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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-08-25 Historical Commission MinutesOF;? O'� r Town of Reading e Meeting Minutes 1 RECLIVLU 6391NC ORPO� TOWN CLERK - -- READING, MASS. Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Historical Commission August 25, 2015 &5 OCT —b A 11- � I Date: 2015 -08 -25 Time: 7:30 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Town Hall Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: Monthly Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: Chair: Carl Mittnight (CM) Secretary: Sharlene Reynolds Santo (SRS) Treasurer: Jonathan Barnes (JEB) Sally Hilgendorff (SH) Virginia Adams (VA) Jack Williams (JW) Members - Not Present: Ron Weston Others Present: David P Johnson (DPJ), owner of 116 Lowell St Ginny Blodgett (GB) Everett Blodgett (EB) Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Sharlene Reynolds Santo Topics of Discussion: Subject Discussion Action Items Res p. Call to Order at 7:30 pm. Budget No update. Archives No update. Membership The Attorney General has approved Reading's bylaw Update changes. JW was sworn in 8/25, VA will do so before the 9/1 effective date. JEB gave a summary of the ZBA meeting of August 20t where the RHC and the DJ informally addressed ZBA regarding the feasibility of a plan to save this structure. At that meeting, ZBA recommended RHC look for further additional proof that this historic structure is eligible for conversion two family. Such proof could be submitted at a subsequent hearing for a variance, ZBA suggested that they would officially review the evidence and arguments, and determine both, 1) the structure's eligibility for conversion to 116 Lowell two- family and 2) whether to approve the variance request for Street a new two - family structure on a second lot on the site (referencing ZBA's 172 Washington St decision). The RHC and attendees discussed how to prove eligibility. EB has a photo collection he can review for a picture from that era and knows a previous resident who lived there at that time. EB will meet with this resident to determine whether any additional proof may exist. If the RHC's claim can be substantiated an application may be initiated. The structure is scheduled for release on 10/27/15. Page 1 1 Subject Discussion 1 new plaque order has been received and one must be Plaque corrected. SRS moved to spend funds required to replace Program plaque 75 Hancock St). JEB seconded motion. Vote 4 — 0. 25 Linden St. No demolition application has been filed with the building Gazebo inspector's office. 309 Haven Property on the market, but no inquiries regarding DD bylaw. Street MF Charles Building CM will contact the Mawns regarding award ceremony. Award Plaque Hitching Post continues to sell books. RHC to check that At Wood End funds are being allocated to the correct Preservation Trust Account GB & EB Thanked RHC for support with the grant to restore 8 stones of Civil War soldiers. RHC Thanked them for Laurel Hill spearheading this effort. EB & GB will be meeting with the Cemetery Cemetery Committee to ask that funds be appropriated to replace and fix other stones in disrepair; some of which were damage this past winter. Per VA; Criterion will be submitting new plans for 186 Summer Ave with no changes to the exterior. They will keep 186 Summer the barn and use it for classroom space. There will be an Ave underground passage between the buildings. RHC reviewed tans of proposed plan. Renovations are underway and the porte cochere has now RPL been removed. Adjourned The meeting adjourned at 9:35 pm. Next Meeting September 15, 2015 at 7:30 pm. All Copies of referenced correspondence and documents are kept in Meeting Minutes binder and relevant project folders located in the Reading Historical Commission Archives, lower level of the Reading Town Hall. Preservation only works when we remember it is all about: People — Planning — Partnerships — Politics. Page 1 2