HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-28 West Street Historic District Commission Minutesy OF
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
West Street Historic District
Date: 2013 -10 -28 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:
Ellen Howland, 136 Walnut Street
Lauren Houde, 265 West Street
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders
Topics of Discussion:
240 West Street
Mr. Blodgett stated he talked to the contractor regarding the windows at 240 West
Street. They have decided to rebuild the existing windows except for 4 of them. The
windows will now have storm windows. Ms. Adams wanted to make sure wood
material will be used and the muntin to show.
The Commission talked about the tour of the property and the age of the house. Ms.
Bornstein showed some artifacts she found. It was agreed a letter will be written to
affirm what was discussed at the site.
129 West Street
Mr. Blodgett talked to the Commission about the property at 129 West Street. He
has concerns the owners installed plastic railings on a porch and down steps without
coming to the Commission for approval. He believes the work was done by Alta
Construction on October P and 4`h. He had the Town Building Inspector do an
inspection. It was noted that a building permit might not have been needed. The
Commission agreed a letter should be sent acknowledging the work that was done
without approval. The Commission talked about having a form letter for future
issues that arise. Mr. Blodgett questioned on how to let new owners know about
their house being In the District. Ms. Bornstein suggested having a post or seal be
available to homeowners to let them know they are in the West Street Historic
District.
168 West Street
Mr. Blodgett talked about an email he received from the homeowner at 168 West
Street. He would like a plaque for his house stating it is historic. Ms. Adams stated
it is not on the National Register; but he could do it privately. Ms. Bornstein will
forward a name of a business to Mr. Blodgett.
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The Commission talked about a plaque program. It was felt that this would create a
sense of belong in the District. However, it was noted funding and research would
be needed. A brochure that goes to new owners was suggested.
265 West Street
Mr. Blodgett summarized this project. The homeowner has already come in and
discussed demolition of a garage and building a new one in the same foot print as
the earlier proposal. The garage is not on the Inventory for historic houses, and it is
not subject to the Demolition Bylaw. A Certificate of Appropriateness was issued for
the demolition of the garage. He stated because the homeowners did not complete
the Public Hearing requirements, the application was stalled. The homeowner
contacted him and requested the Commission review the new plans.
The homeowner presented the new plan. The garage will now be 1 story. The same
material will be used as previously discussed. It will match the style of the home. It
will be a slab foundation. The slope was discussed. The homeowner questioned why
a public hearing is needed if the abutters will be notified. She would like to start the
project. The Commission agreed a garage is a big enough Impact to the District and
a Public Hearing is warranted. The application procedure was discussed with the
homeowner. Mr. Blodgett stated the Commission did not make the homeowner
reapply, but the Commission has 45 days from this meeting. The homeowner agreed
the plans could be dated as of October 28, 2013.
Motion made by Ms. Bornstein to approve the amended plan as of October
28, 2013 for 265 West Street for the oversized garage. Ms. Poehler
seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0.
Motion made by Ms. Bornstein to approve a Public Hearing on the amended
plans for the application for 265 West Street. The Public Hearing will be
held on November 18, 2013 if all requirements are met by the applicant in
time. Ms. Poehler seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0.
252 West Street
The Commission discussed the roof replacement at 252 West Street. It was agreed
that the Commission does not approve of the roof material; all the same reasons as
stated at a previous meeting.
Motion made by Ms. Adams not to approve the roof replacement for 252
West Street. Ms. Poehler seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0
The Commission discussed other roof replacements in the district. Mr. Blodgett
reminded the Commission it was already agreed upon that he can approve the
roofing material. This way the homeowners do not have to come back to the
Commission. He will contact the owners to let them know the Commission's denial;
but does give approval of Architectural shingles. The previous motion allowing Mr.
Blodgett to approve the homeowner's choice of roof stands.
The Commission will vote on September 23, 2013 minutes at next meeting.
Motion made by Ms. Adams to adjourn at 9:00 pm. Mr. Blodgett seconded.
Vote was 4 -0 -0
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