HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-12-18 Historic District Commission Minutes Town of Reading ; E C E I V E D
0 Meeting Minutes �i C W M CLERK
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Board - committee - commission - Council: 2011 DEC -4 PM 4: 37
Historic District Commission
Date: 2017-12-18 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session:
Purpose: Meeting Version:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Everett Blodgett, Chairman; Virginia Adams, Priscilla Poehler
Members - Not Present:
Greg Maganzini, Ilene Bornstein, Jack Williams
Others Present:
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders
Topics of Discussion:
Mr. Blodgett opened the meeting at 7:00 PM
79-81 west street
Mr. Blodgett Introduced the HDC members to the Applicant Ms. Elizabeth Harris. He gave a
brief overview on the process after a Certificate is Issued. Ms. Harris expressed her surprise
a shed would need to be approved by the MDC since it is not part of the main dwelling. Ms.
Adams explained the placement of the shed could Impact the streetscape. Mr. Blodgett
questioned if the size is 8x20 or 6x20. Ms. Harris replied it Is an 8x20 wood shed. Mr.
Blodgett acknowledged the location of the shed restricts the visibility from the street. Ms.
Adams questioned if all tenants are allowed to use the shed. Ms. Harris replied the shed
would be solely owned by 79 West Street, but the tenant at 81 West Street could use it for
storage if needed. Ms. Harris said the shed will have a shingle roof and will be stained in the
spring the same color as the main dwelling.
After the discussion, the Commission agreed a public hearing would not be required, but the
abutters will need to be notified. Ms. Adams stated the home was built in 1920.
Motion made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Ms. Poehler, the NDC approve the
Certificate of Appropriateness for the owner of 79-81 West Street to Install a wood
shed In the roar of the property as shown on the diagram. Thera will be no public
hearing required but the abutters need to be notified. Vote was 3-0-0.
District Violation Letter
Mr. Blodgett distributed a draft letter that he requested the Commission to review. He said
the violation letter will be sent out to residents who have made changes to their property
without the proper approval. The letter will be sent out on Town Letter.
The violation letter for 146 Summer Avenue was discussed. Mr. Blodgett stated the owner
Installed a fence without NDC approval. He said the Town Engineering Department
confirmed the fence Is on the residents and not on the Town.
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The Commission agreed sending the violation letter certified and regular mail. A letter will
be available at the Town Hall, but Mr. Blodgett will keep his own file.
189 Summer Avenue
Mr. Blodgett Informed the Commission Mrs. Goodwin could not attend the meeting tonight
to discuss a proposed kitchen rebuild.
Other
Mr. Blodgett said Ms. Ann Gentile will be retiring as of January 4, 2018. The Town contact
for the Commission will be Amanda Beatrice.
Mr. Blodgett said he replaced the HDC tri-fold that Is located by the Town Clerk.
Mr. Blodgett said the construction fence was installed at 186 Summer Avenue.
Ms. Adams Informed the Commission there is a DRT meeting scheduled on January 20,
2018 for 116 West Street for a potential 2-lot subdivision. Mr. Blodgett agreed to attend the
meeting since Ms. Adams is not available. The Commission briefly discussed the proposed
subdivision. They questioned If approved, how the new property will be added to the
District. Ms. Adams commented even though the new home will be under 70 years, the
Commission cannot be isolating properties.
Mr. Blodgett requested the Town notify the HDC on any upcoming projects in the Historic
District.
Mr. Blodgett said he issued a Certificate of Appropriateness for 201 Prescott Street.
Mr. Blodgett expressed concern the difficulty the Commission has making sure residents are
not making changes to their property without approval.
MinYlC04
Motion made by Ms. Adams,seconded by Ms. Poehler, to approve the November
14, 2017 minutes as amended. Vote was 3-0-0.
Adfournment
Motion was made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Ms. Poehler, to adjoum at 7.40 PM.
Vote was 3-0-0.
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