HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-08-09 Historical Commission MinutesF
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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READING. MASS.
Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 1811 SEP --S A 8 44 I
Historical Commission
Date: 2017-08-09 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: Public Hearing & Monthly Meeting Version: Draft
Attendees: Members - Present:
Ron Weston (RW) - Chair
Jonathan Barnes (JEB) - Treasurer
Sharlene Reynolds Santo (SRS) - Secretary
Jack Williams (JW) - Member
Samantha Couture (SC) - Member
Virginia Adams (VA) - Associate Member
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
No members of the public were in attendence
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Sharlene Reynolds Santo
Topics of Discussion:
Called to order at 7:00 pm by JEB who chaired the hearing.
Hearing for Rules & Regulations - No one contacted the RHC regarding these Rules &
Regulations nor were there any Reading residents in attendance at the hearing. RHC did
discuss various sections that relate to being consistent with building permit procedures. VA
asked if the RHC should tie release of a demolition delay with having all other applicable
boards giving their release; JEB reminded members that with the Rules & Regulations we
need to have applicants written agreement on any conditions. Hearing closed. RW moved
that we accept the Rules & Regulations as amended (one spelling change). JEB seconded.
Vote 5-0. JEB will send letter to the Town Clerk who will post the notice and the Rules &
Regulations will come into effect 10 days later.
USPS Project - Revised drawings were received, but there seemed to be no need to review
plans because we are still waiting additional revisions. VA voiced concern about not all of the
walls remaining as had been originally planned; feeling that the visual impact is the issue.
The developer has agreed to present the RHC final plans related to landscaping, retaining
walls, stairs and ramp and new architectural facades.
Finances - No new expenses since the beginning of the fiscal year. The receipt was
received from the DTC for the printing of the legal notice for tonight hearing; payment is
already in process. VA submitted receipts for Carl's gift as approved in the previous meeting.
119 Salem St - RHC discussed the now complete application forms. RW will ask again
about a site plan to help move the process along at the hearing. SRS will request a room for
the hearing on the 23rd
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186 Summer St - A letter was received from MHC regarding issues they had with the
wording used in the Preservation Restriction Agreement (PRA), dealing with HD and RHC.
MHC wants the right to revise and sign the PRA before it is approved by the HD and RHC.
Minutes - RHC reviewed minutes from May 14, 2017. JEB moved to accept the minutes as
amended and SC seconded. VOTE 5-0. RHC reviewed minutes from June 12, 2017. JEB
moved to accept the minutes as amended and RW seconded. VOTE 5-0.
• New Business
History of Reading book - RHC received a request from a company about writing a history
of Reading. RW will respectfully decline this offer.
• Rail Road Depot - The slate roof has yet to be replaced. RW has made contact to check
on status of roof replacement.
• Lobs Pound Mill - There is a meeting scheduled for September 6 at 7 pm in the RPL
Community Room regarding the Mill St Bridge MWRA project. RHC plans to have
members in attendance. JEB will forward email to RHC with details.
20-24 Gould St - A Letter has been received from MHC regarding a proposed 63 -unit
apartment complex at this address. This commercial building is where Ace Art started
their business, EMARC the long time tenant has moved out. RHC was unaware of this
project but expects to hear from the 24 Gould St LLC regarding demolition of this
property.
• Next Meeting - August 23, 2017 at 7 pm Demolition Delay hearing for 119 Salem St,
September 6, 2017 Mill St Bridge meeting at the RPL; September 13, 2017 at 7 pm.
• Adjourn at 9:00 pm
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