1999-01-26 Historical Commission Minutes

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January 26, 1999 Reading Historical commission. Attending: Virginia Adams Clay Jones Wilbar Hoxie Mark Cardono David O'Sullivan Roberta Sullivan 1. Called to order 7:40. Minutes of Jan. 5 were approved as amended. 2. The Gilson album has been returned to Jean Baxter in Lexington by Virginia. 3. No changes in the treasurer's report. Roberta wants us to apply for a grant to get a new computer. It is a Dell computer costing around $1300 and would be purchased through the town. Knowledgeable members of the commission feel that the computer offered would be a good option that would be adequate for about 5 years. The option of scanner and other items should be left to later. David thinks we should be included in the loop in town planning to get new technologies as the town does. Roberta made a motion to apply to the Preservation trust for up to $2500 for a computer and additional periferrrals. 5-0-0 4. Louise reported on the 1854 map. NEDCC wants to know if we want the map retouched. the commission agreed. The frame will need to be routed on the back in order for the map to be reinserted. 5. Thanks to Dottie Allen of Sudbury for the photo of the house at 379 Haverhill St. The photo appeared in the chronicle today. 6. Vote to renew membership in HMI, 5-0-0 7. David reported on the visit to Mass Historical concerning the downtown streetscape. Mass. Historical felt we were in better shape than many with the attempt to keep the loss to a minimum. We requested information on the experiences of other towns. The idea of three lanes is still a possibility. David talked to Frank Romeo of Beta, Gates & Associates about the 3 lane option. Mr. Romeo will study that option. David will pursue this. 8. Old house fair, Boston, 5 & 6 February. NARA 1999 genealogy series. 9. CPDC hearing on limiting agricultural use to a minimum of 5 acres. 1-3-1 voted against the memorandum. 10. March 25th senior center for the historical commission round table. Questionnaire has been sent out. 11. Foster-Emerson house: write up by David (attached to the minutes) Expert is Jim Kyprionis. It appears the east side of the house was added on to the original one room house. 12. Preservation award: RHC for the saving of the Foster-Emerson House. 13. 379 Haverhill St. codevelopers are Phelan and Zanni. Sean Cochrane and Clay met at the house to write up an article for the Advocate. One person is interested in the house. 20,000 sq. feet will go with the house. 14. 707 Pearl St. barn. Is it under the demolition delay by-law? 15. 21-37 Harnden St. David Barrett wants to tear down the entire block and build a 4 story building.