2006-04-25 Historical Commission Minutes

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Reading Historical Commission Minutes April 25, 2006 Attending: Clay Jones Virginia Adams - Chairman Sharlene Reynolds Santo Mark Cardono - Secretary Roberta Sullivan Kathy Greenfield Linda Tuttle - Call to order 7:40 Main Street Reconstruction: The Town needs a letter of approval, from The Commission, for moving the mast arms to grass areas so that there can be 5 feet of sidewalk for handicap access, for the 100% design review Peter Hechenbleikner responded to The Commission's letter, requesting the delay of signage on The Common, by stating that he wants to have the signage approved now, not later. Demolition Delay Bylaw: Town meeting did not get to it last night. The Demolition Delay Article is scheduled as number 24. The letter to the Town Meeting Members was distributed as handouts at Town Meeting. The Article is expected to be presented on May 1, 2006. Karen will read motion and then ask for permission for Clay to make the presentation. The presentation, the possible questions that might be asked, and what slides to present were discussed. The Selectmen do not approve nor disapprove the Bylaw. 420 Franklin Street: The plan was presented to Shirley Day at Brad Latham's office. Brad was not present. Shirley was open to it and will send it to her brother. She was also given the names of Engineers to do the workup on the plan. She was going to leave for Florida, on that Thursday. They also discussed realtors, marketing the property, how the house could be enlarged, and how The Commission can and will help. Miscellaneous: There was no discussion on the Bandstand in front of Town Hall or Elliot Street. The house on the corner of Woburn and Bancroft Streets is going to be demolished. This, along with the new 3 units to be built, will destroy the look of the neighborhood and detract from the streetscape. Virginia did some research and found that the house is not on the Inventory and it has been through many changes. - The house, on the corner of Salem and Spring Streets, might become a victim of demolition by neglect. The Commission can visit the property. It has a beehive oven and may have been a stage coach stop. The West Street Historic District Commission has put off the walking tour until the Fall. They need to figure out what they want to accomplish with the tour. The Commission has committed to designating scenic roads and historic districts for the Town Master Plan. Adjourned 9:10 PM r- RHC Minutes Rhc2006O425.doc Page 1 of 1