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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-10-17 Historic District Commission Minutes0*5oa Town of Reading Meeting Minutes .'.� Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Historic District Commission Date: 2016-10-17 Time: 7:00 P�il�l JtN 15 A I.b I Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: Meeting Session: Attendees: Members - Present: Everett Blodgett, Chairman; Virginia Adams, Priscilla Poehier, Ilene Bornstein, Greg Maganzinl Members - Not Present: Jack Williams - Associate Member Others Present: Mary and Peter Saluucci, 111 Scotland Road Sandra and Glen Hartzler, 119 West Street Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: Mr. Blodgett opened the meeting at 7:02 p.m. 119 West Street, Hartzler, Railing - Mr. Hartzler introduced himself and said the home was built in 1980. He would like to add a railing to the front step. He said the stairs were rebuilt, which made the riser's bigger. He described the Intex material that will be installed. Ms. Adams questioned the longevity of the product. Mr. Blodgett stated since the product is partially plastic it will be difficult to paint. He suggested the paint be 55+ luminescent or the railing will warp. Ms. Bornstein stated railings are exempt since the house is less than 70 years of age. She gave her approval of the railing. Ms. Adams commented the Commission does not look favorable in replacing with non - natural material. She added Historic Districts have been dealing with this problem. Ms. Adams stated due to the age of the house being less than 70 years of age the Commission is not as strict, but would like to encourage the metal railing since that material was typically used in that time. Mr. Maganzini questioned If the repair would be easy if damaged. Ms. Bornstein asked If It was similar to vinyl and will become brittle. Ms. Adams asked if the owner has seen a sample. She questioned how it feels going up and down the railing. Mr. Hartzler answered Moynihan Lumber did let him view a sample. Page 1 1 Mr. Blodgett commented the suggested railing would be more substantial on the building Ms. Bornstein questioned how it attaches to the existing stairs. Mr. Hartzler explained that 6 posts will be drilled with anchors. Mr. Maganzini questioned if the steps would split when installed. Mr. Hartzler answered the steps are -blue stone. Mr. Blodgett said since the home is less than 70 years of age, the Commission can only suggest material. Mr. Maganzini commented he likes the rod iron look. Mr. Hartzler said the material on the door surrounds will be wood. Ms. Adams stated she does not support the proposed material. The Commission reviewed the Rules and Regulations to see If they have jurisdiction over a home less than 70 years of age. After reading the brochure from the company, the owner confirmed the material is PVC not composite. Motion made by Ms. Bornstein, seconded by Ms. Adams, made a motion under 7.3.9.1 exclusion under 70 years move the Certificate of Non -Applicability be granted for the railings to the front entrance as proposed with the indication due to the age of the home be excluded for review, but would have been preferred iron railings. Vote was 5-0-0 111 Scotland Road, Peter and Mary Saluucci, window replacement Ms. Saluucci introduced herself and said her home was built in 1953. She is requesting permission to replace the picture window. The side windows will be double hung, but the picture window is a fixed window. Mr. Blodgett asked if the grids were removable. The owner said the grids are sandwiched in between the window there will be no profile on the outside. Ms. Adams read a description of the home and edited it with the help of the owners. Ms. Saluucci commented the replacement for the window Is vinyl, but should improve the appearance. Ms. Adams asked if the salesman is coming to the meeting. Mr. Maganzini asked why the home is in the District if it is on a road off of West Street. Mr. Blodgett explained how the properties were chosen. Mr. Saluucci informed the Commission when they first bought the property the driveway was off of West Street, they received approval for the change from the Town. Mr. Blodgett said the home is less than 70 years of age, the Commission should consider 7.3.9.1 exclusion. He informed the owner there is a property in the District that has already had to replace their replacement windows. Mr. Maganzini questioned what type of window the Commission would suggest. The owner said he has Anderson in another part of the house, but is not pleased with them. Ms. Adams read 7.3.9.1 exclusion, she questioned if the window is 25% on the fagade. The Commission discussed and agreed the window covers 10-15%. Ms. Bornstein questioned why the application does not have what type of Certificate the owner is seeking. Mr. Blodgett discussed and everyone agreed a Certificate of Non - Applicability is the correct Certificate. Page 1 2 Mr. Blodgett discussed with the owner his opinion on how to reflect the light on the window Motion made by Ms. Bornstein, seconded by Ms. Poehler, under 7.3.9.1 exclusion under 70 years move the Certificate of Non -Applicability be granted for the proposed picture window as written In the application but as discussed, the Commission prefers natural wood to be used as material In the District. Vote 5- 0-0 189 Summer Avenue — review Issued Certificate of Non -Applicability Mr. Blodgett gave the background on why he issued a Certificate of Non -Applicability for a porch replacement on the property located at 189 Summer Avenue. He added at the request of Ms. Godwin he did a site visit and it was agreed if the replacement is in kind for repair only he would issue a Certificate of Non -Applicability. He requested Ms. Godwin to come to the HDC for approval for any other work to be done. He reassured the Commission that he only issues a Certificate of Non -Applicability when it falls under the guidelines. If the applicant is requesting anything else, he Informs them they need HDC approval. Ms. Adams reviewed the Certificate and agreed with Mr. Blodgett Other Discussion Mr. Blodgett stated he issued a Certificate of Non -Applicability for a hot tub at 302 Woburn Street. The hot tub is not seen from the street. Mr. Blodgett said the HDC brochure Is available at the Town Clerks office. Mr. Blodgett reminded the Commission he will be on vacation soon. Minutes July 11, 2016 Mr. Maganzini questioned if trees that were suggested by the Commission were planted on West Street. Mr. Blodgett said they asked for native, but it appears they were not planted. Motion made by Ms. Poehler, seconded by Ms. Bornstein, to approve the July 11, 2016 minutes as amended. Vote 5-0-0 Ms. Adams asked for a volunteer to be the liaison for the Assessing Department. The volunteer will have to coordinate a list of new owners In the Districts. This will allow the Commission to send out a brochure and a letter to the new property owners. Mr. Maganzini said he will be the liaison. Mr. Blodgett reminded the Commission to complete the Conflict of Interest they received from the Town. The Commission discussed the need to find errors on the website, literature, bylaws etc. so a public hearing can be scheduled. Mr. Blodgett explained the Commission would not require all documents that need to be changed, only samples. The public hearing is only to inform the town of the changes. Ms. Adams requested a procedure list; this will guide them if the Chair is not available. A suggestion on the list will show how to post a meeting agenda and who needs to be notified. Mr. Blodgett mentioned the recent Walk on West Street that he participated in. He said there were a number of changes made on properties that the HDC did not approve. He requested the Commission to take pictures of the properties if they are out in the area. Motion made by Ms. Poehler, seconded by Ms. Bornstein to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Vote was 5-0-0. Page 1 3