HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-07-18 West Street Historic District Commission MinutesTown of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 WSHDC MINUTES Meeting Dated: July 18, 2012 West Street Historic District Commission Phone 781 - 942 -6608 Fax (781) 942 -9071 Website: readingma.gov Location: Town Conference Room, Reading Town Hall Time: 7:00 PM Members: Steve O'Shea; Chairman; Virginia Adams; Everett Blodgett, Priscilla Poehler Absent: Ilene Bornstein, Sharlene Reynolds Santos Also Present: Mr. and Mrs. Dudley, 206 West Street Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary There being a quorum the meeting was called at 7:00 PM Application for Certificate of Appropriateness -206 West Street Mr. O'Shea reviewed the application and process with the Commission and residents. The applicant would like to remove plywood that covers the doorway and replace with a wood exterior door. The door matches the other exterior door. There was a glass door there when the store was open. When the store closed, plywood was put up. The plywood was put in place in 2003; before the West Street District was established. Both doors are in front and face the street. The door is being ordered by Moynihan Lumber and contractor is Dale Fuller. The resident stated that the project is a matter of security and is becoming a safety issue. The Commission discussed the options that they could do for this application since the original door was not known. Mr. O'Shea stated that the application is within jurisdiction. One option they discussed was to waive a hearing; but the applicant would still be responsible for the fee to notify the abutters within 300 feet. It was suggested that the Commission look at change of door comparable to front door. Commission found Exclusion under 7.3.9.3 is applicable therefore a Certificate of Non Applicability could be issued. Motion made by Ms. Adams. Mr. Blodgett seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. Old Business Acceptance of Minutes June 6, 2012 Motion made by Ms. Adams to accept the June 6, 2012 minutes as amended Mr. Blodgett seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. Ms. Adams asked that Ilene Bornstein be noticed as a member, not an associate. Ms. Saunders will let Town Clerk and Community Service Clerk know of error. Page 1 of 2 The process of an application was talked about by the Commission. If one person should be responsible to say that a meeting is necessary. The Commission felt that it would be better if they meet on any application even if it is for a short period of time. The Commission went through a flowchart on an application process and made changes. They will use the flowchart internally. They also went through the "Application Process and Procedures" and made changes. The Commission asked that this be added with application. Ms. Saunders will make the necessary changes to both forms. Ms. Adams let the Commission know that they might have to attend an "Open Meeting Rules" and "Conflict of Interest" meeting. Motion made by Mr. Blodgett to adjourn @ 8:40 p.m. Mr. O'Shea seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0. Page 2 of 2