2005-06-21 Historical Commission Minutes

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Reading Historical Commission Minutes June 21, 2005 Attending: Lt. Col. Wilbar Hoxie Reading Housing Authority: Virginia Adams - Chairperson Sharlene Reynolds Santo Tim Kelly D Mark Cardono - Secretary Roberta Sullivan C,'' hl( Kathy Greenfield Linda Tuttle _ MASS Call to order 7:40 PM nt*- , Public Outreach: r'91 1 6 $ A 8: Sib Review of the "Walking Tour of the Town Square" held on Sunday June 19, 2005. 75 Pleasant Street: Review plans the Reading Housing Authority (RHA) has for 75 Pleasant Street house. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has to approve the project. It would then become Section 8 Housing. The estimated cost to rehabilitate the building is approximately $360,000.00. The RHA only has a budget for the project of $160,000.00. A discussion about selling the house began. The RHA has never sold a house before, and they cannot conceive of being able to sell the house and buy something else for the same amount of money. Linda asked Tim what the cost of the 4 new units would be. He said that he can't answer the question. The RNA's original proposal was to tear it down and build 6 new units. The neighbors are against demolition of the house. Tim said the RHA never gave up the idea of tearing down the house to build new units. Roberta brought up that the plans for the old Police Station and the rehabilitation of the house was for estimated at $500,000.00. The Commission believes that it would be a good idea to compare it to the current cost estimate. Tim had no materials with him to verify the RHA's length of ownership. The Architect's report was reviewed. Roberta feels that this is not an economical way to rehabilitate the building. Roberta added that The Commission will work with them, to find another architect or designers to make it more economical' 'Tim was offended and gave his rebuttal. A discussion of working with the housing authority continued with the possibility of selling the house and adding deed restriction. It may be possible to write a grant or go through The Town for Public Historic Rehabilitation funding. Virginia asked if.it would be helpful to have a letter with The Commission's priorities and needs are. She added that building a replica is the worst thing to do. Tim doesn't think there is any current restriction on the property. However, he thinks there may be issues on selling it and that The DHCD may take the money from the sale. Virginia has called Mass Historic about leeway on codes, and if there is anything written about it. She is waiting for a call back. The discussion continued with suggestions for how to save and reduce cost, such as not purchasing $2,500.00 toilets. Pierce Organ Factory: Virginia contacted "This Old House". They replied that they don't restore large buildings. It is again time to submit the Pierce Organ Factory to the 10 Most Endangered Properties". The application material would basically only need postage. Last year it made it to number 11. Should The Commission reapply? Miscellaneous: Camille Anthony would like a permanent sign on The Common to replace the "sandwich boards". It was suggested that the signs can go in Walgreens' false windows. Virginia has received multiple requests for the booklet from the "Walking Tour of the Town Square" The MF Charles Building was sold for $2.9 Million. Roberta and Virginia talked to the owner to put together a story on the building. The owner is going to give the glass plate photograph negatives to The Commission. A newer edition of the book "Economics of Historic Restoration", that The Commission owns, is available for $24.95. Roberta moved that The Commission purchase the book "Economics of Historic Restoration". Sharlene seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0-0. Virginia brought up the Boston Catholic churches are endangered and that The Commission should check into the churches in town and if they are, or should be on the inventory. Wilbar read an article on saving buildings of recent history (buildings that are less than 50 years old) from The National Register of Historic Places. Currently there are two significant historic homes for sale. Both are on the inventory. Peter Hechenbleikner left a 1984 newspaper in The Commission's mailbox with a write up about Reading with descriptions of the housing situation. Next meeting July 13, 2005. Adjourned 9:40 PM RHC Minutes Rhc06212005.doc Page 1 of 1