HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-12-10 Historic District Commission Minutes Town of Reading
Y Meeting Minutes fiECEiVED
TOWN CLERK
`••M� READING, MA.
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
2019 JUL -9 AM 9: 01
Historic District Commission
Date: 2018-12-10 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session:
Purpose: Meeting Version:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Everett Blodgett, Chairman; Greg Maganzini, Virginia Adams, Ilene
Bornstein
Amelia Freedman & Pino D'Orazio- Alternate Member
Members - Not Present:
Priscilla Poehler
Others Present:
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders
Topics of Discussion:
Mr. Blodgett opened the meeting at 7:01 p.m.
218 West Street — location of HVAC units
Mr. Blodgett explained the owner of 218 West Street is changing the type of HVAC units and
now is requesting a location change. The owner would like to install the units to the rear of
the property because the mini-split system does not fit in the previously approved location.
He added the units will be seen from the roadway. Mr. Maganzini requested lattice
screening. Ms. Adams said an alternative to lattice would be greenery.
Ms. Adams questioned the progress of the renovation. Mr. Blodgett replied the chimneys
were removed but does not know if the roofline was changed as proposed. Ms. Adams gave
her opinion the change to the roofline is a suitable alteration particularly in the rear of the
dwelling.
Ms. Freedman was moved to a voting member.
Motion made by Mr. Maganzini, seconded by Ms. Adams, the Commission allow the
mini-splits be Installed in the rear of the property and be screened with lattice or
greenery. Vote 5-0-0.
After the vote, the owner Nick Celiberti, Flip USA, LLC arrived at the meeting and stated the
two units are smaller than what was previously requested and will be installed in the rear of
the property.
Mr. Celiberti informed the Commission the project is ahead of schedule.
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12 County Road - re-roofing Certificate
Mr. Blodgett informed the Commission he issued a Certificate of Non-Applicability for a strip
and re-roof at 12 County Road. He said the roof replacement was in-kind.
Discussion of work on Historic District properties without an application
Mr. Blodgett provided pictures of a 4' white plastic fence that was installed without approval
at 3 Lewis Street. He said even though the home was built in 1952 and under 70 years of
age the owner is required to have approval from the Commission. Mr. Blodgett forwarded a
draft violation letter he would like to send to the owner informing them of the approval.
The Commission reviewed and suggested minor edits. Ms. Adams suggested adding the
date of the next meeting to the letter. Mr. Blodgett replied it will be on January 14" at 7:00
PM.
The Commission discussed the difficulty on knowing when a property is sold in the District;
and how often the tri-fold brochure should be mailed out to the owners. Mr. Blodgett added
he will approach the Town to seek approval for a spring mailing.
Motion made by Ms. Bornstein, seconded by Mr. Maganzini, the Commission
approves the violation letter for Christopher and Sarah Littlefield at 3 Lewis Street
regarding the fence that was installed without approval. Vote 5-0-0.
Mr. Blodgett provided a picture of two 2x4 boards holding up a roof portico at 194 West
Street. He said the roof has not been repaired and suggested sending a tri-fold brochure to
remind the property owner any repairs or renovations would require HDC approval.
After Mr. Blodgett informed the Commission he would need to concentrate on issues in his
personal life, he asked the Commission for suggestions how the work that he currently does
for the Commission can be split up and said he will train until June 2019. He stressed the
importance of making sure the District stays active.
Mr. Blodgett brought forward his concerns with 186 Summer Avenue. He asked the
Commission if they remember issuing a Certificate"D". He said it was mentioned by Town
Counsel at the last meeting but cannot find it in the files. Ms. Adams suggested looking for
the document at the Registry of Deeds. Mr. Blodgett said he believes Town Counsel
miscounted the number of Certificate(s) that were amended.
Mr. Blodgett discussed the Preservation Agreement. He said the Reading Historical
Commission (RHC) is the responsible party, but the HDC should be allowed to do a site visit.
Ms. Adams discussed the letter Jonathan Barnes from RHC sent to Criterion requesting an
inspection by the RHC and HDC at 186 Summer Avenue. Mr. Blodgett said at the end of the
last meeting, Town Counsel said he would contact the Town Manager regarding the property
but there has not been a response. He stated the property has been cleaned up a little -
trees were trimmed, the lawn mowed and the barn door is shut. Mr. D'Orazio said at the
last meeting, Town Counsel said they would look into what the Town can do about animals
living on the property and the owner having to pay property taxes since the non-profit
organization has not been utilized. The Commission expressed concern the owner is
allowing the Historical building to deteriorate. Ms. Freedman volunteered to contact Julie
Mercier the Community Development Director to request a response from Town Counsel.
The Commission expressed their opinion on the Certificate(s) that was issued for the
property and if they are still valid since it has been two years; and if the building permit
that was originally issued in November 2016 should be considered part of their purview.
Mr. Blodgett said his main concern is the building is not being maintained. Ms. Adams
suggested waiting to see if Criterion responds to the letter. She added Mr. Barnes is willing
to come to a HDC meeting.
Minutes to approve -
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Mr. Blodgett said he is not sure if the Select Board has reviewed the request made by the
Commission to reduce the speed limit on West Street to 25 MPH.
Motion made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Ms. Bornstein, the Commission approve
the October 22, 2018 minutes as amended. Vote 4-0-1.
Mr. Blodgett encouraged the Commission members to draft a letter if they see work that is
done in the District without approval.
Mr. Blodgett said he will continue to issue Certificate(s) of Non-Applicability when work is in
-kind and will email to the Town Hall the Certificate to be stamped by Town Clerk. He
urged the Commission members to work together and help out where possible. Mr.
Maganzini stated Mr. Blodgett can email him with instructions if he thinks of something that
needs to be done.
Motion made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Mr. Maganzini, to adjourn at 8:35. Vote
5-0-0.
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