complete Application will according to the building inspector include owners name, address, historic building Y/N, location and size of building distance from the lot line, material of structure, estimated cost and signature. After a permit application is received by the Commission, the Commission will check with the Assessors office to verify ownership. The Commission further discussed the "completeness of an application for its purposes under the by- law. There was discussion about sending a letter to each applicant listing the materials we require before actually considering the application complete. Kathy will draft for a future meeting. • Avon St Barn - Karen made contact again but has received no response. Karen reported that the house and bam are now gone she was not sure if they were demolished or dismantled. The Commission did not receive notice that it was to be demolished as previously established with the Town Planner. • Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference - Kathy and Virginia went to this conference and brought various pieces of literature to share and keep in the Archives for future reference. Kathy suggested that the Commission develop our own literature or five lectures about restoration (i.e. windows).