HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-23 West Street Historic District Commission Minutes� or
Town of Reading
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Meeting Minutes
Board - committee - commission - council:
West Street Historic District
Date: 2013 -09 -23 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
AJ & Judy Mieczkowski, 252 West Street
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders
Topics of Discussion:
86 West Street
Mr. Blodgett reviewed the application(s). The owner has come in previously before they
owned the house. They are now the owners.
• Foundation - the applicant stated there are bricks and Mortar missing that he would
like to replace. After a discussion, the Commission stated this would be considered
ordinary maintenance. The replacement material should match as close as possible.
Motion made by Ms. Adams to Issue a Certificate of Non Applicability for the
work proposed at 86 West Street for foundation repair under the General
Bylaw 7.3.9.3. Ms. Poehler seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0.
Roof - the applicant stated the roof is ragged and needs repair. He believes it is 18-
1/2 years old. This work will be started in April 2014. After a discussion, the
Commission stated this would be considered a repair. There will be no change of
design. The Commission will waive the hearing.
Motion made by Ms. Adams to Issue a Certificate of Non Applicability for the
work proposed at 86 West Street for roof repair under the General Bylaw
7.3.9.3. Ms. Poehler seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0.
Exterior HVAC - the applicant stated he would like to install an air conditioning and
heating unit. As discussed in a previous meeting the unit will be moved to a
different location. The location will be outback in the northwest corner of the house.
The Commission discussed if the County Road is a public road; and if the
Commission should be concerned If the unit will be seen on County Road. They
agreed West Street view is the primary view. It was asked that shrubbery be
planted to hide the unit from abutters.
Motion made by Ms. Bornstein to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness with
conditions for the work proposed at 86 West Street for a HVAC unit
installation under the General Bylaw 7.3.7.8. Ms. Poehler seconded. Vote
was 4 -0 -0.
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252 West Street
The applicant, Mrs. Mieczkowski reviewed her application. She would like to install a
new roof of interlock slate /shingles. She stated this roof is virtually maintenace free
and the snow will melt off the roof. The installation of the new roof will solve a lot of
her problems. She has moss growth on the roof. One part of her roof is sloping and
is in need of repair underneath. There is ice darning; and her husband is no longer
able to shovel the snow off the roof. She feels this product enhances her property.
They have driven by homes and talked to some owners who have installed this
product. She also mentioned she contacted "One Step Living" who has made
suggestions to make her home more energy efficient.
The Commission discussed the material of the roof. It is an aluminimum interlocking
system. They decided the material and the design is not appropriate for the district.
The owners expressed their disappointment. The Commission let them know they
have a right to appeal their decision. It was agreed by the Commission, if the owners
got samples of Architectural shingles Mr. Blodgett could approve the shingles. If he
did not feel comfortable he will ask the owners to come back to the Commission.
Motion made by Ms. Bornstein to move the application for Certificate of
Appropriateness for the roof at 252 West Street be disapproved under the
General Bylaw 7.3.7.6, based on texture and style. Ms. Adams seconded.
Vote was 4 -0 -0.
Minutes
Motion made by Ms. Adams to approve the minutes of September 9, 2013 as
amended. Ms. Bornstein seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0.
• Commission discussed the dumping over the fence at 3 WescroR
149 West Street has built a wall which the WSHDC did not approve. It was asked
that the Commission read about enforcement 7.3. 11 and discuss at next meeting.
a 265 West Street has not contacted the Commission. They still need to pay for the
Public Hearing
a The meeting on September 3e has been cancelled
Motion made by Ms. Adams to adjourn at 9:10 P.M. Ms. Poehler seconded. Vote
was 4 -0 -0
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