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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-07-09 Historic District Commission Minutes Town of Reading Meeting Minutes RE Board - committee - commission - council: 2811 OCT 23 AM 7: 46 Historic District Commission Date: 2018-07-09 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, Greg Maganzini Amelia Freedman - Associate Member Pino D'Orazio - Associate Member Members - Not Present: Others Present: Guido Sabatella, Brandon Gallagher, Paola Santoro, Tom Prendergast, Nick Celiberti, David DiBenedetto, Frank Curtis, Steve Gagnon, Stephen DeCrecenzo Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: Mr. Blodgett opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Blodgett introduced the Commission to Amelia Freedman and Pino D'Orazio the new Alternate Members and gave a brief history of how the District(s) were created. 146 Summer Avenue — Hot Tub Guido Sabatella, Paola Santoro and Brendan Gallagher were present for the Application. The Landscape Designer Brandan Gallagher from Garrick-Santo Landscape Company reviewed the proposed plan on the installation of the hot tub at 146 Summer Avenue: • The 9x7 hot tub Is designed by Bradford and is 41" in depth from bottom to top; • Existing stairs will be removed and the patio will be extended; • The patio material is segmental concrete pavers; • The grade will remain; • The hot tub location is behind the garage and will not be viewed from the street; • There will be a Brussels wall on one side and a free standing wall on the other side; • The hot tub will meet the Town Zoning requirements; • There will be a 3' walkway; • Drywell will be installed for drainage; and • The fence behind the garage is deteriorating and will be replaced Page i 1 Ms. Bornstein questioned if the Town would require a Variance from the Zoning Board of - Appeals for the setback of the hot tub. Mr. Gallagher responded the hot tub will meet accessory structure setback requirements. Ms. Bornstein asked if the hot tub will be viewed from the street. Mr. Gallagher responded the hot tub will be all enclosed and is located behind the garage. Mr. Maganzini asked if the garage door will be blocked. Mr. Gallagher responded the door will be framed and replaced with a decorative panel. He added he will forward the 3D to the Commission. Mr. Sabatella the owner of 146 Summer Avenue explained the door leads to now where. Ms. Adams asked when the patio was installed. Mr. Sabatella replied the patio was installed in 1960. Ms. Adams complimented the plans that were submitted with the application. Mr. Sabatella said the fence was installed in 1960. Ms. Adams asked if a Commission member was able to do a site visit to see if the hot tub will not be viewed from the street. Mr. Blodgett responded he did and agreed with the contractor the hot tub will not be viewed from the street. Mr. Blodgett reminded the Commission a Certificate of Non-Applicability was issued for a property on Woburn Street for a hot tub. Mr. Maganzini asked if the fence repair will be done now or at a later date. Mr. Blodgett said he did not look to see if the fence is seen from the street. Mr. Gallagher said the fence will remain wood, but be an upgrade in material. He said he will submit new plans showing the fence material will be replaced in-kind. Mr. D'Orazio asked if there is lighting proposed. Mr. Gallagher replied there will be lighting set within the patio. Ms. Adams asked if there will be any lighting spill-over. Mr. Gallagher said there will be no spill-over; the lights are in the patio pavers. Ms. Adams said the house was built in 1873. The Applicant has proven the proposal will not be visible from the public way. Mr. Blodgett added the fence will be replaced in-kind. Mr. Maganzini asked if the Commission had any concern with the panel that will blocked off in the garage. Ms. Bornstein said the panel is not visible from the street. After the discussion, the Commission agreed the hot tub is not viewed from the street and a Certificate of Non-Applicability can be issued. Motion made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Ms. Poeh/err, the Commission grant a Certificate of Non-Applicability for 146 Summer Avenue for the installation of the hot tub, related ground work and replacement in-kind of the fence. Vote 5-0-0 175 Summer Avenue - HVAC Unit Flashina and Window Seals Repair There was no one present for the Application. Mr. Blodgett reminded the Commission the house at 175 Summer Avenue is in the process of being sold. The Applicant Jennifer Hardin will be submitting the window and the HVAC information that was requested at the last meeting. 187 West Street F nce Tom Prendergast was present for the Application. Mr. Blodgett explained he was on vacation when the Application was emailed to him and apologized for the late response. Page 1 2 Mr. Tom Prendergast said he bought the house a few months ago. He would like permission to enclose the back portion of his property with a 5' black chain-link fence to allow his dogs to run. Mr. Blodgett asked if there is an existing chain-link fence. Mr. Prendergast replied he does not have a chain-link fence, but a house on Prescott Street does have a fence that abuts his property. Ms. Bornstein asked the application to be amended to state the height of the fence. Mr. Prendergast clarified the existing fence location and described how it appears. He said he is requesting a 5' fence to help corral his dogs on his property. Ms. Adams said she was concerned at first, but is relieved the existing fence will remain and the Applicant was not requesting a chain-link fence in the front of the property. Mr. Blodgett explained to the Applicant if the Commission approves the Certificate of Appropriateness the public hearing will be waived, but the abutters are required to be notified. Motion made by Mr. Maganzini, seconded by Ms. Adams, the Commission grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for 187 West Street to install a 5'chain-link fence In the rear of the property that will not be viewed from the street; and the existing vinyl fence will remain. Vote 5-0-0 218 West Street - Renovation/Addition Nick Celiberti, David DiBenedetto and Frank Curtis were present for the Application. The Architect David DiBenendetto introduced Nick Celiberti the property owner at 218 West Street and Frank Curtis an Architect; and gave a brief history of the two-family home. The home was formerly a shoe manufacturing business. There are no surveyed plans prior to 1875. He reviewed the proposal: • Maintain the front Greek Revival, colonial style construction; • Add a second entry on the south side of the property - the units will be mirrored; • Replace the windows; • Add a shed dormer to utilize the space in the attic for living; • Install wall mounted lights at points of entry; • Install a wood stockade fence and plant shrubbery to conceal; • Remove existing garage and replace - will be screened from the street; • Replace the roof shingles with Architectural shingles; • Remove chimneys; • New front stairs; • Rebuild side deck and stairs; • Rebuild back deck and stairs; and • Replace gutters and downspouts During the presentation the Commission commented and expressed their opinion on the proposal. A Certificate of Non-Applicability can be issued for the following: • The roof replacement is in-kind - 3 tabs is encouraged; • The gutters and downspouts should not be vinyl; • The Commission does not have jurisdiction over the color of paint. Mr. Celiberti stated he would like the house to remain red. Ms. Adams questioned the existing post and beams. Mr. Curtis replied they are the original. Mr. Celiberti invited the Commission to visit the property and walk through the home. Mr. Blodgett said the dormer will need approval from the Commission once plans are drafted. He listed items from the proposal that would require notifying the abutters. Motion made by Mr. Blodgett, seconded by Ms. Poehler, the Commission grant a Certificate of Non-Applicability for 218 West Street to replace roof, gutters and downspouts as discussed. Vote 5-0-0 Page 1 3 Ms. Adams expanded on the history of the home and asked the owner if he found the plaque that is missing. Mr. Celeberti replied he has not found the plaque. Ms. Adams said she is pleased the house is not being demolished. Mr. Celeberti said he will be restoring the front entry. Ms. Adams commented as long as it is done well - side lights are typical of the era. The Commission discussed removing the chimneys. Mr. DiBenedetto said the chimneys cannot be viewed from the public way. Mr. Blodgett clarified the view includes any public way not just from West Street. Mr. Celeberti said the chimneys are in disrepair and should be removed. Mr. Curtis explained the existing chimney locations and gave his opinion they are not the central chimney. He said the Applicant is replacing the HVAC which does not require a chimney. The Commission agreed there was no issue with removing the back door entry. Mr. Curtis gave his opinion adding a south side entrance will add character to that side. Mr. Blodgett said adding the entrance will change the view of the building. Ms. Adams responded she had no concerns with adding the side door - early structures built additions. Mr. Blodgett said the front steps will need to be repaired. After a discussion, Mr. Celeberti suggested using the bricks from the chimney to build the front steps. Mr. Blodgett said the Commission does not have jurisdiction on storm windows or doors, but they highly encouraged. Ms. Adams further explained interior and exterior storm windows and doors; and encouraged preserving the original window. Mr. Celeberti said the windows are not functional and are rotted. Ms. Poehler pointed out the windows at 228 Woburn Street were recently preserved. The Commission discussed different windows and suggested the Applicant to evaluate further what type of window he would like to install. Mr. DiBenedetto said the existing garage will be razed and one built in the same location. The garage will be utilized by both units. Mr. Curtis said the same foundation will be used. Mr. DeBendetto said there will be only one bulkhead, both units will use it. The bulkhead will not protrude. The Commission reviewed the proposed fence and agreed they would not want a fence in the front of the property and the material cannot be vinyl. Mr. DeBendetto said the fence will be evaluated. He suggested landscaping in the front and a fence on the side of the property. The Commission discussed adding a walkway. The Commission continued the window discussion and suggested muttons to break up a solid window. Mr. Blodgett said he will drop off the"window" book on preserving windows to the Applicant. Ms. Bornstein thanked the Applicant for the presentation and his flexibility working with the Commission. Mr. Blodgett suggested the Applicant contact him when he is ready to meet with the Commission again once he has the outstanding items addressed: windows, fence, shed dormer etc. 12 County Road - front porch Steve Gagnon was present for the Application. Mr. Steve Gagnon said Joanne Metzger the property owner of 12 County Road has hired him to reconstruct the front porch. He described the current condition: • The house juts over the front porch; • The posts are barely holding up the porch in place; • The second floor is supporting itself; and • The porch floor has sunk Page 14 Mr. Gagnon gave a brief overview of the proposal: • Strip current roof and install Architectural shingles; • Demo and rebuild front porch structure to existing dimensions (5'-8"x24'-3"); • Pressure treated understructure with fir decking; • Homeowner would prefer square columns with a single full length recessed pocket on each side; • The posts will be fiber glass that will be required to be painted; • Primed Titanium trim boards to be used directly under the fir deck boards; and • Homeowner would prefer Azek slats below the Titanium board extending vertically down to the ground. Allowing the Azek will help prevent rot and would not require painting annually Mr. Blodgett said the porch is low enough to the ground not to require railings. Mr. Maganzini said the Azek material has been allowed in the District. Mr. Blodgett disagreed and pointed out a property that was not allowed to utilize the Azek. Mr. Gagnon said the owner will plant shrubbery to conceal the Azek material. He said he has concerns with the owner painting the wood as required to prevent rot. Mr. Gagnon explained one set of steps is granite that will need to be repaired and the other set with fir deck boards - but prefers to use granite for both sides. Ms. Adams expressed concern with using pressure treated wood. Mr. Gagnon explained it is per the Building Code. Mr. Maganzini asked the longevity of the fir deck boards. Mr. Gagnon replied the wood will need to be painted. It was confirmed the house was built in 1850. Mr. Gagnon explained the columns are structural and added he would like to use the same fiberglass columns as he did on Ellis Avenue. Mr. Blodgett commented wood posts would be costly. Ms. Adams gave her opinion since the existing columns are not original they can be replaced and added she would prefer the square style. Mr. Gagnon said the columns are structurally strong and will be 6 to 8 feet. Ms. Adams stated the columns should be no larger. Mr. Blodgett commented the Commission can only view the material from a public way and asked if they are getting hung up on original materials versus the appearance. He added the material of the columns will not be known once painted. Ms. Bornstein and Mr. Blodgett stated they had no serious concerns. Ms. Adams commented she is starting to be favorably swayed. Mr. Maganzini said the Commission does not want shiny plastic material. Ms. Adams responded the columns will appear similar to real wood columns. Mr. Gagnon said the fiberglass columns that were installed on Ellis Avenue looks great from the street. Ms. Adams asked if the columns would require special paint. Mr. Gagnon replied no, but would need to be primed first. Ms. Adams said the Historic Districts are starting to allow artificial materials. Mr. Maganzini asked about allowing composite decking. The Commission agreed they didn't want to set a precedent and would like to maintain the Districts appearance. Mr. Blodgett reminded the Commission the owner came in a few years ago, but was not able to complete the work as discussed. Motion made by Ms. Bornstein, seconded by Ms. Poehier, the Commission to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for 12 County Road to: • Replace the deck with fir planks; • Allow Azek planks (vertically); • Install fiberglass columns with the square tops; and • Replace the stairs with the option of using granite or wood material. Page 1 5 The public hearing will be waived, but the abutters are required to be notified. Vote 5-0-0 Ms. Bornstein left the meeting at 9:05 PM. The Commission pointed Mr. D'Orazio as an active voting member. 188 West Street. pool Stephen DeCrescenzo was present for the Application Mr. Stephen DeCrescenzo the owner of 188 West Street gave a brief history of his home. He continued and informed the Commission he was not aware he would need approval to install a 52" above-ground pool since there was one when he bought the home. He apologized for the confusion and said he became aware when the Building Department notified him of the complaint they received from a neighbor. Mr. DeCrescenzo suggested mailing out the Town Bylaw information to the new property owners in the District. Mr. Blodgett responded the Commission is reviewing how this process can be initiated, but said it is difficult to know when there is a new owner. The Commission agreed they have jurisdiction over the above ground pool. Mr. Maganzini questioned if the pool will be removed at the end of the season. Mr. DeCrescenzo replied it will not be removed. He said the pool will be installed in the existing fenced in area; to allow privacy for his children he will be planting 5' arborvitaes. Ms. Adams commented a plan showing the pool and the arborvitaes would have been helpful. After the discussion, the Commission agreed a Certificate of Appropriateness can be issued. A public hearing will not be necessary but the abutters are required to be notified. Mr. DeCrescenzo asked about the procedure if an abutter does complain. Motion made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Ms. Poehler, the Commission grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for 188 West Street to install a 52'above-ground pool with arborvitae screening as discussed. Vote 5-0-0 Other Discussion Mr. Blodgett informed the Commission the house at 99 West Street replaced their existing split rail post fence. The Commission agreed even though the house is less than 70 years of age, the owner should have notified the Commission. Ms. Adams agreed to draft a letter to send to the owners. Minutes June 18, 2018 The June 18, 2018 minutes were tabled to the next meeting. Motion made by Ms. Poehler, seconded by Ms. Adams to adjourn at 9:25 p.m. Vote was 5-0-0. Page 1 6