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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-26 Historic District Commission Minutes40F&�.� Town of Reading � Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: TOWN. CI : RK Historic District Commission FE, nI,s Date: 2017-04-26 Time: 7:00 Prul JUN" IS A I6 Ib{ 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 Maganzinl Jack Williams - Associate Member Members - Not Present: Others Present: RHC - Ron Weston, Acting Chairman; Virginia Adams, Jack Williams, Johnathan Barnes, Sharlene Renoylds Santo, Samantha Couture Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: Joint meeting with Reading Historical Commission (RHC) Mr. Weston opened the meeting for RHC at 7:01 PM Mr. Blodgett opened the meeting for HDC at 7:03 PM Preservation Restriction Aareement for 166 Summer Avenue. Readi Mr. Blodgett discussed the reason for the joint meeting. He stated Criterion Child Enrichment, Inc. agreed as part of the Historic District Commission Decision to a Preservation Restriction Agreement for the property located at 186 Summer Avenue. Mr. Blodgett explained once the Preservation Restriction Agreement is accepted It will transfer to the Reading Historical Commission. The Town has requested RHC and HDC to review and finalize the Agreement. Ms. Adams explained why RHC would be responsible for holding the restriction. The RHC is empowered by the Massachusetts Historic Commission to include the interior of a building. The HDC does not have purview over the Interior of a building. Their jurisdiction is the exterior that is seen from the street, which includes the building and site. Mr. Blodgett gave a brief background of the property. He stated the property was originally residential and was allowed to become an educational building under the Dover Amendment. The Applicant has to meet restrictions approved by the HDC; one restriction requested was the Preservation Restriction Agreement. The Agreement has been reviewed by Town staff, Town Counsel and the Applicant. Page I 1 Mr. Weston brought forward a suggestion based on a Massachusetts Historical Commission provision, the RHC will take responsibility over the.Preservation Restriction Agreement but they will authorize HDC to review the outside of the building. After the Commission members introduced themselves, they proceeded with reviewing the Agreement. The members elevated a couple of concerns/comments: • The members would like a copy of "Attachment A" and "Arrachment B" that is referenced in the Agreement • 14 the interior being completely gutted out • Is the Preservation Restriction Agreement specific • Archaeological is not mentioned throughout the document • Will HDC remain the Commission who has authority for any changes to the outside of the Building if the Preservation Restriction Agreement is reached • Does the RHC want the responsibility of the interior of the building(s) • To help guide the RHC, they can follow the Secretary of the Interior's "Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties" • What items In the building(s) should be preserved • Other properties in Town that have a Preservation Restriction Agreement - 420 Franklin Street, 409 Grove Street and a property down by the Depot. The Depot property is overseen by the Selectmen • Plans were submitted to the Massachusetts Historical Commission, and the Senior Preservation Planner is reviewing • Did the members receive enough information to make a formal decision • Who decides what a major or minor change is • Which Commission is best to protect the property • Town Counsel should be available for the next meeting to help clarify any questions The members suggested changes while reading each paragraph. The suggestions will be forwarded to the Town. Mr. Blodgett will follow up with the Town on concerns before the next meeting. The members agreed they could not vote on the Agreement, and scheduled another meeting. Ms. Couture left the meeting at 8:30 PM Ms. Bornstein left the meeting at 9:10 PM Mr. Maganzini left the meeting at 9:20 PM Ms. Reynolds Santo left the meeting at 9:40 PM 146 Summer Avenue — Pool Application Mr. Blodgett said the contractor withdrew the pool application for 146 Summer Avenue. Other Discussion Ms. Adams stated the Historical Commission will be displaying a table at the Town Geranium sale. The theme this year is bees. Ms. Adams stated there is a Historic District walk being held on May 7, 2017 at 1:30 PM. They are meeting on the corner of Temple Street. Mr. Blodgett said Parker Tavern is open RHC adjourned their meeting. Motion made by Ms. Poehler, seconded by Mr. Blodgett to adjourn at 10:05 p.m. Vote was 3-0-0. Page 2