1997-12-24 Historical Commission Minutes

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Minutes Reading Historical Commission December 24, 1997 Meeting convened at 11:35 a.m. Topic: 288 Grove Street: Regular members present: Virginia Adams, Gladys Montgomery Jones, David O'Sullivan, Roberta. Sullivan, LOWE SA"01304 , Got. Lvu&1t, Hopi t Guests: Tom Fiacco, president of Meadow Brook Club; David Goodemote, head of Club's farmhouse committee Minutes recorded by Gladys Montgomery Jones FI A C60 Tom%aid that they wanted to get a timeline for developments on the property. The Club board meets on December 27. David said that Bill Griset,'a Club member who had read about the house in the Chronicle and participated in the walk-through on December 17 was interested in it and asked Bob Bettcher to check on ceiling height restrictions if the building were to be adapted for commercial use. The Club prefers Griset as a buyer because he is Club member. Bettcher needs to let his Merrimac buyer know by January 1 whether or not the house will be available to him. Virginia said there is a strong sentiment that the house not be moved out of Reading. Tom said that the Club"won't blow off Bettcher. The key issue is who can commit to move the house by May 1. David O'Sullivan cited the Club's contract with Bettcher and asked the Club to write a letter saying that it would give the house to the RHC or a Friends group until the demolition review expires, since the RHC had been pursuing alternatives to demolition in good faith, more of a commitment from the Club is needed. Goodemote said that if the Reading Coop gets serious about the project and puts something in writing, then the Club could give something in writing to make it work. Tom said that the order of priorities is to keep the house in Reading, or Massachusetts, or in the U.S. The Club might put in $10,000 to move the house. David Goodemote asked whether Bob Bettcher could be included in any consideration of restoration specialists to do work on the house if it is moved within Reading and whether there was a sugar daddy who might help with the project. Tom asked about releasing funds for pre- move work. Virginia asked whether Club members might lend funds to help with the house. Gladys said that the RHC had a letter from the Reading Coop and that the special Town Meeting could be asked to consider turning over a site for the house. She asked for a letter of authority from the Club and whether the RHC could make a presentation to the Meadow Brook Board meeting. Tom said he thought they could discuss it without an RHC presentation. Tom took the RHC's draft proposal of 12/12 and said he would see about getting a letter. Members expressed concern about the broken windows and open doors in the house and asked whether the Club could ensure the security of the property through April 27. f Next meeting set for January 5, 1998. Meeting adjourned at 12:25 a.m.