HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-12 Historical Commission Minutes r Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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Historical Commission
Date: 2/12/2020 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
Sharlene Reynolds Santos (Member)- SRS
Jack Williams (Treasurer)- JW
Ron Weston (Member)- RW
Pino D'Orazio (Associate) -PD
Members Not Present
Amelia Freedman (Associate) -AF
Others in Attendance
Scott Wolf (Schoolhouse Condominiums)- SW
Bob Smith (Schoolhouse Condominiums)-BS
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Samantha Couture
Topics of Discussion
Schoolhouse Condominiums
SW had attended a previous RHC meeting to discuss RHC questions regarding HVAC and
other equipment recently installed on the roof. Following that meeting, SW consulted with
his architect about potential screening options to be presented at this meeting. SW
presented a sample and renderings of decorative screening to camouflage the rooftop HVAC
equipment, as requested by the RHC.
Discussion about the appropriateness of the proposed design followed. Several members did
not think the design was appropriate to the style of the building. Painting the equipment
was considered, but would require extra maintenance and likely void warranties. There was
a general consensus that the RHC would agree to no screening on the roof.
Motion by JEB, seconded by SC
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"Upon review by the options presented by Scott Wolf, contractor for Schoolhouse
Condominiums, the RHC prefers not to install any decorative screening in front of the
rooftop HVAC equipment. The RHC requires no further work on the roofline.
Vote:in Favor: 5-0
Utility Box Art Project
JEB reported on the project. Franklin Marval (artist of the utility box vinyl wraps artwork) is
willing to meet with the RHC if desired. Both JEB and Andrew MacNichol (AM) attended a
recent Town DRT meeting to present and discuss the RHC and the Community Development
Department proposed plans for utility box artwork programs. AM looking to kick off the
Community Development Department's "Artbox" artist-painted utility box project in March,
painting through the summer. Bob LaLacheur attended the DRT meeting, and told JEB that
there may be some funds available for RHC to consider being able to sponsor more than one
vinyl wrap utility box.
There was further discussion about how many boxes RHC would like to do, where we would
like ours located, and how to coordinate with AM's Artbox project. There was agreement
that the RHC boxes should be in historic parts of town and in places where it is convenient
to get to. SC volunteered to be on AM's Artbox selection committee and coordinate with AM.
JW will walk the town and recommend 3-5 utility boxes that would be appropriate for the
RHC. JEB will contact the town manager about our plans.
186 Summer Avenue
The commission reviewed a draft letter prepared by JEB to the property owner, asking to
set up a site inspection per the Preservation Restriction Agreement. JW suggested edits to
JEB's draft letter, to talk about the building envelope and requesting an inspection of the
exterior. JEB will revise the letter and send it to the property owner.
20-24 Gould Street
The group discussed the various proposed designs for the exhibition space/community room
that had been submitted to RHC by the developer's design team. It was agreed that the
RHC prefers a conference table, 3-d, and 2-d exhibits in the room. JW will report to David
Traggorth and continue to work on the design with Traggorth's design team.
79-81 Salem Street no news
Postmark Square no news
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27 Hillcrest Road
JEB sent the final Form B for review by the RHC. He will work on a Form B for 832 Main
Street and schedule a hearing for March or April.
RHC Archives Preservation Assessment
VA reported on the latest meeting with the RPL, Town Clerk, and Antiquarian Society. VA
and SC will suggest some dates for getting into the archive on Saturdays.
Finances
Amanda will deposit donations from the family of Reading resident Ruth (Batchelder)
Converse, who asked people to donate to the RHC on her passing. One hundred and twenty
five dollars will go into the RHC donations fund.
New Business
RW explained the process that helped him trace an 1840 Weston to a house on Summer
Ave. He wrote up his findings and shared them with the RHC.
VA-New Residents open house is April 7th. JEB will look for brochures about the RNC to
print and distribute at the event.
VA shared a restoring old houses article from the Boston Globe and suggested the RHC
purchase a copy of"Restoring Your Historic House" by Scott Hanson.
VA is compiling a document describing clues for dating items in Reading photos.
RW shared a Boston Globe article about saving an 18th century barn, to be moved into a
ship building museum in Essex.
SC asked for help posting and getting out the agenda- SRS will take over those duties.
Review November meeting minutes
Motion by JEB , seconded by JW
"Accept the minutes of 11/13/2019 as amended."
Vote: 5-0 in favor.
Review December meeting minutes
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Motion by JEB , seconded by JW
"Accept the minutes of 12/11/2019 as amended."
Vote: 5-0 in favor.
Next Meeting will be March 11th at 7pm.
Motion to adjourn by RW seconded by JW
Vote: 5-0 in favor.
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