HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-18 West Street Historic District Commission MinutesO,pP OFRFgbi
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Town of Reading
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WSHDC MINUTES
Meeting Dated: April 18, 2013
West Street Historic District Commission
Phone 781-942-6608
Fax(781)942 -9071
Website: readingmagov
Location: Conference Room, Reading Town Hall Time: 8:00 PM
Members: Steve O'Shea; Chairman, Everett Blodgett, Virginia Adams, Priscilla Pochler
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Absent: Ilene Bornstein
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Also Present:
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Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary
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Larry Potter, 256 West Street
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There being a quorum the meeting was called at 8:00 PM
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26 County Road
This property is not in the West Street Historical District. Mr. O'Shea talked to the applicant
earlier
in the
evening to let him know he does not have to come before the Commission.
256 West Street
The applicant is Mr. O'Shea's neighbor. Ms. Adams questioned if Mr. O'Shea should leave the room while
discussing this application. It was decided he could stay but will not add to the discussion. The applicant stated
he would like to install Anderson "Woodwrighf' windows. He won't be doing the back of the house; but might in
the future. He believes the new windows are identical to what he has now, but more efficient. The windows have
wood inside and vinyl outside. No painting will be necessary on the outside. The Commission discussed the
application. The house was built in 1950; it is not 70 years old. The facade is less than 25 %. Ms. Adams
discussed repairing the windows instead of replacing.
Motion made by Ms. Adams to issue a Certificate of Non Applicabitity for the work proposedfor 256
West Street based on the General By -Law under section 7.3.7.3 with Exclusions 7.3.9.1 (6). Mr.
Blodgett seconded Vote was 3 -0-1. Mr. O'Shea abstained
Ms. Saunders will forward Mr. Blodgett a Certificate and the certificate issued for 200 West Street.
Ms. Adams stated the Historical Commission is having Ms. Alison Hardy speak at the Town library. She
will share examples and expertise on window repair, restoration and replacement.
The Commission discussed the letter of support that Mr. Zambouras previously asked for regarding the
street project on West Street. Mr. Blodgett stated he talked to Mr. Zambouras about the inconsistency of
the sign locations. It was noted that the Selectmen have said all roads entering traffic gets a stop sign.
The crosswalks in the district were discussed. Mr. Blodgett stated the paint does not usually last and the
Town will have to do maintenance. Ms. Adams said she called the MassDOT to see if signs in the
historical districts can have modifications. No one got back to her. The Commission suggested adding
to the letter:
• signage be at a minimal in the district — the signage on the plans is very heavy
• have the consultant look into if the State allows modifications to the signs in a Historical District
• suggestions on type of trees that should be planted in the District
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Mr. O'Shea will draft a letter and send to Mr. Zambouras. He will take in consideration Mr. Blodgett's
suggestions that he sent to the Commission via email.
Ms. Adams questioned the procedure of the building application. She also wanted to know if the Commission
needs to do "damage control" for the applicant who got flagged as being in the district. Mrs. Saunders stated she
will follow up to why the property was flagged in the new system.
Ms. Adams asked that the Recording Secretary bring the Commission members packets to the W SHDC meetings.
The packets will consist of the application and minutes needing to be approved. The book of previous applications
and Certificates issued should be brought to the meetings too.
Ms. Adams asked about the "Design Guidelines" on the Town website and if it was the most current one. It was
suggested that Mrs. Gentile in the Community Service Department be contacted to do this.
Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Ms. Adams to approve the December S, 2012 meeting minutes. Mr. Blodgett seconded. Vote
was 3 -0-0 (Mr. O'Shea was absent at this meeting).
Motion made by Ms. Adams to approve February 12, 2013 meeting minula as amended. Mr. Blodgett
seconded Vote was 4-0.0.
Motion made by Mr. O'Shea to adjourn at 9:1 S p.m. Ms. Poehler seconded Vote was 4 -0 -0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kim M. Saunders
Recording Secretary
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