HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-10-22 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: October 22, 2012
Location: Berger Room, Reading Town Hall Time: 7:00 PM
Members: Steve O'Shea; Chairman; Virginia Adams; Everett Blodgett,
Ilene Bornstein
Absent: Priscilla Poehler
Also Present:
Millicent Behnke, applicant
Judy Coltman, resident
Mike Coltman, resident
Richard Lombardo, contractor
Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary
There being a quorum the meeting was called at 7:00 PM
Application for Certificate -218 West Street
Mr. O'Shea talked about the application and let the applicant know the process of the Commission. The
house is 200 years old; and in early September a car hit the front of the house and damaged the front
wall and two windows. The contractor will repair everything to match the existing: wooden windows,
shingles and color. The area is approximately 13' long x 6' high. There was no damage to the
foundation. The damage was in the storage area of the house. The contractor stated Benjamin Moore
will be the supplier. If the area replaced stands out, the insurance company said they will stain the front
of the house. Mr. Blodgett asked the contractor to take pictures when replacing the 2x4's.
The Commission discussed if it should be 7.3.9.3, Maintenance Exclusion or 7.3.9.1, Other Disaster
Exclusion.
Motion made by Mr. O'Shea to issue a Certificate of Non Applicability under 7.3.9.1. Mr. Blodgett
seconded Vote was 4 -0 -0
The Commission talked about a future application for 149 West Street. The resident would like to
demolish a hen house on their property. The Commission discussed if this was under their jurisdiction.
Does the Commission allow total tear downs or would this fall under demolition delay 7.3.6.2, if it is a
significant historic structure.
Motion made by Ms. Adams to accept the October 3, 2012 meeting minutes. Mr. O'Shea seconded
Vote was 4 -0 -0.
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Mr. Blodgett let the Commission know he talked to the Town Clerk about previous questions the
Commission had:
1. Alternate members: The Town Clerk mentioned in a previous meeting that only one
Commission has the power for their alternates to vote. Mr. Blodgett reviewed with Ms. Gemme
and showed that the WSHDC also has this power, under General Bylaw 7.3.4.3.
2. Self interest: The Town Clerk and Mr. Blodgett discussed the Conflict of Interest Law. Ms.
Gemme is under the understanding that if a member has a conflict with an application he recluse
himself; and should not be in the room at all. The Commission discussed this for future
applications.
3. New General Bylaws: Mr. Blodgett showed the Town Clerk how there was something omitted
when the new General Bylaws were written — old general bylaw 5.18.7.7. Ms. Gemme stated the
WSHDC could make a proposal and go back to Town Meeting; but said she will mention it to
the Bylaw Committee.
Ms. Adams asked Ms. Saunders to forward the Commission a copy of the Rules & Regulations and
Design Guidelines.
Motion made by Mr. O'Shea to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Ms. Blodgett seconded Vote was 4 -0 -0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kim Saunders
Recording Secretary
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