HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-07-11 Historic District Commission Minutesor 1?
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Historic District Commission
Date: 2017-07-11
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: Meeting
Attendees: Members - Present:
Time: 7:00 PM
REULIYE.-1
TOWN CLERK
READING. WNISS.
1911 AUG 31 A 8: 091
Location; Conference Room
Session:
Everett Blodgett, Chairman; Virginia Adams, Priscilla Poehler
Jack Williams - Associate Member
Members - Not Present:
Ilene Bornstein
Greg Maganzini
Others Present:
Ben and Lauren Howland, 265 West Street
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders
Topics of Discussion:
Mr. Blodgett opened the meeting at 7:10 PM
Mr. Williams was approved to become a full member for the meeting.
265 West Street, Fence
Mr. Ben Howland the owner of 265 West Street presented the proposed fence and gates
location to the Commission. He said the material of the fence will be cedar board.
Ms. Adams said the Massachusetts Historical Commission prefers the fence to be setback on
the property. Mr. Howland explained the reason the fence is located by the street is for
privacy and safety. He added the backyard can't be used. Mr. Blodgett agreed the
backyard slopes up.
Mr. Howland commented there will be no changes to the landscape. He explained why the
fence will not completely enclose the property.
Mr. Blodgett explained the HDC has jurisdiction over fences. He said the Commission is
requesting the fence to be setback from the property line.
Mr. Williams suggested the fence, located by the stone wall, have a return. The Commission
discussed the plan presented by Mr. Howland and made suggestions.
Mr. Blodgett said a public hearing was not necessary, but the abutters will need to be
notified.
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The Commission agreed a Certificate of Appropriateness can be issued with conditions. The
conditions will be the fence to be setback in the front of the property, the abutters will be
notified and the material will be all wood.
Motions made by Mr. Williams, seconded by Ms. Poehler, the HDC approve a
Certificate of Appropriateness with conditions for the fence located at 265 West
Sheet.
Vote was 4-0-0.
Mr. Howland discussed adding a 3' rod iron fence with a small gate. He said it will visually
enhance the property. The Commission agreed the rod iron fence is an improvement, and
suggested the owner submit an application.
Discussion
Ms. Adams questioned why some applications still have West Street Historic Commission
name. Mr. Blodgett reminded the Commission a public hearing is needed to officially
change the name on an application or Town document.
Ms. Adams pointed out a Certificate recently issued had both HDC and WHC referenced.
Mr. Blodgett will follow up with Ms. Mercier on the expiration date on the HDC Certificates.
Minutes
Motion made by Mr. Williams, seconded by Ms. Poehler, to approve the June 14,
2017 minutes as amended.
Vote was 4-0-0.
Adiournment
Motion made by Mr. Williams, seconded by Ms. Poehler, to adjourn at 8:08 PM
Vote was 4-0-0.
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