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Home My WebLink About2014-09-15 Historical Commission MinutesTown of Reading i Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Historical Commission September 15, 2014 Date: 2014 -09 -15 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Time: 7:00 PM - ITCETVED TOWN CLERK E „DING, HASS. KA CCT 31 P 3 05 Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Purpose: Part 1 - Public Hearing re: 163 -167 South Street Application to Demolish Part 2 - Public Meeting Part 3 - Public Hearing re: 119 Salem Street Application to Demolish Attendees: Members - Present: Chair: Sharlene Reynolds Santo (SRS) Treasurer: Sally Hilgendorff (SH) Secretary: Carl Mittnight (CM) Robyn Parker (RP), Virginia Adams (VA), Nancy Kohl (NK) Ron Weston (RW), Jonathan Barnes (JB) Members - Not Present: Others Present: See attached Hearing Sign -in Sheet Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Carl Mittnight Topics of Discussion: 1. Call to Order September 15, 2014 at 7:04 pm. (SRS) 2. Read Public Notice See attached copy. (JB) 3. Announce Purpose of the Hearing (SRS) 4. Introduce RHC Members and Owner/ Applicant (SRS) RHC: See "Members- Present” above. Owner/ Applicant: See attached Hearing Sign -in Sheet. 5. Read request to cancel the Demolition Application (SRS) 6. Read request to cancel the Hearing (SRS) 7. RHC Votes Accept the withdrawal of the Demolition Application Because the request to cancel the hearing was received less than 46 hours before the hearing SRS moved to accept the withdrawal of the Demolition Application. 2. SH seconded the motion. 3. The motion passed with: SRS, SH, CM, RP, RW voting in the atfinnative to accept the withdrawal of the Demolition Application. Close the Hearing 1. SRS moved that the Hearing be adjourned. 2. CM seconded the motion. 3. The motion passed with: SRS, SH, CM, RP, RW voting in the affirmative to adjourn the P� I t Part 2 - Public Meetln S b'cr Call to Order l September 25, 2014 at 7:15 m. A n s R tee Summer 1. SRS read a letter written by Senator Jason Lewis to Avenue Criterion encouraging Criterion to find another location to move their facility, see attached. 2. Update from 01867 Neighborhood Preservation • Over 100 people attended the 9/8114 informational meeting. • Senator Lewis attended the 9/8114 information session. • The group, is looking into alternate residential uses of 186 Summer Avenue. 3. VA has identified, via listsery postings, a number of realtors in the area who specialize in olderlhistoric homes. These realtors will be included in the packet of alternatives being prepared for the owner of 186 Summer Avenue. 4. JB discussed his meeting with Jean Delios and Jesse Wilson of Community Planning and Development Department. The meeting was held to explore zoning changes to create a separate lot at 190 Summer Avenue where a house could be built. Another discussion needs to be held with the Zoning Board of Appeals to flesh out how this mi ht be accomplished. General vA discovered that a portion of the text was missing from the Bylaw - General Bylaw allowing creation of local historic districts. Historic Laura Gemme, Town Clerk, attended part of the meeting to Districting show those present where the text was missing from the Bylaw and to say that Town Counsel was involved to determine whether the text was voted out by Town Meeting or the text can be reinserted because of a clerical error. Town Counsel had not made a decision at the time of this meeting. Bed & A newspaper article was submitted by resident Ray McHugh, Breakfast on creating Bed & Breakfasts in historic homes, as it is one of Article the su2gested alternatives for 186 Summer Avenue. 13 Elliot The owners contacted ate RHC with concerns about selling Street their historic home. SRS mentioned that the information being gathered for 186 Summer Avenue could also be provided to the owners of 13 Elliot Street, in particular, the list of reahors specializing in historic homes. It was suggested that RHC could hold a realtor open house. While the home is not on the Inventory of Historic Homes, it still has historic value. However, the home was moved, and moved homes are seen as somewhat less historic when the sense of place is disrupted. Minutes Reviewed meeting minutes; Approved as amended for File with clerk CM meeting held on September 8, 2014. Old South The plaque presentation is tentatively scheduled for October. Church The RHC awarded Old South Church the 2014 Preservation Award for their renovation and restoration of the steeple and bell tower. Next Meeting October 7, 2014 at 7:30 m. Page 1 2 aoy,c,tach 0. ce w ar e:3V pm. (JKJ) 2. Read Public Notice See attached. (SH) 3. Announce Purpose of the Hearing (SRS) 4. introduce RHC Members and Owner/ Applicant (SRS) RHC: See "Members- Present" above. Owner/ Applicant: See attached, Hearing Sign -in Sheet. 5. Owner/ Applicant Presentation MBA Building Group: Allen Carpineila and Keith Fodizzi Partner /Co -owner: Judy Dougherty The presenters have owned the building for 5 years and it is fully rented. The owners reviewed renovating the building and decided that it was cost prohibitive. Upon inspection of the house, the owners discovered structural issues, doorways stripped of trim, and potential asbestos siding. However the siding has not yet been tested. The best solution would be to tear down the building and rebuild. Additionally, the driveway placement is not ideal and would be improved as part of the project. The home would also be set back further from the road. The owners stated a willingness to design a home that is in keeping with the rest of the neighborhood, but have no drawn plans as of yet. The owners from MBA Building Group have bull or worked on homes with a "farmhouse meets colonial" design in Concord and Revere. There are currently two in progress in Reading, MA at 46 County Road and on Curtis Street. i. Overview of Historical/ Architectural Significance (VA) Historical This five -bay house faces the early roadway, Salem Street. It was built during the time when the area was producing a plethora of manufactured goods that included organ pipes, small furniture and wood- working in cabinet shops, planed wood from a small mill and the manufacturing of shoes and neckties. This variety of businesses led to the building of housing in the area for the workforce and is still found today. It is surmised that this house was built around 1834 when Gardiner French married Ester Elvira Kingman, daughter of Ambrose Kingman, a leading Reading cabinet manufacturer. French was a cabinet -maker having learned the trade as a young man from Henry Kingman, brother of the above mentioned Ambrose Kingman, who was also a prominent cabinet manufacturer. Gardner French established his own cabinet making business, manufacturing furniture for regional distribution and continued operations for a number of years until he sold to Josiah Kingman. For a time, French partnered with Henry Parker and ran a furniture store in Boston. He later resumed the manufacture of furniture in Reading. His personal life was rather tragic. His first wife died 4 years after marriage; a second wife passed away after 7 years and he then married for the third time. Only one child survived to adulthood - a son who died in his forties and was unmarried. Gardner French was an esteemed citizen and served as Representative to the General Court in 1878. Previously he had been a Selectman in 1852, 1853, and 854. His influence on the Town is also evidenced by his real estate endeavors to the south of his Salem Street house, where Idle, Wilson, Gardner, and Pleasant Streets were laid out and developed. The map of 1875 shows James M. McKay occupying the house. He was the Chief engineer of the Reading Fire Dept. from 1868 -1871. The Gardner French home is located at the corner of Salem and Eaton Streets. French died in 1889. Architecture The street view of this house presents a vernacular five bay, center entrance (altered) home built around 1834. It is currently clad in artificial siding and rests on a granite (faced?) foundation. The unique gable returns are between the earlier styled flush board and the later broad, deep returns. Three extensions to the rear provide additional living space expanding the structure into three residential units. An extension from the main house appears on the 1875 map. The setting is close to the street and part of an established neighborhood. Numbers 94, 1121114, 118,124 and 128 are all Inventoried properties. The house to the right, ( #115) was formerly an ell to a Spring St. Page 13 Carol Sheehan of 11 Eaton Street, located directly behind 119 Salem Street, voiced concerns over the Plans and if the new building would be closer to her back yard. She also mention concerns over increased traffic, runoff, drainage, and additional pavement. 8. RHC Questions/ Comments (SRS) 9. Closing discussion: RHC and Owner /Applicant (SRS) The RHC and the property owners discussed the need to preserve the houses and character of the neighborhood. The conversation started with discussion of the new building but then returned to the subject of how the building, or significant parts thereof, could be preserved. It was difficult to have a meaningful discussion in the absense of drawn plans. Both parties agreed to work together and to continue the process with a site visit. 10. RHC Votes Close the Hearing 1. RW moved that the presented information is sufficient to make a final determination on the requested demolition of the structure at 119 Salem Street and that the Public Hearing be closed. 2. SRS seconded the motion. 3. The motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote: SRS, CM, RP, RW, and SH voting in the affirmative to close the hearing. Impose the Delay 1. SRS moved that the loss of the structure at 119 Salem Street would be detrimental to the Town under the purposes of the Demolition Delay Bylaw (7.2. 1) and that a Demolition Delay of up to six (6) months be imposed beginning this date September 15 2014. 2. SH seconded the motion. 3. The motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote: SRS, CM, RP, RW, and SH voting in the affirmative to impose the demolition delay. Adjourn the Hearing - 1. SRS moved that the Hearing be adjourned. 2. RP seconded the motion. 3. The motion passes with members SRS, CM, RP, RW, and SH voting in the affirmative to adjourn the Hearing. 4. The hearing adiourned at in-00nm Preservation only works when we remember it is all about: People— Planning — Partnerships — Politics. Page 14 Reading Historical Commission (RHC) Demolition Delay Bylaw Public Hearing Sign -in Sheet Date: September 15, 2014 Property: 119 Salem Street Owner: Judith Dougherty Name: Address: � zy., -n�-, z�L � jh e Lj -�, to / y n y,,,,�P -•-t � �, 7 t Adopted date: 1/28/2014 i! F R; i Reading Historical Commission (RHC) Demolition Delay Bylaw Public Hearing Sign -in Sheet Date: September 15, 2014 Property: 163 -165 South Street Owner: Ted Watson Name: Address: 7 �F3 Gr/i3 (v�r r 1 v L__ f 1 �1I 10 i Q Adopted date: 1 /28/2014 tri �. --'T- 0 q h Town of Reading TOWN CLEFASTOR[CAL COMMISSION L 16 Lowell Street EADING, MASS. Phone 781 -942 -6608 Reading, MA 018 Fax (781) 942 -9071 ��e'I�r0R4�RP %74 AUG 26 P b 11b I Website: readingmagov Legal Notice This is to serve as notice that the Reading Historical Commission, under the authority and requirements of Section 7.2, Historic Demolition Delay, of the General Bylaws for the Town of Reading, Massachusetts, shall hold a public hearing on the demolition of the structure included on the List of Historic Structure as defined in Section 7.2.3, located at 163 South Street, submitted by applicant Ted Watson. The public hearing will be held on Monday, September 15, 2014 at 7:00 PM, in the Conference Room at Reading Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street. Please direct public inquiry to Jessie Wilson, Community Development Administrator in the Community Development office. Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Chairperson Reading Historical Commission T �rad iq� �s �oricc� �M�Jiss /0/1, �" >400101c 4. /al�IJaro /JOUlal ll�e- �fi�sSiGfnc.v�i e ��c�a'J ion Je�rio�for7 };7eraiori �olea e- eAMC e l alt_ owee� /�q ,5dedulYee lo.*- —Alon41ay. ,441 x yoU 1,415017 Jai- 9YY- 3d3% .Sep�err.7e� i/, oloiy T Ile " " /�� yiie Cl A3 - /6 % Sou44 Seel /f aA1i4,G /SS .Sou7yj 711 - ��y 3aa7 � pry 94V (gRtturtimfireaft4 ofOassitr4 tiffs x ' MASSACHUSETTS SENATE d r e ay • SENATOR JASON M. LawrS , ....... Charrmrte Fifth Middk. Durrirt Co... ox Pvsuc Sum® STATE House, Room 5118 BoszoN, MA 0x133 -1053 JAWNJAd Vhl&.NArv.,,V ThL. (617) 713 -1206 W W W.MA..ATa.r September 11, 2014 Dr. Robert F. Littleton, Jr. President Criterion Child Enrichment, Inc. 321 Fortune Blvd. Milford, MA 01757 Dear Dr. Littleton: I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed project on 186 Summer Avenue in Reading I believe that it is important for child care and early education facilities to be in our communities in order to help develop young minds and be there to help working families. There is a great need in our communities. I do not believe, however, that you can establish an early child care facility without including input from the neighborhood and community at large that you are trying to be a part of. The surrounding neighborhood has grave concems over the prospect of inserting a 9,900 square foot educational building into a residential area with historic character. The local residents are concerned that the proposed building will be out of sale with the existing neighborhood. An educational building of such a large size would be a departure from the historic nature of the neighborhood as many of the houses were built in the 18th and 19t° centuries. This could potentially reduce the property values for those homeowners. Furthermore, there is concern that a new educational building would cause a traffic Increase on a street Ill-equipped to deal with it I urge you to work with the neighborhood and the Town of Reading to explore different locations. I am happy to support this effort in any way that I can. If you would like to discuss this matter further, do not hesitate to contact my office. Best nreg�ards, V Jason M. Lewis CC: Reading Board of Selectmen, Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, and The Reading Historical Commission O� OFR qOi �o ,��9�INCO0.rp0.'� Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Legal Notice HISTORICAL COMMISSION Phone 781- 942 -6608 Fax(781)942 -9071 Website: readingma.gov This is to serve as notice that the Reading Historical Commission, under the authority and requirements of Section 7.2, Historic Demolition Delay, of the General Bylaws for the Town of Reading, Massachusetts, shall hold a public hearing on the demolition of the structure included on the List of Historic Structure as defined in Section 7.2.3, located at 119 Salem Street, submitted by applicant Judith Dougherty. The public hearing will be held on Monday, September 15, 2014 at 8:30 PM, in the Conference Room at Reading Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street. Note this hearing was rescheduled from September 8, 2014. Please direct public inquiry to Jessie Wilson, Community Development Administrator in the Community Development office. Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Chairperson Reading Historical Commission Please ran this notice on August 29, 2014