HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-11-28 Historical Commission Minutes QeetIng
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Minutes
Board - committee - commission - Council: 2019 .4", I v 10
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Date: 11/27/2018 Time: 7pm
Building: Town Hall Location: Conference Room
Address: Session:
Purpose: Hearing for 24 Grove Street, Version:
general business meeting
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
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Jim Lordan, Sage Development Corp., owner 24 Grove Street- JL
Scott Rumley, representing owner of 79-81 Salem Street- SR
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Samantha Couture
Topics of Discussion:
24 Grove Street Demolition Delay Hearing
The public notice was read by PD. JL presented his demolition delay application. The
architectural and historical significance of the home was read by JEB. JL reported that
extensive damage was found after the partial demolition of additions was done earlier in the
fall, making the cost of restoration prohibitively expensive. JL is willing to sell to someone
who would be willing to renovate, or to hire him as the contractor to do the renovation
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work. VA suggested the RHC write an article for the Chronicle to let the public know the
significance of the structure and that it was available for purchase.
Public comment:
Michael Modoono, 313 Lowell Street, a neighbor of this property, has safety concerns as his
backyard abuts this property, and he wanted to know what the plans were for the building.
Motion made by JEB, seconded by SC
"The presented information is sufficient to make a final determination on the requested
demolition of the structure at 24 Grove Street and that the Public Hearing be closed."
Vote: 5-0 in favor.
Motion made by JEB, seconded by SRS
"The loss of the structure at 24 Grove Street would be detrimental to the Town under the
purposes of this bylaw (7.2.1) and that a Demolition Delay of up to six (6) months be
imposed beginning this date."
Vote: 5-0 in favor.
A tour of the property for interested RHC members was scheduled for December 15th at
9am with JL.
20-24 Gould Street
Following the RHC meeting on 11/7, RHC's comments and revisions to MHC's memorandum
of agreement regarding this project were sent to MHC. Traggorth has now submitted a
demolition delay application, and RHC discussed a date for the public hearing. JEB will see if
December 19th will work for scheduling the hearing.
186 Summer Avenue
There was discussion concerning the state of the vacant building and whether RHC should
request to inspect the property per the provisions of the Preservation Restriction
Agreement. AF discussed the building permit. JW noted the Certificate of Applicability with
HDC has run out. HDC is considering options. JW believes we are remiss in our duty if we
don't try to save the building from neglect.
Motion made by JW, seconded by SC
"RHC should request an inspection of 186 Summer Street."
Vote: 5-0 in favor.
JEB will contact HDC and draft a letter to property owner.
79-81 Salem Street
Revised plans for new construction were presented by SR, in response to previous
comments and request from RHC. This structure is subject to a previous approved
demolition delay. RHC and SR reviewed a draft "early release with conditions" letter. There
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was discussion of whether there is a need to obtain other permits from ZBA. SRS proposed
that an additional condition for early release be included, requiring the owner to first obtain
ZBA approval for necessary relief required for the plans.
Motion made by JW, seconded by RW
"RHC approves this early release with conditions letter as amended by SRS"
Vote 4-1 in favor.
JEB will revise the letter as approved by RHC, and follow up with SR for the signatures
required before any early release would be effective.
Town-wide preservation grant
MBLC (Mass. Board of Library Commissioners) has sent out a request for proposal. SC will
provide Amy Lannon with some basic information about the town archive collection.
Town Clerk Email - Minutes
SRS has been looking for missing meeting minutes, has submitted a few to the town clerk.
New Business
-RW reported that the Old South Church continues to gather information on the pros and
cons of installing cell equipment in the steeple.
-119 Salem street has been demolished.
-RW gave his collected history of the house and barn at 420 Franklin st. barn to its new
owners. Boston University had compiled a thorough report of house, one of oldest homes in
Reading.
Meeting Minutes from November 7, 2018
Motion by JW, seconded by SRS
"Accept the minutes of November 7, 2018 as amended"
Vote: 5-0 in favor.
Next meeting planned for December 19th, 2018
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