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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-10-16 Historic District Commission Minutesofo� H , Town of Reading a Meeting Minutes R. i �N�oRQ��' READING, Mt'�SS` Board - Committee - Commission - Council: ZRIT NOV Historic District Commission Date: 2017-10-16 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: 'Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Purpose: Public Hearing Version: Attendees: Members - Present: Everett Blodgett, Chairman; Virginia Adams, Priscilla Poehler, Ilene Bornstein Jack Williams - Associate Member Members - Not Present: Greg Maganzini Others Present: Samantha Beachell and Jason Przybycien, 174 West Street -Minutes .Respectfully Submitted By: Virginia Blodgett Topics.of Discussion: Mr. Blodgett opened the Public Hearing and Meeting at 7:02 PM Mr. Williams was approved to become a full member for the meeting. Public Hearing Ms. Adams. read the Public Hearing Notice Mr. Blodgett explained that the reason for the Hearing was to make sure that all documents and references to the "West Street Historic District Commission" -would be changed to. "Historic District Commission" since the Historic District Commission now oversees two Historic Districts =West Street and Summer Avenue Ms. Adams commented that she has compiled a list of places where the changes need to be done, but that others may be found later and can be changed as they are discovered Mr. Blodgett asked all" Commission members to.continue to make note of any other references they find Motion made by Ms. Adams,. seconded by'Ms. Poehler, that the HDC approve revising the references and titling'of the West Street Historic District Commission to the Historic District Commission. Vote was 5-0-0. Motion was made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Mr. Williams, to close the Public Hearing, Vote was 5-0-0. Page I 1 I - ',Mr. Williams suggested that a letter be written and a copy of the Bylaw included. . Ms. Bornstein suggested a copy of the tri -fold brochure about the district. Mr. Blodgett suggested that the letter should be brought to the Public Services Department for their review. It was agreed that the letter should go through the Public Services Department. Other Discussion Ms. Adams said that a Preservation Conference had been held in Lowell recently. She was unable to attend, but reviewed the information online and found.the discussion of best practices for the installation of Solar in Historic Districts interesting. She said that by State Law, it must be allowed, but there were suggestions of how the installation could be encouraged as to minimize impact on the District. Adiournment . Motion was made by Mr. Williams, seconded by Ms. Adams, to adjourn at 8:12 PM. Vote was 5-0-0, Page 1 3 174 West Street, application dated September 12, 2017 The homeowners are replacing a bay window and wanted the Commission's input in choosing one of two options: The first, a new bay window, and second, a box window.. The Commission asked for clarification, and they homeowners said that their preference iwould be the box window. The window itself will be flat, with two 2' double -hung windows on. either side, and a 4' window in the center. It will not.change the fact that.the window extends out from the side of the building. Ms. Adams asked about the grilles.for the window. It was suggested that the choice be left to the homeowners. Motion was made by Ms. Bornstein, seconded by Mr. Williams, to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness based on window option #2 as .presentedin the application with the option for the homeowners to decide on the inclusion and style of the grille. -Vote was -5-0-0. 174 West Street,, application dated October. ll, 2017 The homeowners explained thatthey are replacing a back door that is not'visible from -a public way. Mr. Blodgett said that is not within the purview of the Commission since it is not visible from, a public way, and therefore. a Certificate of Non -Applicability will be issued. The homeowners are also applying to remove a wood deck and steps and replace them with granite steps. Mr: Williams cautioned that the steps will ice in the winter, and that they :will need to use a. lot of salt, but that the salt will not damage the granite. He also asked about a railing, the homeowner replied that they would have a metal railing in keeping with the style of the one on the front porch. Motion was made by Mr. Williams, seconded by Ms..Poehler, grant the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness dated Oct. 11, 2017.for 174 West -Street to remove the wood deck,and replace it as described in the application. Vote 5-0=0. Mr. Blodgett said he would. write the abutters letter for the window(s) and steps, so it could ; be 'mai_led with the abutters letter for the previously approved fence. ` 146 Summer Avenue . Mr. Blodgett informed the Commission that a fenceand-gates have been installed at 146 Summer Avenue and that the homeowners, did not make an application to the Commission for them.:.. AII.Commission members agreed that the homeowner.should be contacted'. Ms. Adamssuggested that a letter be written to the homeowners and read her proposal letter. Mr. Blodgett asked whether the homeowner should be asked to come to a meeting with the.. Commission. Page 1 2