HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-09 West Street Historic District Commission Minutesx Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes RECEIVED
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�04VN CLERK
E l DING. MASS.
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
West Street Historic District 2D1� SEP 24 P { 0
Date: 2013 -09 -09 Time: 07:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: Meeting
Attendees: Members - Present:
Everett Blodgett, Chairman, Ilene Bornstein, Priscilla Poehler, Virginia
Adams
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Ralph and Karen Preston, 86 West Street
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Virginia D Blodgett
Topics of Discussion:
There being a quorum, the meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM
86 West Street
The Prestons will be passing papers for the ownership of 86 West Street on September 12, 2013. They
are here to begin to understand the process of applying to the WSHDC for changes to the property.
They understand that the Commission cannot approve anything until they own the property. They
passed out information about 3 possible locations for an AC unit. They are favoring location #2. They
will be converting to gas and therefore there will be a need for venting on the building as well. The
Commission looked at the photos and agreed that the location seemed favorable. As soon as they own
the property, the Prestons will fill out an application and the WSHDC will be able to meet and review the
application.
156 West Street
The original application was dated 6/6/2013, but it was not turned into Town Hall until 8/26/2013. The
application does not describe the color of the new roof, but color is not under the purview of the
WSHDC. The house is less than 70 years old.
Motion made by Ms. Poehler to accept the application and issue a Certificate of Non - Applicability.
Ms. Bornstein seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0.
168 West Street
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Mr. Blodgett has written the abutters' letter, which he read. The homeowner has picked up the list of
addresses, but has not returned the envelopes to Town Hall. Once the letters are sent out, the abutters
will have 10 days to respond.
174 West Street
Mr. Blodgett received an email today from the homeowners. They have decided to replace only the
second floor bathroom window and will wait on replacing the first floor window. They will continue
with the storm window installation. They do not need to resubmit the application to reflect the change.
The Commission needs to decide what type of certificate to give. After discussion a Certificate of Non -
Applicability is needed as it involves routine maintenance and "minimal visibility". Mrs. Adams wanted
to know if an abutters' letter could be omitted. Mr. Blodgett agreed.
Motion made by Ms. Bornstein to grant a Certificate of Non - Applicability for the request to replace a
second floor bathroom window as routine maintenance and minimal visibility. Ms. Poehler seconded.
Vote was 4 -0 -0.
265 West Street
The Commission voted a Certificate of Appropriateness at the August 26, 2013 meeting as they had
received the addendum which included a checkmark for Appropriateness and the proposed demolition
of the garage. Mr. Blodgett said that he feels that a public hearing is needed for this project. Mrs.
Adams agreed. There was discussion of the label "master bedroom" on the plans, as well as "future
basement ". The homeowners also mentioned a future possible connection between the house and
garage. Even though a Certificate of Appropriateness was granted, a public hearing could result in a
change in the decision to issue the Certificate of Appropriateness. There was discussion of the time
frame. The original application was received on August 22, 2013. The public hearing must be held
within 45 days, which would be October 5. The legal notice about the hearing must be in the papers at
least 14 days prior to the hearing. CPDC and the Historical Commission must be notified as well.
Motion made by Ms. Poehler to hold a public hearing for 265 West Street. Ms. Bornstein seconded.
Vote was 4 -0 -0.
The date for the hearing will be September 30. The legal notice must be in the paper by September 16.
Mr. Blodgett will contact the homeowners to let them know that they must get a check to Town Hall and
see Mrs. Gentile for instructions.
Current Events
3 Wescroft Avenue
Mr. Blodgett showed the Commission a photo of 3 Wescroft Avenue. The homeowner has dumped
brush and yard waste over the fence onto the area between the fence and the sidewalk on West Street
and it is an eyesore.
149 West Street
The milk shed has been taken down and a patio wall has been place next to the house. The Commission
agreed to drive by to see, and would discuss further at a future meeting.
Meeting minutes
Motion made by Ms. Adams to approve August 19, 2013 meeting minutes as amended. Ms. Bornstein
seconded. Vote was 4 -0-0.
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Motion made by Ms. Poehler to approved August 26, 2013 meeting minutes as written. Ms.
Bornstein seconded. Vote was 3 -0-1.
Motion made by Ms. Poehler to adjourn at 9:01. Ms. Adams seconded. Vote was 4 - ".
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