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Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
West Street Historic District
Date: 2014 -04 -07
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: Meeting
Attendees: Members - Present:
1014 MAY -8 A 9: 41
Time: 07:00 PM
Location: Berger Room
Everett Blodgett, Chairman; Ilene Bornstein, Priscilla Poehler, Virginia
Adams
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Alyssa Scaparotti, 10 Middlesex Ave
Greg Maganzini, 168 West Street
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders
Topics of Discussion:
Mr. Blodgett talked to Ms. Scaparotti regarding the West Street Historic Commission.
Ms. Scaparotti was sitting in on the meeting to see how the meetings work. She
may be interested in becoming a Commission member.
168 West Street, Greg & Allison Maganzini -
Mr. Maganzini reviewed his application. He would like to replace the fence facing
West and Howard Street. It would be a 6' wooden privacy fence with no paint or
stain. The caps will be 2x3; similar to the supports. He would like to move the
fence back, so it is flushed with the house. There will be a gate at the projecting
section. He reminded the Commission he already got approval for a shed. He is
going to place the shed behind the fence. Ms. Adams suggested moving the fence
back a little farther. This would delineate the front. Mr. Maganzini stated he wanted
to hide the drain pipe.
After a discussion, the Commission agreed the fence is an insubstantial change to
the District. They will waive the public hearing, but the applicant will need to notify
the abutters.
Motion made by Ms. Bornstein to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for a
replacement of the existing wood fence with a wood privacy fence at 168
West Street with a special condition (wood material). The Commission is
waiving the Public Hearing.
The Commission talked to Mr. Maganzini regarding a plaque for the District. Mr.
Maganzini said he will research. It was suggested the West Street Historic District
have a different shape plaque than Historical. Mr. Blodgett let the applicant know
the Commission is looking for new members or associate members.
Mr. Blodgett talked about the Town West Street project. The construction that is
taking place now is for Town "services ". The actual West Street construction will take
place in late spring /early summer.
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The letter Mr. O'Shea sent, on behalf of the Commission, to Mass DOT regarding the
West Street construction was discussed. Mass DOT responded with questions. Mr.
Blodgett stated he sent a reply being specific about the Commission's concerns. He
concentrated on 3 areas: safety, atmosphere and traffic regulation.
Mr. Blodgett stated he has not heard from Mr. & Mrs. Mieczkowski. They came to
the Commission to replace their roof. The Commission did not approve the roof
material. Mr. Blodgett will contact them next week.
Mr. Blodgett talked about the Town website. After a discussion, "one stop shopping"
was agreed upon. The application, bylaws and guidelines should be present on the
West Street Historic page.
The annual Town report was discussed. Mr. Blodgett was questioned by Ms. Knight
where the West Street Commission's report was. Mr. Blodgett reviewed with the
Commission what he sent in.
The violation letter that the Commission would like to send out to property owners
was reviewed. The Commission agreed they would need: verification of violation;
the support of Town administration and a solution. They stated no sense going after
owners for violations if there is no solution. They had concerns if a building permit is
not needed how would the West Street Historic District Commission get notified?
The Commission reviewed bylaw - 7.3.1.1. Mr. Blodgett will work on the violation
letter for next time. A letter will be put in 129 West Street file. They did work
without a permit. However, they are selling their house, but the Commission the
new owners to be aware. The bylaw 7.3.5.2 - fees was also reviewed.
The Commission talked about the West Street District brochure and greeting letter.
Mr. Blodgett will send the brochure to the Commission members to review. The
greeting letter was edited. The Commission would like to send both documents to
property owners in the District. Mr. Blodgett will follow up with Ms. Delios to see
how to complete the mailing.
Motion made by Mr. Blodgett to accept the minutes from November 18, 2013
as amended. Ms. Adams seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0.
Mr. Blodgett let the Commission know that the Zoning Regulations are being
reviewed by the Town. Ms. Delios spoke to him and asked if the Commission has
any changes, now is the time to let the Town know. Ms. Adams will search with
other Historical Districts to see how the zoning affects them.
Motion made by Ms. Bornstein to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. Ms. Poelher
seconded. Vote was 4 -0 -0.
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