Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-06-18 Historic District Commission Minutes Town of Reading X Meeting Minutes } Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Historic District Commission 20H OCT 23 AH 7 46 Date: 2018-06-18 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: Meeting Session: Attendees: Members - Present: Everett Blodgett, Chairman; Virginia Adams, Priscilla Poehler, Ilene Bornstein Members - Not Present: Greg Maganzini, lack Williams - Associate Member Others Present: Jennifer Hardin, Michael D. Smith, Jeff Perkins, Francesca Callan Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: Mr. Blodgett opened the meeting at 7:02 p.m. 232 West Street - Asphalt Driveway Mr. Michael Smith the owner of 232 West Street said he purchased the property 2-1/2 years and gave a brief history of his home. He explained he would like to replace the existing gravel driveway with asphalt, accented by granite cobblestones around the edges and three feet at the end of the drive near the sidewalk. The driveway will be reduced to 18' across to lessen the appearance of a parking lot and to allow for more green space. Mr. Smith concluded with reasons why he would like to change the appearance of the driveway: loose gravel gathers by roadway; difficulty snow blowing and a safe place for his children to ride their bicycles. Mr. Blodgett said the Commission does not have purview over ground level renovations, but notification is required. Mr. Smith commented him and his wife has the most respect for the house and understands the importance of the history. Mr. Blodgett briefly discussed the history of the home. He acknowledged the difficulty with plowing on crushed stone. Ms. Adams acknowledged the owners appreciation of the historic home and agreed the change in the driveway is not under the purview of the Commission. Ms. Poehler said the change in the driveway would improve the appearance of the home. Mr. Smith agreed and added he is conscious of the change. Mr. Blodgett cautioned there are pros and cons with cobblestone. Ms. Bornstein said a Certificate of Non-Applicability should be issued for the driveway. After the discussion, the Commission agreed a Certificate of Non-Applicability will be issued and went through the process: Page I 1 • Home over 70 years; • Driveway not under the Commission purview; and • A public hearing or abutter list notification is not required -- Motion made by Ms. Bornstein, seconded by Ms. Poehler, the Commission grant a Certificate of Non-Applicability for the change to the driveway at 232 West Street as discussed. Vote 4-0-0 175 Summer Avenue - HVAC Unit Flashing and Window Seals Repair The current owner of 175 Summer Avenue Jeffrey Perkins and the Applicant Jennifer Hardin were present to discuss the Application. Mr. Blodgett explained the Applicant is seeking a Certificate of Appropriateness to repair Flashing for a roof, window sashes and to install a HVAC unit. Ms. Hardin stated she would like add to the application to be able to raise the window kitchen. She added the window is not visible from the street. Mr. Perkins explained the current location and said there are hedges that block the view. Ms. Adams replied if the hedges were removed, the windows would be seen from the street. Ms. Hardin asked for clarification on how far the view has to be from the road? Mr. Blodgett replied shrubbery is not under the purview of the Commission. He added if it is seen from the road, the Commission would need to approve. Ms. Adams said the repair of the flashing on the leaking porch roof is ordinary maintenance and repair - a Certificate of Non-Applicability should be issued. Mr. Blodgett added if the repair is done in-kind. Mr. Blodgett asked for discussion on the repair of the window seals. Ms. Adams asked for clarification. Ms. Hardin explained the seals are broken which causes the window to fog. She said Action Glass will keep the arch, take out the sash and repair glass. Ms. Adams asked if it the window was thermal pane? Ms. Hardin replied it was. Mr. Blodgett asked if the Commission would consider this repair in-kind. Ms. Bornstein agreed the repair is in- kind. Mr. Blodgett asked if the kitchen window is a repair or a change. Ms. Adams responded it is a change. Ms. Hardin said the window style will remain, but a different size. Mr. Perkins further explained the location viewed from inside the home. Ms. Bornstein asked if the Applicant should file another application requesting the window change. Mr. Blodgett suggested adding it to the Certificate of Appropriateness application. Mr. Perkins said the windows are Newpro and replaced by the previous owner. Mr. Blodgett said since they have been replaced, the change will not be drastic. Ms. Bornstein agreed the window is in the back of the home and are not original. Ms. Adams said it is difficult to visualize and requested plans. Ms. Hardin promised she would not cut the shrubs that block the window as long as she lives there. Mr. Blodgett asked to discuss the HVAC unit. Ms. Hardin said she would like the HVAC unit installed next to the existing propane tank. Ms. Bornstein questioned if there would be concerns having the two units next to each other. Ms. Hardin replied there is a distance requirement. Ms. Adams asked if there would be screening. Ms. Hardin said there is shrubbery and will be placed as far back as possible. Mr. Perkins explained there is a small stone wall. Ms. Adams proposed adding a fence. Ms. Hardin replied she preferred greenery. Ms. Adams said it is difficult to understand where it will be located and how it will be viewed from the road. Ms. Hardin replied she has not hired a contractor since she does not own the property. Ms. Bornstein said she would like to see a definitive plan. Ms. Hardin stated she will hire a contractor and get an exact placement. Mr. Blodgett said the size of the unit will be required. Motion made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Ms. Poehler, the Commission issue a Certificate of Non-Applicability for the repair of the flashing on the porch roof and the seals and five (5) window sashes for 175 Summer Avenue as discussed. Vote 4-0-0 Page 1 2 Motion made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Ms. Bornstein, the Commission to continue the discussion of the Certificate of Appropriateness for 17S Summer Avenue to a later meeting. Vote 4-0-0 187 West Street, Fenee There was no one present for this Application. Mr. Blodgett said the owner Thomas Pendergast is requesting permission to install a chain link fence on his property at 187 West Street. He informed the Commission he received a note from the owner pointing out other properties that were allowed to install a chain link fence. After a discussion, the Commission agreed the Applicant should be present to discuss the chain link fence. The application is deferred until the next meeting on July 9, 2018. Mr. Blodgett will contact the owner to let him know is presence is required. 215 West Street. Fence Ms. Francesca Callan the owner of 215 West Street said her proposal is to add to the existing fence, 4' wooden panels with a gate section. The fence will close off the backyard. Mr. Blodgett pointed out the location of the proposed fence. Ms. Callan added one piece of the fence will be removable to allow for deliveries. The fence will be flat to distinguish with the existing fence. Ms. Bornstein questioned if the top was completely Flat - no lattice or point. Ms. Callan responded currently there is no fence there, and acknowledged it will be flat. Ms. Adams asked if it will be stained or natural. Ms. Callan replied stained. Ms. Adams asked how far back from the concrete sidewalk will the fence be installed? Ms. Callan replied it will follow the driveway. Ms. Adams gave her opinion there is too much fencing being allowed in the District. The fences are starting to wall off the ambience in the residential area. Mr. Blodgett agreed fences tunnel the home. Ms. Adams said solid wood fences block the view of the home. Mr. Blodgett state there used to be fencing in the location. Ms. Adams said it is conflicting - residents should be able to use their property. Ms. Callan responded the fence will be low in height; she did not want a fortress around the house. Mr. Blodgett went through the process for a Certificate of Appropriateness: • House is more than 70 years; • A public hearing is not required; but • Abutters are required to be notified Motion made by Ms. Bornstein, seconded by Ms. Poehler, the Commission issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the fence at 215 West Street with no public hearing required, but the abutters to be notified as approved. Vote 4-0-0 Other Discussion Mr. Blodgett informed the Commission he issued a Certificate for the roof at 200 West Street. Mr. Blodgett stated he has not received any communication from the DRT meeting that was held for the subdivision at 116 West Street. Mr. Blodgett commented the revised HDC application is available on the website. Mr. Blodgett brought up a concern about drafting a procedure when the chairman cannot be contacted and who would be the backup. The Commission discussed the property at 186 Summer Avenue and questioned when the Certificate will expire. Mr. Blodgett will follow up with the Town to see if Town Counsel can help clarify. Page 1 3 The Commission agreed the next meeting will be held on July 9, 2018. Minutes May 22, 2018 Motion made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Ms. Bornstein, to approve the May 22, 2018 minutes as amended. Vote 4-0-0 Motion made by Ms. Poehier, seconded by Ms. Bornstein to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Vote was 4-0-0. Page 1 4