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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-10-03 West Street Historic District Commission MinutesTown of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 WSHDC MINUTES Meeting Dated: October 3, 2012 West Street Historic District Commission Phone 781- 942 -6608 Fax (781) 942 -9071 Website: readingma.gov Location: Town Hall Conference Room, Reading Town Hall Time: 7:00 PM Members: Steve O'Shea; Chairman; Virginia Adams; Everett Blodgett, Priscilla Poehler, Ilene Bornstein Absent: Also Present: Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Mieczkowski Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary There being a quorum the meeting was called at 7:00 PM Application for Certificate -252 West Street Mr. O'Shea talked about the application and process with the Commission and applicant. He will recluse himself from the vote because the applicant is his neighbor. Mrs. Mieczkowski stated the house was built in 1941; an addition was put on before they moved in. This is where the water is coming in and needs to be repaired The applicant presented a proposal from BCM, they will: strip existing white cedar shingles of left side gable end of house, reflash where necessary; add house wrap and reside to gutter on porch. The rake trim will be cut back and new PVC will be built out and added to the rake trim. The applicant let the Commission know she would like to also repair the window trim (excluding the sill) and has asked the contractor for an additional quote on replacing it with Azek material. She feels this material will last longer. The thickness of Azek was talked about and how it requires special paint. The Commission stated that they would have no jurisdiction if she just replaced the wood and painted; but because she is changing the material they will need to consider it. The applicant told the Commission she previously got permission to have Azek installed on the other side of the house. The quality of wood was discussed; and how soft it is now. The Commission realizes that residents are going to want to use PVC instead of replacing wood; but really does not want it on a historical house. The Commission discussed what they should do with the application. The applicant amended the application to add "amend to replace trim around window with Azek instead of wood ". They talked about not having a hearing but sending out a mailing to the abutters. A disclaimer should be added to the Certificate about the use of Azek. Motion made by Ms. Adams for the WSHDC to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness with conditions under 7.3.7.8, and grant a Waiver of a Hearing under 7.3.7.5. Ms. Pohler seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0 Mr. Blodgett will be responsible for creating the Certificate of Appropriateness for this application. Ms. Saunders will create a notice to send to abutters, and forward to Mr. Blodgett for approval. The Pagel of 2 applicant will bring in self addressed, stamped envelopes to the Community Services Department; once she receives the list for the Assessors office. The applicant talked to the Commission if the process would be the same when she wants to fix under her eves; there is ice build up in the winter. Ms. Adams let the Commission know Ms. Sharlene Reynolds is no longer an associate member. Motion made by Mr. Blodgett to accept the August 1 S, 2012 meeting minutes. Mr. O'Shea seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. Mr. Blodgett talked about the "Conflict of Interest" and "Open Meeting Rules" meetings he attended. One comment that was brought up stating that alternate members can not vote he thought was wrong. Ms. Adams found in the bylaws that the WSHDC does allow alternate members to vote. Mr. Blodgett is still going to follow up with the Town Clerk the missing section that was discussed at last meeting. He let the Commission know that other people who attended the "Conflict of Interest" and "Open Meeting Rules" meetings also had concerns of the changes of bullets and dots in the new bylaws. Mr. O'Shea talked about how the Commission is down to 5 people and no alternates; and if anyone knows of anyone interested in becoming a member. Motion made by Mr. Blodgett to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. Ms. Adams seconded Vote was 5 -0 -0. Respectfully Submitted, Kim Saunders Recording Secretary Page 2 of 2