HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-08-12 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: August 12, 2013
Location: Berger Room, Reading Town Hall Time: 7:30 PM
Members: Everett Blodgett, Chairman, Virginia Adams, Ilene Bornstein, Priscilla Poehler
Absent:
Also Present: James Caponigro, 3 Palms Group for 240 West St
There being a quorum the meeting was called at 7:00 PM
240 West Street
Mr. Blodgett reopened the discussion regarding the application from 3 Palms Group for 240 West Street. Mr.
Caponigro is representing 3 Palms Group. The application was discussed and was decided that Mr. Caponigro can
amend the original application. It is not necessary to submit another application. It was reiterated the fence directly
in front of the house will be taken down; but the rest of the fence that is in front of the house will be repositioned.
Mr. Blodgett let the applicant know that the WSHDC has no jurisdiction over landscaping and painting. The
application was amended and initialed. The description for the fence was updated and "any exterior trim/siding
repairs to be done in all wood" was added. The window replacement was discussed. It was agreed upon that the
windows be:
• Marvin windows
• Double insulated
• Where the window weights were, the pockets will be spray foamed
• All wood product — no snap in mullions
• Multi pane — wood grill on the inside and outside
• Authentic divided light (ADL) — at the applicant's discretion.
Motion made by Ms. Bornstein to accept the window replacement as discussed. Ms. Poehler seconded. Vote
was 4-0 -0.
The applicant talked to the Commission about the fence. He stated he would like the option to either use a metal
fence or a wood one. After clearing the property a decision will be made what looks the best. It was asked that the
fence be a straight picket fence not decorative and a maximum of 4'.
Motion made by Ms. Adams to accept the changes of the fence as discussed. Ms. Poehler seconded. Vote was
4 -0 -0.
After a discussion, the Commission decided to waive the Public Hearing. They agreed the details of the application
were worked out at the meetings. The Commission read and amended the notice to the abutters. It was noted the
Certificate of Appropriateness will not be available until 10 days after the notice to the abutters go out. Once the 10
days are up, the Building Permit can be issued.
Motion made by Ms. Bornstein to waive the Public Hearing under 7.3.7.5. Ms. Poheler seconded. Vote was 4-
0-0.
The applicant was questioned if he knew the house was in the district when the property was bought; he stated he
did not. The Commission forwarded the applicant the "history" of the house. The Commission was invited to visit
the house if they would like.
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The Commission discussed who enforces the rules of the West Street Historical District Commission. Ms. Delios,
Town Planner (stopped in on her way to another meeting), stated in the past previous Commission members
regulated the properties. The Commission will follow up to see what they can do to enforce. It was discussed the
homeowner should get an award when the district rules are followed.
Mr. Blodgett stated he talked to Paula Schena regarding the recodification of the bylaw. He said it was a mute issue
regarding the number of votes needed on the Commission is no longer in the bylaw. The State law supersedes the
Town law.
Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Ms. Adams to approve August 5, 2013 meeting minutes as amended. Mr. Blodgett seconded.
Vote was 4 -0 -0.
The email for the West Street Historical District Commission is wshAreadins.ma.us.ci
It was asked that the new website has the correct name for the West Street Historical District Commission. Ms.
Adams will email Ms. Gentile and Ms. Gemme to let them know where the discrepancies are.
Ms. Bornstein wanted the opinion of the Commission regarding signage/billboard issues in the District. The
Commission decided if it goes to Town meeting they will weigh in then.
Motion made by Ms. Adams to adjourn at 8:45. Ms. Poehler seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kim M Saunders
Recording Secretary
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