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Home My WebLink About2013-02-12 West Street Historic District Commission MinutesOWN orepgoi �C Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 WSHDC MINUTES Meeting Dated: February 12, 2013 West Street Historic District Commission Phone 781- 942 -6608 Fax (781) 942 -9071 Website: readingma.gov Location: The Berger Room, Reading Town Hall Time: 7:30 PM Members: Steve O'Shea; Chairman, Everett Blodgett, Virginia Adams Absent: Priscilla Poehler, Ilene Bornstein Also Present: George Zambouras, Town Engineer Mrs. Blodgett, resident Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary There being a quorum the meeting was called at 7:30 PM West Street Project Mr. Zambouras presented plans on the street project the Town would like to do. Part of the project is in the West Street District. He would like the Commission to write a letter with comments about the project. The following was discussed: • Project is slated for 2016/2017 • Project is from Town of Woburn line to Longwood Road • Project will take 18 -24 months • Minor upgrades • Interconnected signals • New drainage system • Paving • Granite curbing • Sidewalks both sides except for right hand side of Willow Street; there will be some grass strips • Not taking any property • Bicycle paths — catch basins being installed will be small rectangle crates • Temporary grading easements - 5' easements so contractors can work • Trees will be removed • New trees will be planted - Mr. Keating, Tree Warden hasn't had a chance to review the types as of yet • No wall removal — if so will be replaced • King Street will get a fully activated street light • Wooden guardrail will be installed new Oak Street • West Street is considered an arterial road After a discussion, the Commission had concerns about the signage, crosswalks and trees. • They will look into Mass DEP to we if there is anything on the website about signs in a historical area. • Can a variance be granted for signs — or is there exceptions in the Historic distric. • Mr. Blodgett will follow up with Mr. Zambouras and question the inconsistency of sign locations. • Trees should be New England species habitat— Elms, Oaks, Maple etc. • Cross walks - should they be the basic white or zebra? Page 1 of 2 After thinking about the project and researching outstanding issues they will meet again to discuss the letter that the Town Engineer would like. Meeting Minutes — minutes from the December 5, 2012 meeting will be approved at next meeting. Motion made by Ms. Adams to adjourn at 10:05 p.m Mr. O'Shea seconded Vote was 3 -0-0. Respectfully Submitted, Kim Saunders Recording Secretary Page 2 of 2