HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-11-07 Historical Commission Minutes *ewet�lng
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 26111 NO@ 28 PH 4: 52
Historical Commission
Date: 11/7/2018 Time: 7pm
Building: Town Hall Location: Downstairs Conference room
Address: Session:
Purpose: General Business Meeting Version:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Virginia Adams (Associate)- VA
Jonathan Barnes (Chair)- JEB
Samantha Couture (Secretary)- SC
Pino D'Orazio (Associate)- PD
Amelia Freedman (Associate)- AF
Sharlene Reynolds Santo (Member)- SRS
Jack Williams (Treasurer)- JW
Ron Weston (Member)- RW
Others Present:
Marion Gaw, owner of 337 Pearl Street- MG
Dave Traggorth, Gould Street principal- DT
Jim Murphy, attorney for Traggorth- JM
✓ Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Samantha Couture
Topics of Discussion:
337 Pearl Street
MG attended the meeting to discuss whether or not her home, 337 Pearl Street, is on the
Reading Historic Inventory. JEB presented RHC meeting minutes from November 1996 and
December 1996. The December 1996 minutes clearly show a vote to NOT add the property
to the Inventory.
Motion made by JW, seconded by RW
"The 1996 decision to keep 337 Pearl Street off the Historic Inventory will stand."
Vote: 5-0 in favor.
RHC will remove the property from the building inspector's list and the Historic Inventory.
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22-24 Gould Street
Dave Traggorth and Jim Murphy attended to discuss proposed revisions to a joint letter to
MHC from from Traggorth and RHC regarding MHC's draft Memorandum of
Agreement . The letter discusses the space that will be set aside In the new building for an
exhibit on the Ace Art Company, a marker on the exterior of the building, and other
conditions related to the project. The three primary revisions proposed by RHC were:
1. Will RHC be a concurring party, meaning a `friend'to the project, or a full signatory,
meaning the RHC would have power to enforce provisions in the agreement. Jim
stated that the MA law (950 CMR 71) does not give local commissions authority to
enforce these types of requirements. JEB has asked MHC about the possibility to
have enforcement power.
2. "The proposed structure will be substantially similar to the plans submitted to and
accepted by the Reading Community Planning and Development Commission
(CPDC); and it will conform with the CPDC Decision dated November 6, 2017 (copies
of both attached) and/or any subsequent CPDC Decisions related to the project. The
authority to determine compliance with this provision rests with the CPDC."
3. "The stipulations contained in paragraphs 2, 3, 4 and 5 shall be unlimited as to time,
shall run with the land, are binding upon 24 Gould St. LLC and its heirs, successors
and assigns and are for the benefit of the Town of Reading, its Inhabitants and the
citizens of the Commonwealth."
JM suggested that CPDC can enforce the zoning If future owners try to make
changes. JEB has asked MHC about their opinion.
All 3 revisions were discussed at length and voted on, see motions below:
Revision 1
Motion by JW, seconded by SC
"RHC agrees to be a concurring party to the agreement."
Vote: 3-2 in favor.
Revision 2
Motion made by JW, seconded by JEB
"Include revision 2 in the agreement."
Vote: 1-4 against.
Revision 3
Motion made by JEB, seconded by RW
"Approve revision 3 to be included in the agreement.
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Vote: 2-3 against.
RHC will submit a letter to MHC stating our approval of the agreement.
Motion made by RW, seconded by JEB
'Eliminate additional language regarding compliance with the demolition delay
bylaw.
Vote: 4-1 in favor.
VA had to leave at 8:50.
79-81 Salem Street
The owner had agreed to show more detailed plans to the RHC, but has not yet presented
any to the group. JEB suggested sending another letter asking for compliance. The group
agreed a letter should be sent.
Reading Depot
The contractor is not likely to save second story wood floors, but the decision is up to the
Building Inspector. The interior plans were approved by the Select Board.
186 Summer Avenue
No work is being done to the property, and there are obvious areas of damage and
deterioration on the exterior. There have been complaints of foxes living in the barn. AF and
PO reported on the Historic District Commission's discussion with town counsel. The town is
looking Into abandoned/vacant property laws, non-proFlt rules, and by-laws regarding
property taxes as a way to pressure the owners to maintain the structure. Both RHC and
HDC are considering whether to exercise their right to inspect the property to assess its
condition, and HDC is considering the present status of its Decision, now 2+ years old.
Lob's Pound Mill
North Reading issued a new draft environmental impact report, formally abandoning plans
to pump water purchased from Reading across the Lob's Pound MITI site.
New Members
JEB handed out documents to add to new member packet.
MHC Grants
JEB shared letter for available preservation grants from the MHC.
Town Clerk Meeting Minutes
The town clerk sent a list of missing meeting minutes. SRS and SC to check for any missing
minutes they may have.
Finances
Motion made by SRS, seconded by JEB.
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"Reimburse RW $52.36 for supplies for new member packets."
Vote: 5-0 in favor.
New Business
1)The Grove Street Demolition Delay application packet has not yet been accepted. RW
asks to remind applicants to submit plans for the proposed new construction when
submitting a Demolition Delay application, but RHC agreed to tentatively schedule the
hearing for November 27 (with backup date of November 28) and JEB will confirm with the
applicant.
2) RW reported on the history of Franklin Street Barn which he shared with the RHC
members via e-mail earlier in the week.
3) The Old South Church is considering allowing Verizon to install cell equipment in their
steeple. RW has asked the company that did the extensive 2012/2013 restoration to
comment.
Meeting Minutes Oct. 3
Motion by JW, seconded by SC
"Approve the minutes of October 3, with JEB's corrections and moving Pino's name from not
present to present.
The next meeting will be November 27th at 7pm.
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