HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-08-07 West Street Historic District Commission Minutest Town of Reading
$ e Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
West Street Historic District
ACEIXED
TOWN CLERK
EAOING. MASS.
11IM SEp -2 A 0 3Y
Date: 2014 -08 -07 Time: 07:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: Meeting
Attendees: Members - Present:
Everett Blodgett, Chairman; Priscilla Poehler, Virginia Adams, Ilene
Bornstein, Alyssa Scarparotti
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Anne Godwin
Kathy Greenfield
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders
Topics of Discussion:
Local Historic District
Ms. Greenfield discussed the Town creating a local historic district. She stated the Historic Commission met
with the applicant for 186 Summer Avenue and a 6 month demolition delay was granted. After the delay was
granted, the Town residents formed the 01867 Neighborhood Preservation group. The residents from this
group has concerns that a historic house is going to be allowed to be demolished and replaced with a year
round childcare enrichment program. This program is allowed in a residential neighborhood under the
protection of the Dover Amendment. The Town has no restrictions on homes that are on the National Historic
Register. There is only the 6 month demolition delay. She stated the residents want to preserve their
neighborhood. They would like to find an alternative location in Town for the program.
She let the Commission know she has been in touch with Chris Skelly from the Massachusetts Historic
Commission (MHC). He let her know the procedure the Town needs to follow to establish a historic district. To
be able to expand, amend or create a new historic district a study committee needs to be appointed. Since the
Town already has the West Street Historic District Commission ( WSHDC) they could become the committee.
She drafted a preliminary report. If the Commission agreed with the content, the report can be submitted. The
report will be submitted to the MHC and the Town's Community Planning and Development Commission. The
property owners in the suggested historic disinct will receive an opinion survey. They will have a chance to
weigh in. After a public hearing the report will be on a warrant for the Town Meeting. If it passes at Town
Meeting, it will be forwarded to the Attorney General. After the Attorney General reviews, the Bylaw takes
effect. Mr. Blodgett asked the Commission their thoughts and if they are willing to commit to being a member
in the study group.
After a discussion, a motion was made by Ms. Adams to approve the WSHDC to accept the
responsibility to become the study committee in order to facilitate and explore creating Summer
Avenue a Historic District. Ms. Bornstein seconded. Vote was 5.0-0
The West Street Commission discussed deadlines and their concems. The preliminary report was read and it
was decided some editing should be done. The 22 properties were reviewed and expanded. It was questioned
as to whether churches can be included in a Historic District. The architectural styles will be updated by Ms.
Adams, Mr. Blodgett will attend the Selectmen meeting to let them know the WSHDC voted and will be the
study group. The Commission will meet next Wednesday to review the edited preliminary report and vote to
submit. Ms. Adams forwarded her draft opinion survey for review.
Page I 1
Motion made by Ms. Poehler to adjourn at 9:30 p.m. Ms. Bornstein seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0
Page 1 2