HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08-15 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: August 15, 2012
Location: Berger Room, Reading Town Hall Time: 7:00 PM
Members: Steve O'Shea; Chairman; Virginia Adams; Everett Blodgett
Absent: Ilene Bornstein, Sharlene Reynolds Santos, Priscilla Poehler
Also Present:
Mr. and Mrs. Callan, 179 West Street
Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary
There being a quorum the meeting was called at 7:00 PM
Application for Certificate -179 West Street
Mr. O'Shea reviewed the application and process with the Commission and applicant. The applicant has
two requests on this application. One is to repair the roof. The current roof, consisting of cedar blend
architectural asphalt shingles are over 30 years old will be replaced with the same materials. The
shingles are being replaced due to age and leaking. The main house (front and back sides) will be
replaced. The other one is to rebuild a chimney. The current brick and mortar are disintegrating and
need rebuilding. The outside chimney is not the original chimney to the house. It will be corrected to
match the existing chimney at the rear of the house. Brick will be red, clay brick with light mortar. The
Commission members decided that these two items needed to be handled separately.
The roof repair is ordinary maintenance and not under the Commission's jurisdiction.
Motion made by Mr. O'Shea to issue a Certificate of Non Applicability under 7.3.9.3. in reference to
the roof repair. Mr. Blodgett seconded. Vote was 3 -0 -0.
The chimney was discussed; and location was questioned. The applicant talked about the age of the
house and the work that was done in the past. There was concern about how big the chimney would end
up being. The Commission explained to the applicant what would happen if they needed a Public
Hearing versus not having a Public Hearing but letting the abutters know of the project. It was decided
to waive the Public Hearing. The applicant will bring in stamped envelopes to the Community Services
Department. Mr. O'Shea will compose the legal notice and forward it. The clerk will let the
Commission know when the mailings go out.
Motion made by Ms. Adams to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness under 7.3.7.8 in reference to the
chimney rebuild project. Mr. O'Shea seconded. Vote was 3 -0 -0.
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Ms. Adams discussed the revised By -laws. She questioned where a section went. Mr. Blodgett will
follow up with the Town Clerk and ask how to fix this.
Old Business
Acceptance of Minutes
July 18, 2012
Motion made by Ms. Adams to accept the July 18, 2012 minutes as amended Mr. O'Shea seconded
Vote was 3 -0 -0.
The "Open Meeting Rules" and "Conflict of Interest" meeting was discussed.
Ms. Adams asked about the re- organization of the Commission; how every fiscal year this should be
done. The Commission talked about getting other people interested in becoming a member.
Motion made by Ms. Adams for Mr. O'Shea to stay on as Chairman. Mr. Blodgett seconded Vote
was 3 -0 -0.
Motion made by Mr. O'Shea for Mr. Blodgett to become the Vice Chairman. Ms. Adams seconded.
Vote was 3 -0 -0.
Mr. Blodgett asked that the different forms the Commission uses be put in a notebook.
The "procedure flowchart" was reviewed and amended.
Motion made by Mr. Blodgett to adjourn @ 8:25 p.m. Mr. O'Shea seconded. Vote was 3 -0 -0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kim Saunders
Recording Secretary
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