1999-01-05 Historical Commission Minutes

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5 January 1999 Reading Historical Commission Called to order: 7:30 Attending: Virginia Adams Louise Sandberg Wilbar Home Clay Jones Mark Cardono Randy Collins, Gates, Leighton & Assoc. Frank Romeo, Beta Engineering Kathy Greenfield, Downtown steering committee Jonathan Barnes, CPDC Neal Sullivan, CPDC Rick Schubert, CPDC Cheryl Sidelinker Roberta Sullivan David O'Sullivan 1. Cheryl gave an update on the Foster-Emerson House. She asked us if they can remove a window on the east side of the' lean-to. 2. Presentation by Gates Leighton Assoc. and Beta engineering showing a map with the prospectus for the changes pending for the revitalization of downtown. The project must follow state guidelines if state funds are used. These guidelines require larger lane size on Main Street in the common area. 6.5 feet can be acquired on the east side of Main Street. Also there may be enlarged radii of the corner of Salem and Main streets. Virginia is strongly opposed to taking more land from the common. Mass. historical will be reviewing the plans and they would give us their experience and expertise. The commission tabled the issue to make a decision later. Straw poll: Virginia-against, Roberta-for, David- wait to hear from Mass. historical, Clay-against, qualified, Mark-against, Col.-against, and Louise-agree with David. The commission discussed the legal definition of the common is that it is common land for the community and includes the road also. The perception is the common is the green space. 3. Treasurer's report: attached. We have money left from the preservation grant to be used to document the Foster-Emerson house. It wasdecided that the cost of the photography of the house be charged to funds designated for the house. 4. 42 Chute St. got its variance for its carriage house. The commission was granted architectural review in the ZBA special permit. 5. March roundtable: March 12th senior center. Topic: 6. 379 Haverhill St.: article for the newspaper to publicize the worth of the house and to seek prospective buyers and to prevent demolition. 7. 707 Pearl St. barn at the Emerson house is likely to be dismantled. 8. Pierce Organ factory. Someone wants to demolish and rebuild. 9. Gladys resigned from the preservation trust. Mark was encouraged to take over the task. 10. Bill McLaughlin rephotographed the Gilson album on loan from jean Baxter, Lexington. 11. Next meeting: Jan. 26 12. Adjourned: 10:59 approved as amended ' r'.