2006-05-08 West Street Historic District Commission Minutes

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May 8, 2006 Approved July 24, 2006, 4 - 0 WEST STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MINUTES Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 Michael T. Gray, AIA, Chairman, Susan Patterson, Vice-Chairman, Kathryn Greenfield, Secretary, Dorothy Casolai'o, David' Knih- Members present: Members absent: Michael Gray none Kathryn Greenfield David Kruh Susan Patterson Dorothy Casolaro The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m., with a quorum present (MG, KG, DK). Approval of Minutes The minutes of April 10, 2006 were reviewed and approved without changes, 3 - 0. General Business ➢ MG received a number of phone calls from property owners: o 233 West Street - whether paint color was reviewable under the bylaw. He told them, "No." o 196 West Street - regarding a new front stoop. He advised them to file an application 0 200 West Street - regarding a new fence. They were told to file an application. It has not yet been received. ➢ Members SP and DC arrived. ➢ The Commission reviewed the application that was received on May 5 for a new, rear fence at 132 West Street. It was determined, by a vote of 5 - 0, that pursuant to section 5.18.7.5 of the general bylaw that a hearing would not be necessary. MG will draft the notice that is required to be sent to the abutters. ➢ At 7:40 p.m. a duly noticed public hearing was opened to adopt the "Design Guidelines for the West Street Historic District." There were no members of the public present. The Guidelines were adopted by a vote of 5 - 0. ➢ The Commission discussed the logistics of receiving applications and the role that town staff plays in the process. ➢ Dorothy reported on her discussion with Peter H. re: signage for the District. He told her that there is no money for signs. There should not be a proliferation of signs. He would like a proposal for signage that includes Walnut & South Sts. (scenic ways). We should seek sponsorship/mitigation. There should be a really nice plaque at Dragon Corner. The DPW should be consulted for signs. They could be in place prior to construction on West St., and be able to be moved. Next Meeting The next regular meeting of the WSHDC is scheduled for June 12, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.