HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-05 Historic District Commission Minutes Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 4: 37
Historic District Commission
Date: 2015-10-05 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 Maganzinl
Jack Williams - Associate Member
Members - Not Present:
Camille Anthony - Associate Member
Others Present:
Kathy Greenfield, Woburn Street
Jerry & Nancy Lamb, 194 Summer Avenue
Robert Corwin, 199 Summer Avenue
Jason Przybyclen, 174 West Street
Mary Ellen O'Neill, 125 Summer Avenue
Robert Tlgelaar, 160 Summer Avenue
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders
Topics of Discussion:
Mr. Blodgett opened the meeting at 7:02
He commented the old Town website is still accessible; which is causing confusion with
applicants.
Applications:
160 Summer Avenue
The applicant, Mr. ligelaar said the Commission previously approved 13 windows on the 21d
floor. The contractor requested 8 additional windows to be replaced. Mr. Tlgelaar presented
pictures showing the requested windows. He asked the Commission to Increase the
approval to 21 windows.
After a discussion, the Commission agreed the Certificate to be amended.
Motion made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Ms. Poehler, to amend the application for
760 Summer Avenue to 21 windows. The windows are located on the 2"a floor of
the south side of the sun porch. Vote was 5-0-0.
194 Summer Avenue
The applicant, Mr. Lamb stated he is painting exterior of the house, but some wood will
need to be replaced. The location of the wood is touching or near the ground. He would like
to replace the risers with Azek.
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The Commission stated painting Is not under their purview. They discussed what type of
material would be acceptable to the District. After a discussion, the Commission agreed a
Certificate of Non-Applicability to be Issued. The applicant amended his application to take
out the requested Azek material.
174 West Street
The applicant, Samantha Beachell, said she would like to replace the garage doors that are
In disrepair. The current material on the garage is painted wood. The requested garage
door would be a-single layer steel, terratone color, and long panel with Stockton window
inserts.
Ms. Adams said this Is another example of man-made material being Introduced to the
Historic District. She said looking at other garages In the District there are non-wood doors.
The applicant asked for permission to replace the trim.
Motion made by Mr. Blodgett, seconded by Ms. Poehler, to Issue a Certificate of
Appropriateness. He said the Publk Hearing will be waived, but the abutters will
be notified. The replacement of the trim will be noted on the CerHflcate. Vote was
s-0-0
Other
186-190 Summer Avenue
Mr. Blodgett passed out the letter from Mr. Magolin in regards to 186-190 Summer Avenue.
Mr. Blodgett said the letter is in response to a comment made at a meeting in regards to
the condition of the foundation. Another part of the response letter answered if the
foundation should be considered an Architectural feature.
Mr. Blodgett reminded the Commission the Public Hearing is on October 10 at Coolidge
Middle High School.
The Commission discussed asking Criterion for a current and proposed drawing from an
Architect; and also a setting plan showing grade level. The Commission questioned why
they didn't receive an updated plan showing the tunnel. Mr. Wiliams requested an aerial
map and street elevation.
Ms. O'Neil passed out a packet from the neighborhood preservation group. She would like
the Commission to use the Information from the packet to weigh on how to best protect and
preserve the Summer Avenue Local Historic District.
Mr. Blodgett said the bylaw and the guidelines are inconsistent. They discussed if the
driveway should be considered a parking lot.
Mr. Corwin asked what Mr. Quigley's credentials are. He questioned if the Commission asks
for verification of expertise.
Mr. Corwin said when he read the DIRT notes there were unanswered questions: tunnel
ventilation, fire doors etc. He asked if the Commission can make a decision without those
questions being answered. Mr. Blodgett said some of the outstanding questions do not fall
under the Commission's purview.
The Commission discussed what falls under their purview. Ms. Bornstein asked for a list of
topics that should be discussed at the Public Hearing.
Ms. O'Neil asked for clarification on what was voted on at the last meeting In regards to the
application. She questioned If a partial Certificate can be Issued by the Commission. The
Certificate of Hardship was discussed and what would be referenced In the application
Ms. Adams suggested another option to the tunnel.
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Ms. Greenfield questioned why according to the response letter from Criterion, the
foundation work is considered interior work. Mr. Blodgett said the work will take place
Inside.
Ms. Bornstein left the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
The Commission discussed why a Public Hearing would be needed before any name change
on documents can be done.
Minutes
2015-07-13
Motion made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Ms. Poehler, to approve the minutes from
July 13, 2015. Vote was 4-0-0
2015-08-10
Motion made by Ms. Poehler, seconded by Mr. Maganzinl, to approve the minutes
from August 10, 2015 as amended. Vote was 4-0-0
2015-08-31
Motion made by Ms. Poehler,seconded by Mr. Maganzln; to approve the minutes
from August 31, 2015 as amended. Vote was 4-0-0
Other
Mr. Blodgett read an email from lack Williams In regards to the placement of transformers
on Woburn Street and Summer Avenue. The Commission discussed their frustration on what
is allowed in a Historic District on Town and State projects.
Ms. Adams said the sign for the Summer Avenue Historic District has not been Installed.
This is due to the location and what is presently there. The Commission needs to check
with DPW on the Installation.
Mr. Blodgett said he received a letter for a Grant from William Galvin. The State would
match the Town's funding. Mr. Blodgett questioned if the Grant could have been used to
educate the District(s)
Matron made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Ms. Poehler, to adjourn at 9:40 p.m.
Vote was 4-0-0.
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