Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-08-31 Historic District Commission MinutesFR4 OWN r 6J9. 1NCOti40�P Town of Reading Meeting Minutes REUIVED TOWN CLERK READING. MtiSS, Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Historic District Commission KT 'b Q t�s t Date: 2015 -08 -31 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: Meeting Session: Attendees: Members - Present: Everett Blodgett, Chairman; Virginia Adams, Priscilla Poehler, Ilene Bornstein, Greg Maganzini Jack Williams - Associate Member Members - Not Present: Others Present: Virginia Blodgett. 99 Prescott Street Jack Sullivan, Sullivan Engineering Kenneth Margolin, Margolin Law Office Mickey Krockmalnic, Architect David Godwin, 189 Summer Avenue Robert Littleton, Criterion Child Enrichment Dan Court, Criterion Child Enrichment Marey Ellen O'Neill, 125 Summer Avenue Bob Drake, 176 Summer Avenue Cynda Rohmer, 176 Summer Avenue Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: Mr. Blodgett called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. 186 -190 Summer Avenue Mr. Blodgett stated the meeting is to evaluate what type of Certificate might be issued. He said as of right now, comments are not going to be open to the public at this time. Mr. Margolin, attorney for Criterion Child Enrichment represented the applicant. He introduced Criterion representatives. He stated he understands this is not a hearing. He said there are two historic buildings being saved with zero foot print change. He summarized the renovations to the historic house and barn. He said the historic features will be maintained. He questioned if the Town Counsel made a determination if the Parker Middle School driveway should be considered a public way. He asked that the Commission consider issuing a partial Certificate of Non - Applicability. Mr. Sullivan explained how the handicap access will now be at the rear of the building. Mr. Margolin commented that HVAC will not be visible. Page 1 1 Mr. Krockmalnic presented the drawings that were forwarded to the Commission. He explained the changes and said there will be an underground tunnel. Mr. Krockmalnic described how the foundation will be underpinned. Mr. Williams asked about the changes to the berm around the house. Mr. Margolin said one side will be changed to help the HVAC not be seen from the school driveway. Mr. Blodgett had concerns about the quality of the foundation. Mr. Margolin agreed that a Structural Engineer can be contacted, but stated a Certificate can't be denied over something the Commission has no jurisdiction over. Mr. Krockmalnic described the foundation material. He said the underpinning will make the foundation stronger than what is there right now. Mr. Blodgett said the foundation is a major characteristic of the building. He disagreed that a foundation is not an external feature. Mr. Williams asked if the windows will be double glazed. Mr. Blodgett said other properties in the District have had a Certificate of Appropriateness issued for the replacement of windows. Ms. Adams asked that the minutes show that the applicant has agreed the material will be replaced in kind. She stated the application should be considered a new application. Mr. Margolin requested the prior proposal be referenced for history only. He said he didn't think Town Counsel should have to write another memo in regards to the Dover Amendment. Mr. Blodgett questioned if what was agreed upon previously should be reestablished. He said double glazing on windows changes the external feature of a building. He asked for a record of the history of the building. Mr. Littleton said a window condition could be added to the Certificate. After a discussion, Criterion Child Enrichment agreed they will work with the Commission on suggested changes even if the Commission does not have jurisdiction. Mr. Williams asked for a landscaped plan. Mr. Margolin answered respectfully that the landscape is approved by the CPDC. He said substantial negotiations were done to receive approval from CPDC and the abutters. The Commission discussed their jurisdiction over driveway approval. Mr. Blodgett stated there is a conflict between the bylaw and guidelines in regards to setting. A Public Hearing date was discussed and Mr. Blodgett will follow up when Town Counsel will be able to attend. Mr. Margolin agreed to an extension. Ms. O'Neil stated the new application is worthy of the Commission approval. She questioned why Town Counsel was not present at this meeting. Mr. Margolin and Mr. Blodgett disagreed with the "use" of the property. Motion made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Ms. Poehler, to recognize that Criterion Child Enrichment has applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness. Their original application they had applied for all three. Vote was 5 -0 -0. Mr. Margolin commented the current bylaw stands for this application. He commented this is a chance to save two structures. Other Business 188 West Street Mr. Blodgett let the Commission know he issued a Certificate of Non Applicability for steps on a property at 188 West Street. What was approved got changed. He suggested pictures be taken if a Certificate of Non Applicability is issued. Page 1 2 The Commission discussed mailing out a brochure to let property owners in the District(s) know what type of projects the Commission needs to be notified on. Motion made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Ms. Bornstein, to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Vote was 5 -0 -0. Page 1 3