HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-12-11 Historic District Commission r
Town of Reading
a Meeting Minutes v
C L E itpK
Board - committee - commission - Council: L(G
Al DLL 23 PM 1: 49
Historic District Commission
Date: 2019-12-11 Time: 7 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session:
Purpose: joint meeting with RHC Version:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Everett Blodgett, Chair; Virginia Adams, Priscilla Poehler, Ilene Bornstein,
Carl Mittnight, Amelia Freedman, Pino D'Orazio
Members - Not Present:
Greg Maganzini
Others Present:
Kathy Greenfield, Robert Corwin, Jerry Lamb
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Virginia Blodgett
Topics of Discussion:
Mr. Blodgett called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
186 Summer Avenue
The discussion concerned various issues concerning the property, including the fence, lack
of work being done, and concern about the deterioration of the buildings.
It was explained that the Building Commissioner sent a letter to Criterion about the fence
and about expired permits and contractor's licenses.
Mr. Blodgett said he had a conversation with the Building Commissioner and Jean Delios.
Criterion responded to this letter stating that they had repaired the fence and that they
have a new contractor and have reapplied for their building permit.
There was discussion of the Preservation Restriction that is in place on the property which
includes protecting the integrity of the buildings.
Mr. Barnes said the Building Commissioner recommended revisiting the situation after the
first of the year.
Ms. Adams asked if services were still in place (heat/electricity/water, etc.)
There was discussion that Criterion should be paying taxes since the building is not being
used for educational purposes and that the building is not being maintained. Therefore, it
was decided that separate letters from the HDC and RHC should be sent to Criterion and to
the Assessor's Office.
Ms. Greenfield asked the HDC and the RHC to enforce the Preservation Restriction. She also
stated that the General Bylaw allows for inspection of vacant buildings by Police, Fire,
Building, and various other departments.
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Mr. Corwin said that Criterion had found a new facility to replace their Woburn facility. That
the reason given for this project from the beginning was to provide a replacement for the
Woburn location. He also questioned the rules regarding the fence.
Ms. Bornstein also asked if the building was properly insured.
Motion made by Ms. Poehier, seconded by Ms. Adams, to adjourn the meeting at
8:06 PM. Vote 5-0-0.
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