2006-08-17 Historical Commission Minutes

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Reading Historical Commission Minutes August 17, 2006 RECEIVED Attending: TOWN CLERK Virginia Adams Kathy Greenfield - Chairman READING, MASS. Mark Cardono - Acting Secretary Karen Herrick Susan Patterson 1001 MAR IS A q-' 59 " Reading Housing Authority (RHA): Brad Latham Lyn Whyte John Coote Guests: Karl Jessen 97 Pleasant Street Susan Martin 111 Pleasant Street Andrea Durham 97 Pleasant Street Call to order 7:40 PM Public Hearing on Demolition of 75 Pleasant Street: Susan read the notice. Brad Latham spoke on behalf of his client The RHA. The RHA wants to move forward, on the demolition, as soon as possible. They also requested that The Commission not put a moratorium on the house. Virginia presented the history on the house. It was referred to as the Ebenezer Buxton House. The RHA said the house will be empty by October, which may cause them to lose their property insurance. Virginia asked about the lot lines. The RHA said that the financing of the four units may be difficult. The public is invited to ask questions. Karl Jessen, who lives at 97 Pleasant Street asked about the financing. Lyn answered that construction costs are up 25% and interest rates are also up. She added that financially the RHA cannot afford it and the land swap with the Town is done. Andrea asked why people can't move in now, but they could years ago. Martin asked about the RHA selling the house. Lyn said it is a possibility. Brad added that a new buyer would be stuck with the 12 month demolition delay. Karl wants to maintain as much as possible in the historic area. Martin said that it feels like losing what Reading is all about. Andrea is concerned about all of the teardowns throughout the Town and there are already 8 affordable units on Pleasant Street. She does not want it to be like Somerville. Brad asked that no delay is imposed. Karen expressed her concern on the cost estimate to renovate the house. Mark moved that the Commission close the Demolition Delay hearing for 75 Pleasant Street. Virginia seconded the motion. Vote: 3-0-0 Virginia asked if the application is in order. The following items were checked; Plot Plan, Elevation Pictures, Description of the Structure, and the Reason and the Support of the Reason for Demolition. Virginia feels the materials are acceptable because The Commission has previously gone through most of it. She added that if another application was this sparse, The Commission would ask for the complete material for clarification. Kathy said The Commission can release the delay any time, but it may have the demolition delay imposed because it is on the inventory. Virginia and Kathy would like to discuss moving the house. Virginia said there are 4 possibilities for moving the house. The RHA said they will have trouble.getting financing and they will probably be unable to give the house away because of the mortgage. Mark suggested that they work the house move around the refinancing. The RHA said it is hard to get a tenant in because they must provide a 1 year lease. Alternatives were discussed. Virginia and Kathy feel that they would impose a delay. Brad asked about imposing a shorter than 12 month delay. Virginia asked the RHA if they would consider buying a different parcel and build the 2 units on it and sell the house. Brad asked for a shorter than 12 month delay. RHC Minutes Rhc20060817.doc Page 1 of 2