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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-15 West Street Historic District Commission MinutesTown of Reading West Street Historic District Commission 16 Lowell Street Phone 781 - 942 -6608 Reading, MA 01867 Fax (781) 942 -9071 Website: readingma.gov WSHDC MINUTES Meeting Dated: July 15, 2013 Location: Berger Room, Reading Town Hall Time: 7:30 PM Members: Everett Blodgett,Vice Chairman,Virginia Adams, Ilene Bornstein, Priscilla Poehler Absent: Also Present: Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary Sean Silvester, 149 West Street There being a quorum the meeting was called at 7:30 PM 149 West Street Mr. Blodgett talked about the history of the applicant's house. It was moved to West Street in 1913. Before being moved it was used as a barn. The owner was Doctor Richard and he lived in the area of Main and Woburn Street. The shed that is on the applicant's property was built after the house being moved. The Commission talked with the owner what the shed could have been used for previously; maybe a chicken coop or a milk shed? The applicant stated he bought the house in 2007. The shed he would like to demolish has no electricity or plumbing. He took down a tree, which made the shed fall apart. He believes the shed had a fire inside. The shed should be considered a safety hazard. He would level off his yard and plant grass. He stated he looked into renovating the shed and found it was cheaper just to take down. The Commission let the homeowner know that if he did want to rebuild he would need to come back to the Commission. The Commission discussed what type of certificate could be issued and how to proceed. Motion made by Ms Bornstein to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the shed at 149 West Street. Ms. Poehler seconded Vote was 4 -0 -0. After a discussion, the Commission decided a public hearing is not necessary; but the homeowner is still responsible for notifying the abutters. Ms. Bornstein asked that a disclaimer be noted in the Certificate stating that demolishing a structure is not encouraged. Motion made by Ms. Adams to waive the public hearing under 7.3.7.5. Ms. Bornstein seconded Vote was 4 -0- 0. The homeowner reviewed with the Commission what he is allowed to do on the exterior of his house. The Commission talked about the following: • If having once a month meetings would be beneficial • A follow up to the resident who was angry about parts of her wall being taken was recommended by Mr. O'Shea to put it in to writing so the WSHDC could reply. • New members are needed — who to contact to get people • Mr. O'Shea stepping down as chairman Page 1 of 2 Minutes to Approve Motion made by Mr. Blodgett to approve the May 1, 2013 minutes as amended Mr. Bornstein seconded Vote was 4 -0 -0. Ms. Adams asked about opening up the nomination for reorganization. Motion made by Ms. Adams to nominate Mr. Everett Blodgett as chairman. Ms. Poehler seconded Vote was 3- 0-0 (Mr. Blodgett abstained) Motion made by Ms. Adams to nominate Ms. Ilene Bornstein as vice chairman. Ms. Poehler seconded Vote was 3 -0 -0 (Ms. Poehler abstained). Motion made by Ms. Bornstein to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. Mr. Blodgett seconded Vote was 4 -0 -0. Respectfully Submitted, Kim M. Saunders Recording Secretary Page 2 of 2