HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-14 Historical Commission Minutesr
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Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
1017 AUG 14 AEI= 2 � 1
Historical Commission -
Date: 2017-06-14 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: Joint Meeting with Historical
District Commission followed by general
meeting
Attendees: Members - Present:
Session: Joint Meeting
Version: Final
Ron Weston (RW) - Acting Chair
Jack Williams (JW) - Member
Virginia Adams (VA) - Associate Member
Jonathan Barnes (JEB)- Treasurer
Samantha Couture (SC) - Associate Member
Sharlene Reynolds Santo (SRS) - Secretary
Members - Not Present:
Carl Mittnight
Others Present:
Historic District Commission - Greg Maganzini, Ilene Bornstein, Everett
Blodgett, Virginia Adams and Priscilla Poehler. Jean Delios, Andrew Corona
RHC Meeting at Berger - Thomas Connery (TC), Brad Latham (BL), David
O'Sullivan (DO'S), Jean Delios, Andrew Corono
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Sharlene Reynolds Santo
Topics of Discussion:
Called to order at 7:00 pm. Everett Blodgett called the HDC meeting to order and RW
called the RHC meeting to order in the Selectman Meeting room. RW appointed VA as a
voting member for this meeting.
186 Summer Ave - RHC & HDC met to finalize the preservation restrictions for 186
Summer Ave. JEB reviewed the steps taken since the last meeting including the dealings
with Town Counsel. The group briefly discussed how this document would apply to a
future owner. JEB mentioned how the RHC has not yet received the promised interior
photographs of the structure. RW will make a request for these photos that include more
detail than the ones provided in a recent presentation. JEB moved to approve the
wording contained in the document dated June 6, 2017. All in favor 5 - 0. The HDC also
voted 5 - 0 to accept. There was also mention of a letter from MHC stating that
Criterion's use of the structure will have no adverse impact. RHC meeting adjourned to
the Berger Room.
USPS Project - BL summarized design changes from 55 units down to 50 units. Plan
within the appropriate FAR for a 40R, steps and wall in front are being preserved, the
1918 building is remaining along with the 1969 addition. There will be no parking below
the 1918 building. Landscape space has increased slightly. There will be ten affordable
units (considered workforce housing). Now MHC is awaiting input from RHC. JEB asked
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if there is a way to retain and use some interior features such as the PO Boxes. DO'S
and TC agreed that they would consider this. RHC deliberated about the project and a
proposed letter to MHC. JW requested site plans from the developer regarding
landscape, retaining walls, stairs and ramp and new architectural facades along Haven
St; the applicant agreed. RW and JEB will finalize and send out letter.
• Monopole - MBTA was duly informed that the RHC determined the neither pole had an
adverse impact on cultural or historical resources. Town officials were copied on the
letter.
Minutes - RHC reviewed and approved the amended minutes from the May 17, 2017
meeting. Vote 5-0.
New Business -
0 128 Salem St - Virginia went to an open house and took some photos. She also
received a floor plan from the realtor. This home was designed by George Abbott
a local architect.
o Layfayette- Rachel Baumgartner contacted RHC about a visit from a French official
regarding a project he was working on to document General Lafayette's trail. VA
responded.
o Celebration Trust - SC attended a recent meeting as the RHC representative.
Funds was made available for 2 members of the Celebration Trust to attend a
seminar regarding taking care of cemeteries and they will report back to the
town.
• Membership - RW and SC have applied to continue membership SC will sign up as
a full voting member.
• Rules & Regulations - discussed when to have a hearing regarding the RHC Rules
& Regulations. SRS & JEB will prepare the public notice and post the hearing.
Next Meeting - July 12, 2017 at 7 pm
Adjourn at 10:00 pm
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