Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-08-26 West Street Historic District Commission Minutesall Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: West Street Historic District Date: 2013 -08 -26 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: Public Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: Everett Blodgett, Chairman, Ilene Bornstein, Priscilla Poehler Members - Not Present: Virginia Adams Others Present: Greg Maganzini, 168 West Street Jason Przybyclen and Samantha Beacehell, 174 West Street Benjamin Howland and Lauren Houde, 265 West Street Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Virginia D. Blodgett Topics of Discussion: There being a quorum the meeting was called at 7:00 PM 168 West Street Mr. Blodgett opened the discussion asking the homeowner to explain their application proposal. Mr. Maganzini explained that he wants to put a 10'x12' vinyl shed by Reeds Ferry at the right side of his driveway with the front facing the house (the 10' side will be parallel to the street). The house has vinyl siding as well. The current shed on the property is deteriorating and will be taken down as soon as the new shed is there. He has taken down part of the fence and does not want to replace it. Mr. Blodgett said that he is concerned about both the material for the shed and the fact that it would be seen from West Street. There was discussion about moving the fence so that the shed would not be seen from the street except for the roof. Ms. Bornstein agreed that the shed should be behind the fence. Ms. Poehler said she had no additional questions. The homeowner said he was willing to do a wood shed, painted white to match the house without a fence. Mr. Blodgett said he would prefer a shed with a fence. Ms. Bornstein agreed, noting that the original application said that the shed would be at the end of the driveway, not on the side. All other sheds in the District are in the back yards of properties and therefore not easily visible from the street. The homeowner said he did not want the shed in the backyard as he was trying to preserve as much space as possible there. The homeowner agreed that if he could put the shed next to the driveway, he would put up a fence to minimize visibility from the street. A Certificate of Appropriateness is needed and Abutters Letters may be needed as well. Motion was made by Ms. Bornstein to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for 168 West Street for a shed at the side of the driveway with the 10' side facing West Street to be hidden by a 6' natural material fence with a straight line along the top. Ms. Poehler seconded. Vote was 3 -0 -0. Page 1 1 Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes 174 West Street Mr. Blodgett opened the discussion by asking the homeowners to explain their application proposal. They are asking to replace 2 windows. One is in a second floor bathroom on the right side of the house, and the other is a first floor living room window on the left side. They are also replacing the storm windows. The house has a variety of windows, both wood and vinyl. The homeowners have only looked at vinyl windows and had not considered wood, but are willing to. There was discussion about matching the style of window (3 lights over 1) for the first floor living room window. After discussion, the committee agreed that they do not have any objection to a vinyl window for the bathroom. The homeowner decided to postpone both windows until they can investigate wood windows. They can go ahead with the storm windows, as they are exempt from review by the committee. 265 West Street Mr. Blodgett opened the discussion by asking the homeowners to explain their application proposal. The plans were presented for a new garage. Currently there is a concrete block, hip roof garage. They are proposing to tear down the existing structure which was built in 1941 and replace it with an oversized, 2 story building with 2 dormers on the street side and a shed dormer on the back. They will match the crown molding trim to the house. It will be set back from West Street about 10' further than the present garage. There will not be a basement. The home was built by the owner's great- grandfather. It was determined that an addendum must be made to the current application for the demolition of the present garage and to check off the box that indicates a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness. They also need to check to see if the house is on the Historical Commissions Inventory List of Homes. This will be the first request to the WSHDC for a garage. Ms. Bornstein asked about the windows. Their plan is to use vinyl for the windows and the garage door. The present house has vinyl windows and a wood front door. A question was raised about 266 West Street as to whether they have vinyl garage doors. The committee could not immediately determine that, and will look into it. Abutters letters will be required and a hearing may also be required. A motion was made by Ms. Bornstein that an addendum be added for an Appropriateness Certificate and for demolition of the garage. Ms. Poehler seconded. Voted 3 -0 -0. A motion was made by Ms. Bornstein to approve the plans as submitted with natural wood products and molding to match the house. Ms. Pichler seconded. Voted 3 -0-0. The committee then asked if there were plans for fencing. The homeowners said that fence or stone wall would be considered in the future. A motion was made by Ms. Poehler to adjourn at 9:13. Ms. Bornstein seconded. Voted 3- 0-0. Page 12