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Home My WebLink About2019-02-13 Historical Commission Minutes orxf Town of Reading RECEIVED TOWN CLERK eeting Minutes READING, MA. 1 t� 2019 MAR 14 AM 9: 14 Board - committee - commission - council; Reading Historical Commission Date: 2/13/19 Time: 7pm Building: Town Hall Location: Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: open Purpose: general business meeting Version: final 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: Everett Blodgett- EB Virginia Blodgett- VB Kim Saunders (recording for the HDC) Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Samantha Couture Topics of Discussion: 79-81 Salem Street Nothing to report Postmark Square Construction has begun 186 Summer Avenue-Joint meeting with Historic District Commission RW brought in exterior and interior photos of the recent visits to 186 Summer Avenue. Some water damage on a wall and window areas were noticed. No significant damage or changes on the interior were visible, however there are concerns about parts of the roof. JEB noted deterioration by a chimney in the rear of the house. JW noted that a great percentage of the exterior trim will need to be replaced, and he is concerned that it will not be replaced exactly, as per the agreement with the Historical District Commission (HDC). JEB recommended the HDC and RHC coordinate to look at what oversight of the project each commission has, but JEB believes HDC has direct oversight of the requirements in Its Decision. EB wondered if the exposed foundation count as underpinning (which is not within the purview of the preservation agreement). There was general agreement that there are no Immediate issues to address with the state of the building. EB stated the HDC should talk with building inspector so he is aware. Page I I r Town of Reading eeting Minutes Kim Saunders informed the group that there is a new, full time inspector with the building department, Mark Dupell. The Blodgett's Arcadia Book/At wood End Bundle EB and VB showed us the final proof of the cover of their new book. The 375th Celebration Committee will donate buttons to add to the bundle (and its value) with 'At Wood End'. VA pointed out that before the Blodgett's book signing on May 13, the RHC will need to supply them with 'At Wood End' copies and Errata sheets. The Blodgetts can store 3 to 4 boxes at their house. The town clerk knows how to access boxes stored in town hall. There will be a 375th event on June 7th at Parker Tavern, where they will be advertising the new book and bundle. VB, EB and Kim Saunders left the meeting. 20-24 Gould Street The Memorandum of Agreement with MHC has been signed, and RHC is waiting to receive a fully executed copy from MHC. David Traggorth is looking to meet with the RHC and his designers for RHC input into the content and design of the Ace Art Company historic exhibit in the Community Event Space in the new building. JEB has found some info on Ace Art Co. in the RHC archive: several photos envelopes of NuAce corners 3 articles from Reading Advocate and Chronicle about the Riley family, the building and the business reinforcement rings obituary for Lester Riley, founder of the NuAce company RW- has info on patents, drawings etc. there may be Sanborn map in the Archive there may be further newspaper articles, Chronicle photos Sarah Brukilacchio. may have more information that she has compiled. RW shared photos of detail elements of the building. JW will coordinate with DT on the exhibit. He would like to have a meeting with DT, with a model of the space, our original materials, providing copies for DT to take. SC advised the group not to release any original materials belonging to the town archive. When reproductions are needed, DT can coordinate with SC to have them made. RW would also like to see plans for the re-use of the exterior brick. Page 1 2 /Horxe�� Town of Reading /. eeting Minutes DIN(OPPPPD 24 Grove Street (draft news article) A draft news article about 24 Grove Street was submitted by AF to New England Historical Genealogical Society, which targets a national audience. She has looked into putting it up on Patch. RW suggested that the RHC should not include the photo of the similar house in town; it may not be appropriate and could be confusing. The group decided to remove the photo of the similar house and mention the existence of many well restored similar homes in Reading. JEB will send the approved copy to the owner of 24 Grove St and JEB will contact local newspapers. Schoolhouse Condominiums (deed restriction) JEB spoke with Select Board Chair Andy Friedmann, RHC may be requested to talk with the property owners and Select Board about some revisions to the deed restriction that the owners may wish to propose. Historic Deed Restrictions/Town Database Town has asked for copies of all Historical deed restrictions for structures within the purview of the RHC. JEB provided copies of all of these documents. The town has included these on the building inspector's database. Town Wide Preservation Grant SC will send out the schedule for the preservation assessment; all RHC members are welcome to attend any of the sessions. Listpreserve Email Chain re Our Early Release Agreement Letter Listpreserve is an email listserve for entities dealing with Historic Preservation administered by the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC). There was a recent question on Listpreserve about enforcing demo delay release letter agreements. JEB shared with the list what RHC does. Chris Skelly from MHC asked us to share an example letter with MHC for their use; JEB provided two different examples (119 Salem St. and 20-24 Gould St., with identifying information redacted). VA will share info on signing up to Listpreserve. Finances Reimbursements Ron submitted receipts for photos taken of 186 Summer Avenue. Page 13 � OFRFa� Town of Reading eating Minutes Motion made by SC, seconded by SRS "Reimburse RW $23.35 to pay for photos of 186 Summer Avenue Inspection." Vote: 5-0 in favor. VA brought a receipt for $100 for the last 4 copies of`At Wood End'sales. SC will send Hitching Post owner ( ?) a thank you for selling copies. RHC will ask Whitelam Bookstore to sell `At Wood End'after Blodgetts' May 13 book release and the 375th Anniversary events. RHC annual fundlno RHC currently has $35,000 Historical Commission Trust Fund. Discussion of possible uses for some of this funding (does not have to be spent). AF- scholarship for history student VA- suggests using interest proceeds only SC- wait for the preservation assessment report, which we will have in July New Business Memorial Park Wall Jenna Fiorenti of the recreation department asked JEB about the Memorial Park wall. Recently a large tree fell on it causing significant damage, and there is observed other structural deficiencies elsewhere on the wall. The town has inspected the wall. Estimates to restore the wall are in the six figures. VA told the group a brief history of Memorial Park. RW feels the RHC should tell town the wall is historic and we feel it should be repaired. The group agreed. 3EB will respond to Ms. Fiorenti. 75 Pearl Street Sid Hodson, resident of 75 Pearl, spoke with JEB regarding what he and other residents believe constitutes a safety Issue with the entrance canopy of the building. Hodson pointed out a gap between the canopy and the building facade, which allows snow and Ice to collect on the entrance sidewalk. He is concerned about the safety. At the time the building was recently renovated, it required CPDC approval, and the CPDC required the owner to obtain input and recommendations from the RHC. The current canopy entrance was approved by the RHC and CPDC at the time 75 Pearl Street was redeveloped. The canopy is separated from the building to keep the original facade as visible as possible. JW suggested clear acrylic. JEB has discussed next steps concerning this issue with the Town's Community Development Director. JEB will follow up with Mr. Hodson. Page 14 ��g orx\ Town of Reading 'b eeting Minutes �PIN(OPP�� New Business The Rite Aid/Walgreen's (formerly RMLD Department office) building, 25 Haven Street will be closing. Is on the Historic Inventory. Annual Commission Report is due. JEB will work on It. VA- Preservation Massachusetts is accepting nominations. Minutes from 1/7/2019 Motion made by JW, seconded by SRS "Motion to approve minutes from 1/7/2019 as amended." Vote: 5-0 in favor. Next Meeting Date March 13th. Page 15