HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-19 Historical Commission Minutes own of Reading RECTOWN
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2819 FEB 14 AMID: 22
Historical Commission
Date: 1/7/19 Time: 7pm
Building: Town Hall Location: Conference Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: open
Purpose: Demolition Delay Hearing, Version: final
Postmark Square,
general business meeting
Attendees: Members - Present:
Virginia Adams (Associate)- VA
Jonathan Barnes (Chair)- JEB
Samantha Couture (Secretary)- SC
Pino D'Orazio (Associate)- PD
Sharlene Reynolds Santo (Member)- SRS
Ron Weston (Member)- RW
Jack Williams (Treasurer)- JW
Amelia Freedman (Associate)- AF
Others Present:
Tom Connery, Matrix Property Group and 136 Haven St. LLC -TC
Brad Latham, Attorney for Mr. Connery- BL
Ugo DiBiase, DeBiase Homes, LLC- UD
Everett Blodgett- EB
Virginia Blodgett- VB
Rick Wetzler
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Samantha Couture
Topics of Discussion:
Demolition Delay Hearing, Postmark Square, 136 Haven Street
The Demolition Delay Hearing was called to order at 7pm. The public notice was read by
SRS. JEB gave an introduction about the applicable by-law and the reasons for the need for
this hearing. JEB reiterated that the application was seeking to demolish only the loading
dock portion of the structure, and that the historic portion of the structure would remain
intact.
BL reported that 136 Haven Street, LLC has all necessary approvals from the Reading CPDC
and the Massachusetts Historical Commission, which includes the demolition of the loading
dock. The loading dock was added to the existing structure in the 1960's, was at first open,
then enclosed in the 1980's. TC reported that Nauset construction will be using a
subcontractor specializing in the demolition of historic structures. TC presented an image of
sightlines to the original, 1918 structure and the loading dock from the north. He further
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reviewed additional work that will be done at the same time as window removal. These
windows will be temporarily covered in plywood and later replaced with new windows,
reproduced like the original.
JEB read from the applicant's demolition permit allowing for the demolition of the loading
dock only. He then spoke on the historic and architectural significance of the Post Office
building, from the form 30 in the Historic Inventory. JEB asked about the flagpole. BL
reported that the flagpole is to stay in its current location. There was originally a fountain
where the flagpole now stands.
VA asked about the safeguards in place to protect the original building during demolition.
UD stated that the back wall will be reinforced and clearly marked during work. Parts of that
wall may need to be taken down and rebuilt by hand. There will be an on-site supervisor,
project manager and assistants. UD will also be overseeing the construction.
Public Comment
Neighbor Rick Wetzler, stated that he attended this hearing to make sure the Post Office
itself was not being demolished.
Motion made by RW seconded by JW
"The presented information is sufficient to make a final determination on the requested
demolition of the structure at 136 Haven Street and that the Public Hearing be closed."
Vote: 5-0 in favor.
Hearing closed.
Motion made by JEB. seconded by JW
"Where the applicant's proposal here is to demolish only the loading dock portion as
recorded in applicant's Demolition and Erosion Control Plan dated 6/11/18 filed as a part of
his Application for a Demolition Delay Hearing, and in consideration of the overall plans
which preserve the historically significant portion of the structure and for which plans the
RHC has already expressed its general support, move that the loss of the loading dock
structure at 136 Haven Street would NOT be detrimental to the Town under the purposes of
section 7.2.1 of this bylaw and as such, no Demolition Delay under this bylaw shall be
imposed for this portion of the structure."
Vote:5-0 in favor.
186 Summer Avenue
An inspection is scheduled for January 23 at 8am. Some Historic District Commission
members may attend as well. There was discussion of what may be done to encourage the
owner to address maintenance issues. EB reminded the group that we can't discuss the
issues at the inspection, it is not a public meeting and is only for information gathering.
20-24 Gould Street
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JEB gave an update. Dave Traggorth has seen and approved the RHC letter releasing the
delay. The Memorandum of Agreement from MHC arrived, JEB will share a copy with the
RHC. JEB will make arrangements with DT to sign both documents.
79-81 Salem Street
No news
Blodgetts' Arcadia 'History of Reading' &'At Wood End'
EB and VB reported on the status of their forthcoming book. The release will be on May
13th. There will be a signing that day and other times during the 375th celebrations. The
photos in the new book are not already in 'At Wood End', and primarily from the Blodgetts'
personal collection. The Hitching Post will be closing, where we currently sell 'At Wood End'.
Profits from the new book will be going to the 375th celebration, the Antiquarian Society,
and conservation of some Items. Any further funds will to go to the Preservation Trust. EB
and VB propose selling both books as a set for $45 ($23 for'At Wood End', $22 for Acadia.)
Motion made by JEB, seconded by RW.
'The RHC approves the sale of'At Wood End' (bundled with the Acadia 'History of Reading'
at the price of $45 ($23 for'At Wood End', $22 for Acadia) for the remainder of 2019."
Vote: 5-0 in favor.
EB and VB donated "Reading's Colonial Rooftrees" to the town archive. This copy is Volume
10 out of 30.
Finances
VA gave the treasurer $150 in cash from 'At Wood End'sales from the Hitching Post. JW
noted the Historical Commission Trust Fund which has funds that can be spent, along with
the RHC annual budget of$1500. The RHC will discuss at the next meeting.
VA left at 8:45.
Town Wide Preservation Grant
SC- NEDCC will be doing the assessment this spring.
Grove Street
VA wrote a potential article for Grove street for the chronicle. Send JEB any edit
suggestions. AF will look into placing an ad in an NEHGS publication.
Meeting minutes 12/19/18
Motion made by JW seconded by JEB
"Approve the minutes of the 12/19/18 meeting as amended."
Vote: 5-0
The next meeting will be February 13th, 7pm.
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Motion to adjourn made by SC seconded by )W
Vote 5-0 in favor.
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