HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-10 Historic District Commission MinutesTown of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council: RE 1,D NC, M;;SS.
Historic District Commission
Date: 2017-05-10 Time: 7:0YiWUN 15 A 0 fb I
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
Members - Not Present:
Jack Williams - Associate Member
Others Present:
RHC - Ron Weston, Acting Chairman; Virginia Adams, Jack williams,
Johnathan Barnes, Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Samantha Couture
John Arena, BOS
J. Raymond Mlyares, Town Counsel
Eric Reustle, Town Counsel
Reading Historical Commission
Andy Freidman, BOS
Ann Godwin, 189 Summer Avenue
Jerry Lamb, 194 Summer Avenue
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders
Topics of Discussion:
Joint meeting with the Reading Historical Commission
Mr. Weston the Acting Chairman of the RHC opened the meeting at 7:00 PM
Mr. Blodgett opened the meeting at 7:02 PM
Preservation Restriction Aareement for 186 Summer Avenue, Reading
Mr. Weston went through the email he forwarded to Julie Mercier the Community
Development Director regarding the suggested changes to the Preservation Restriction
Agreement (PRA) for the property located 186 Summer Avenue. He summarized what was
discussed at the last meeting. The Reading Historical Commission (RHC) would like to grant
permission to the Historic District Commission (HDC) to over -see the exterior of the
buildings. The PRA does not grant either Commission rights to the interior of the building.
Mr. Weston asked for clarification on the Decision that was issued by the Historic District
Commission and the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC). He
questioned why the Town Clerk does not file both Decisions and all documents that are
referenced in the Decision as one document. Mr. Weston questioned who would be over -
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seeing the Decision. Mr. Miyares from Town Counsel explained the HDC Decision is the
relevant document. After a discussion, it was agreed to attach the Decisions, Certificates
and all attachments to the PRA for when it is filed at the Middlesex of Deeds. Mr. Reustle
from Town Counsel Informed the RHC they will only be over -seeing the PRA, not the HOC
Decision.
Mr. Blodgett explained to Town Counsel why the RHC is requesting the HDC be responsible
for the PRA. He said the outer buildings that are seen from the street fall under the purview
of the HDC; this includes the building seen from Parker Middle School. At the request of Mr.
Weston, Mr. Blodgett polled his Commission to ask if they would agree to be responsible for
over -seeing the PRA. Mr. Miyares disagreed with Mr. Weston; he said the RHC should not
be delegating the responsibility to the HDC. He explained the RHC is responsible for the
overall Agreement.
Town Counsel and the Commission members reviewed the Preservation Restriction
Agreement and suggested changes were made. Town Counsel reviewed the Architectural
Access Board appeal process. Ms. Adams was assured the PRA will be upheld for future
owners of the property. Mr. Miyares Informed the Commission the Town would have to
establish a Trust to preserve the perpetuity.
Ms. Adams questioned if adding right -of -entry would allow the RHC to inspect the interior of
the building to make sure it is being maintained. Mr. Miyares explained both Commissions
may Inspect the premises; but agreed a Historical Preservation Specialist could be brought
in to inspect the property.
Ms. Adams asked the gas can that is being stored on the property outside of the barn to be
removed. Mr. Miyares replied he is not sure there is a zoning bylaw against storing the gas
can.
Mr. Blodgett referenced the Redsilon report that showed pictures of the Inside of the
buildings. The Commission questioned where the video of the property is that was agreed
by Criterion Child Enrichment of the inside of the buildings. Mr. Weston asked if the
proposal is to completely gut out the Interior of the building.
After a discussion, it was agreed to continue the meeting until May 17, 2017. Town Counsel
Informed the Commission they will not be able to attend, but will have the updated changes
forwarded to the Town by May 15th.
Mr. Weston adjourned the joint meeting with the HDC.
Other Discussion
The Commission approved Mr. Blodgett to Issue Certificates of Non-Applicabillty that are not
visible from a public way.
Mr. Blodgett commented he replaced the HDC tri -fold pamphlets by the Town Clerks office.
He will follow up with the Town Clerk to make sure they are not being disposed of.
Motion made by Ms. Poehler, seconded by Ms. Adams to adjourn at 8:35 p.m.
Vote was 5-0-0.
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