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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-04 West Street Historic District Commission MinutesTown of Reading West Street Historic District Commission 16 Lowell Street Phone 781- 942 -6608 Reading, MA 01867 Fax (781) 942 -9071 Website: readingma.gov WSHDC MINUTES Meeting Dated: January 04, 2012 Location: The Berger Room, Reading Town Hall Approved 06/06/2012 Time: 7:00 PM Members: Steve O'Shea, Interim Chair; Virginia Adams; Everett Blodgett, Priscilla Poehler, Ilene Bornstein, Sharlene Reynolds Santos Also Present: Michael Cyr, 93 West Street David Bradley, Contractor for HardiePlank Joanne Metzger, 12 County Road Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary There being a quorum the meeting was called at 7:04 PM Public Hearing: Certificate of Appropriateness 93 West Street The contractor for the applicant spoke about the product, HardiePlank siding. He would like to install it at 93 West Street. He stated that is made out of fiber cement and is fire resistant and termite resistant. I1 looks like wood. There is a 30 year warranty on panels and 15 year warranty of paint. After 15 years you just need one coat of paint, no priming is needed. He showed an example of a house in the Historical District in Lowell that had the same siding as the applicants. Other Historical Districts that also use this product is Weston, MA and Cape Cod. He believes the product is a Green product - no cutting down trees. It is not an environmental hazard. It looks like Cedar more than vinyl. You nail right to the framework. Galvanized nails and stainless steel nails are used. All old siding is removed. No water can get behind this product. The Commission discussed introducing this product to the West Street Historical District. It is an artificial product. They talked about it being a step up from vinyl and aluminum; but not a replacement for Cedar. The product is thicker and heavier. The Commission does not want to make the use of this product precedent in the District. The type of buildings on West Street was discussed and how they are all different. The importance of maintenance on a house was noted. The applicant stated his house does not have the original siding on it. He replaced the siding when he did the addition in 1988. His house has no Historic features. It was built in 1965; less than 70 years old. He gets water damage and wood bees. He would like to replace with HardiePlank because he feels the product would visually look good; and it has longevity. He stated that the house across the street has new siding without a Public Hearing (the Commission noted they are looking into this) After discussion, Mr. O'Shea made a motion to close the Public Hearing. Ms. Adams seconded. Page I of 2 The Commission discussed if they could issue a Certificate of Appropriateness within the criteria of the guidelines 5.18.8.1 and 5.18.7.9. They also would like to have conditions and a disclaimer if the Certificate of Appropriateness is approved. The Commission has concerns that what gets approved at the meetings is not being inspected. The Commission will meet with Building Inspector to see the process of the applications. Motion made by Ms. Poehler to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness that was described by Mr. O'Shea with conditions and disclaimer. Ms. Reynolds- Santos seconded and the motion carried 6 -0 -0. WSHDC Other Topics Resident at 12 County Road asked about the process of having her leaking roof fixed and making some changes to her house. They suggested she fill out an Application for Certificate with what she would like to alter on her house. She would need to come in front of the WSHDC. The Commission talked about missing WSHDC Minutes and how a procedure is needed. The Recording Secretary will ask the Clerk to scan Decisions made by the WSHDC to all members. 87 West Street was discussed, and how the siding that was approved should of matched the existing siding that was originally there. Infractions by residents and how they should be handled needs to be investigated; the Commission to talk to the Building Inspector about compliance. Ms. Adams talked about 100 West Street Decision and the concern that artificial material being approved Ms. Poehler moved to adjourn. Mr. O'Shea seconded and the motion carried 6 -0 -0. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Kim Saunders Recording Secretary Page 2 of 2