HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-01 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: May 1, 2013
Location: Conference Room, Reading Town Hall Time: 7:00 PM
Members: Steve O'Shea; Chairman, Everett Blodgett, Virginia Adams, Ilene Bornstein
Absent: Priscilla Poehler
Also Present:
Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary
Samantha Beachell and Jason Przbycien
There being a quorum the meeting was called at 7:20 PM
174 West Street
The applicants would like to tear down an existing 8x10 deck due to disrepair and rebuild it as 4x4 egress with
stairs. Style is classic and non - intrusive with pressure treated wood sealed for weather protection. Style is similar
to the existing, but with lattice around the base. This is necessary for safety to home. They would also like to
remove a large pine tree from front yard.
The Commission talked about how the deck is barely seen from the street and will be less visible once built as a
4x4 deck. They believe the deck is not historical and it has no impact to the district. The awning that is there now
is coming out and will not be replaced. They also let the applicant know the tree is exempt from the Commission.
The Commission discussed the application and what Certificate could be issued. They reviewed the Town's
bylaws and Design Guidelines. The homeowner stated when the house was inspected the deck was deemed
unsafe.
Motion made by Mr. O'Shea to issue a Certificate of Non Applicability for work proposed at 174 West Street
based on General Bylaw under Section 7.3.7.3 by determining the application does not involve any "Exterior
Architectural Structure" as defined under Section 7.3.2.8 of the General Bylaw. Ms. Adams seconded Vote
was 4 -0 -0.
The homeowner asked about other work he would like to do on his house — windows and painting.
Ms. Adams questioned the applicant if they were aware they were in a historical district. They said they were not
aware of it at the time of purchasing the house. The Commission talked about sending out letters to the residents
in the district to let them know.
Mr. O'Shea asked that all applicants be emailed when a meeting is confirmed. The applicant for 174 West Street
stated they did not know about the meeting and had to be contacted by the Chairman to attend.
Ms. Adams questioned why the Town website has not been updated with the most current General Bylaw and
Design Guidelines as requested.
The Commission talked about the difference between guidelines, bylaws and best practices.
Page 1 of 2
The Commission asked for a copy of the Design Guidelines. Ms. Saunders will forward their request on.
Ms. Adams let the Commission know she received an email from a resident in the West Street district. The
resident has a stonewall that abuts Wescroft Road. Someone took a piece of it. The Commission discussed their
options and asked that Ms. Adams email her back and let the homeowner know a formal complaint is needed.
The resident can fill out appropriate paperwork and then the Commission can act upon the complaint. Mr.
Blodgett said he will do a site visit.
Mr. Blodgett stated he has had a complaint about a resident throwing leaves on the other side of his fence that
lands on West Street. He believes it is an eye sore.
Minutes to approve
Ms. Adams made a motion to accept the minutes from April 18, 2013 WSHDC meeting. Mr. O'Shea seconded
Vote was 3 -0 -0.
Motion made by Mr. O'Shea to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Ms. Bornstein seconded Vote was 4 -0 -0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kim M. Saunders
Recording Secretary
Page 2 of 2