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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-05 West Street Historic District Commission MinutesTown of Reading 16 Lowell Street MA 01867 -2683 Fax: 781 - 942 -9071 Email: mschlmh@ci.reading.ma.0 West Street Historic District Commission WSHDC MINUTES Meeting Dated: April 5, 2010 Location: Conference Room, Reading Town Hall Time: 7:00 PM Members Present: Richard Schubert, Chair; Steve O'Shea, Vice - Chair; Virginia Adams, Priscilla Poehler, and Everett Blodgett Also Present: Michael Schloth, Recording Secretary Mr. Michael Conway, 129 West Street Ms. Eleana Conway, 129 West Street There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. 129 West St The applicants, Mr. Michael and Ms. Eleana Conway were present. The Chair summarized the situation. On March 30, the recording secretary in his capacity as Permit Coordinator reviewed a building permit application to re- shingle the house and garage at 129 West Street — an address in the West Street Historic District. He informed the applicant and that a separate application would need to be made to the Commission. The applicant said the work was required to address an emergency situation as the recent storms had caused leaks and blown shingles from the roof. The recording secretary reported the situation to the Chair. The Chair was prepared to allow the work to proceed under a Certificate of Non - applicability without calling a meeting given both that the Commission had issued such a certificate for similar work at another address last autumn and that there was an emergency situation. Further discussion with the applicant revealed a misunderstanding: part of the proposed work was to dismantle a chimney to a point below the roof and to patch and shingle over the hole. The applicant said much of the water was coming in where the chimney and roof met. Also, the leaks had made worse the leeching of creosote from the chimney into their house. The Chair was reluctant to issue a certificate for the dismantling of the chimney without the Commission's approval. The applicant appealed to the Town Manager to declare the situation an emergency. The Town Manager instructed the Building Inspector and Health Administrator to inspect the chimney. Neither was of the opinion that the situation was an emergency although the Health Administrator noted in his report (see attached) that "The chimney is not in use and the spaces can allow for the harborage of pests and allow for the infiltration of moisture into the building and if possible should be removed." To bring the situation to as rapid a resolution as possible, the Commission agreed to move its meeting date up two days from Wednesday, 4/7 to Monday, 4/5. . The Conways spoke next. They took exception with the inspectors' opinions that there was no emergency. Ms. Conway noted that creosote is a known carcinogen and expressed great concern for the health of her children. Mr. Conway added that there was also a financial consideration. There had Page 1 of 3 WSHDC Minutes of 4/5/2010 already been water damage from the recent storms — from the roof and chimney leaks as well as basement flooding -- and more rain was predicted for later in the week. His roofing contractor told him it would take more than simple maintenance (i.e. pointing, flashing) to repair the chimney and it would be best in the long run to remove it. Mr. Conway also noted that the chimney runs all the way through the house to the basement and creosote leeches from it along its entire length. The Conways appealed to the Commission to issue a Certificate of Non - Applicability and so the required work can proceed without further delay. Ms. Adams and Mr. Blodgett were not sure if the chimney was original with the house. Ms. Adams noted that if it was original with the house there should have been a second, matching chimney at the opposite end of the same roof peak. Mr. Blodgett agreed. The Commission was unanimous in agreeing that the chimney was neither an integral nor significant feature of the house and its removal would not have a significant impact on the streetscape. The discussion turned to the replacing of the shingles. Ms. Adams was not persuaded the re- shingling of the entire roof of both the house and garage was "ordinary maintenance" (5.18.9.3). The Chair, Mr. O'Shea, and Mr. Blodgett noted that shingles have a lifespan and are usually replaced all at once not piecemeal. Noting the applicant planned to cut ridge vents for ventilation, Ms. Adams asked if the applicant had considered attic louvers in the side walls instead. Mr. Conway said cutting a ridge vent was standard practice. Mr. Blodgett noted the ridge vent would not necessarily be a permanent change. The consensus of the Commission was to declare the work not under its jurisdiction and to issue a Certificate of Non - Applicability; however, the Commission expressed concern over setting a precedent since, in its opinion, similar work at another site and under different circumstances might require a Certificate of Appropriateness. After much discussion, Mr. O'Shea noted that the recent storms had prompted civil authorities to declare a disaster and suggested Section 5.18.9.17 covered the Conway's circumstance: 5.18.9.1.7 The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of a Building, Structure, or exterior architectural feature damaged or destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction is begun within two years thereafter and carried forward with due diligence. The Commission agreed. Mr. O'Shea moved that the Commission exclude the work proposed from its purview and issue a Certificate of Non Applicability for the following reasons. • Recent storms that were declared disasters by civic authorities caused damage to the roof and chimney, and, under 5.18.9.1.7, substantially similar reconstruction after a disaster is excluded from the Commission's purview. • The chimney is a source of leaks and is leeching a dangerous substance (Le. creosote) • The loss of the chimney would not significantly impact the streetscape. • The Health Administrator's report dated 41112010 concludes that although the chimney is not a Public Health Emergency, it should, if possible, be removed. Mr. Poehler seconded. Mr. O'Shea amended his motion to require the Health Administrator's report be attached to the Certificate. The motion carried 5:0:0. Page 2 of 3 WSHDC Minutes of 4/5/2010 Ms. Adams asked the record show she recommends the applicant consider alternatives to a ridge vent. Other Business Walk the District. Due to scheduling conflicts, Saturday 5/8 could not be considered a date for the walk of the District. Saturday 5/15 is still under consideration. Confirmation of this, or another date, will be forthcoming. Ms. Adams moved to adjourn. Mr. O'Shea seconded and the motion was carried 5:0:0. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM. Page 3 of 3