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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-13 Historic District Commission Minutes Town of Reading VEE $ X Meeting Minutes 0,VyN CLERK ?e T�„� � � Board - Committee - Commission - Council: FGPI jA"F. 13 Historic District Commission Date: 2020-01-13 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Purpose: Meeting Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Everett Blodgett, Chairman; Virginia Adams, Priscilla Poehler, Amelia Freedman, Ilene Bornstein, Greg Maganzini Amelia Freedman, Carl Mittnight and Pino D'Orazio - Alternate Members Members - Not Present: Others Present: Guido Sabatella, Paola Santoro, Miryam Becker, Anita Gottschalk, Robert - - Corwin, Derek Eggleton, Beth Denmark, Peter Denmark, Warren Boinay Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: Mr. Blodgett opened the meeting at 7:00 PM. The Commission members were introduced. 167 Summer Avenue Ms. Beth Denmark the owner of 167 Summer Avenue said she purchased the home in August 2019 and would like to convert the existing 3 season room into a finished mudroom/laundry area. She introduced Derek Eggleton the contractor and said he is available for any questions. Mr. Blodgett said the porch is in the back of the home and there is a slight visibility from the roadway; and he added the proposed interior work is not under the Commissions purview. He explained the difference between a Certificate of Appropriateness and Certificate of Non- Applicability. Ms. Denmark said the siding will be the same as existing, white clapboard. Mr. Engleton informed the Commission he will be using Boral, the material is all natural, non-shiny and does not rot like natural wood. Ms. Adams asked if Boral is a competitor of AZEK. The contractor replied the product is a popular higher-end material and once painted you cannot tell the difference with the wood. Ms. Adams asked how long the paint would last on the material? Mr. Engleton responded 4 to 5 years. Mr. Engleton showed pictures of the existing and discussed the process on enclosing the porch. Page 1 Mr. Blodgett said the trees camouflage the area, from the roadway it is the back right-hand corner. The contractor confirmed clapboard siding, Boral corner boards, a new window and door. Mr. Blodgett pointed out AZEK could warp. The contractor replied the Boral product does not warp; and he added he would like the project to be finished within 6-8 weeks. Mr. Maganzini asked about architectural drawings? The contractor responded he does not have that detailed drawing. Ms. Adams welcomed Ms. Denmark to Reading and assured her the Commission works with Applicants. She opined the project has little impact to the historic structure. Mr. Blodgett explained the Certificate of Appropriateness process and said the Applicant would need to contact the Public Services Department to receive the abutters list. He asked the Commission for their opinion if the project requires a public hearing. Ms. Adams opined the project is insubstantial and a public hearing should not be required. She went through the checklist to make sure the project qualifies for a Certificate of Appropriateness. Mr. Maganzini asked the members if they are comfortable allowing the use of Boral and not requiring wood. The contractor replied he would drop off samples if necessary. Mr. Blodgett said the porch is in the back of the property where there are trees, the product is less rot resistant. Ms. Adams said the Commission discourages artificial materials. Mr. Blodgett commented new material is being created and there is no way of knowing the life expectancy. He talked about replacement windows versus maintaining the original windows. Motion made by Mr. Maganzini, seconded by Ms. Poehier, the HDC to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for 167 Summer Avenue to convert the existing porch to a finished mudroom. The HDC will waive the public hearing, and the Applicant is required to notify the abutters. Vote 5-0-0 146 Summer Avenue Mr. Guido Sabatella the owner of 146 Summer Avenue provided an overview of the proposal: • To build a bridge from the house to outer building - 2-car garage; • The previous owner had a bridge but the connection was removed; and • The railing would be similar to the style of the house for appearance Mr. Sabatella informed the Commission the contractor is Garrick-Santo, the same company he used to install the hot tub. Ms. Miryam Becker from Garrick-Santo provided detail of the proposal: • 9-1/2 span, Victoria style balusters; • The material is high density polyurethane; • The outer building is in the back of the home, off of Glen Road; • The material lasts and is less maintenance; • Not cheap or vinyl; • The whole project is a natural extension of the home; • The design of the railing of the footbridge; • Black details; • Double top railing on the garage; • Space is no more than 4" - specifications are completely to code and safe; • The footbridge is pressure treated lumber; • Three stairs up to the bridge and on to the garage deck; • From the street you won't see the difference between wood and polyurethane; and • There are no final details as of yet Page 2 Mr. Sabatella said the colors will match with the existing home. Ms. Becker said she is working with a structural engineer to assure the garage can stand the extra weight, and is waiting for the final report based on the preliminary designs. Ms. Becker said the material of the Floor is composite wood materials or porcelain pavers and won't be visible from the roadway. Mr. Blodgett explained a portion of the project is visible from the roadway which makes all aspect of the project within the purview of the Commission. He complimented the product but questioned how long it will last. Mr. Blodgett stated that it was not the original garage. Mr. Maganzini asked if spindles were previously on the garage? Mr. Sabatella replied he cannot find any pictures that shows spindles were on the garage, but believes there was but were destroyed. He commented it wouldn't make sense to have a footbridge and not have a deck. Mr. Blodgett pointed out a house on Woburn Street that has something similar to what is being proposed. Ms. Becker confirmed the driveway for the garage is off of Glen Road. Ms. Adams opined the proposed material will look like wood. The Commission is seeing more and more artificial material. Mr. Sabatella commented the material is easier to upkeep but will use wood if preferred. Mr. Maganzini said the material is not shiny or plastic like vinyl. Ms. Adams responded the balusters are massive, only 4" apart. Mr. Blodgett commented the proposed renovations will bring the garage up to character. Ms. Bornstein opined the proposal is an enhancement to the existing home. Mr. D'Orazio asked if the proposal is up to Building Code? Ms. Becker responded she believes it does meet code. Mr. Blodgett commented the Commission reviews the design not to make sure it meets code. Mr. Sabatella confirmed the garage can barely fit two vehicles. Ms. Adams opined the proposal is not impacting the Summer Avenue streetscape. The Commission discussed if a public hearing should be required and went through the checklist. Mr. Maganzini asked about the material and if the Commission is happy allowing this type in the District. Ms. Adams asked about exterior lighting. Mr. Sabatella responded there will be no exterior lighting. Ms. Bornstein requested the material be specified in the application. Motion made by Ms. Bornstein, seconded by Ms. Adams, the HDC to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for 146 Summer Avenue with specifications and materials as proposed. Vote 5-0-0 Motion made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Ms. Bornstein, the HDL require a public hearing for 146 Summer Avenue under Section 7.3.7.4 of the General Bylaw. Vote 5-0-0 The Commission agreed the public hearing to be scheduled for February 5t^. Mr. Blodgett explained the process to the Applicant. 198 Summer Avenue 198 Summer Avenue was not discussed. 133 West Street Page 1 3 Mr. Blodgett said 133 West Street is on the corner of Scotland Road and was built in 1986. Ms. Bornstein responded the house is under 70 years of age. Mr. Blodgett clarified the Commission has to be informed of any work that can be seen from the roadway, but there is a leniency due to the age of the house. Mr. Boinay, the owner of 133 West Street, said he would like to replace seven (7) double pain windows that are not functional or safe; the muntin's are on the inside. Ms. Adams replied the preference is to have the muntin's on the outside of the window. Mr. Blodgett explained if the muntin is located on the outside it would break up a reflection into 6-8 pieces. Mr. Boinay commented there is a fourth window that has already been replaced. Mr. Blodgett referenced Section 7.3.9.1 of the General Bylaw - Exclusions. Motion made by Mr. Maganzini, seconded by Ms. Poehler, the NDC to approve a Certificate of Non-Applicability for installation of 7 windows at 133 West Street Vote 4-0-1 (Adams abstained). Mr. Boinay confirmed he is not the original owner of the property. Minutes: 12/16/2019 Motion made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Ms. Poehler, to approve the December 16, 2019 minutes as amended. Vote 4-0-0. Other • Mr. Blodgett reminded the Commission members to sign the Conflict of Interest and return to the Town Clerk's Office. • Mr. Blodgett forwarded a letter he drafted to the Reading Bylaw Committee and .. requested the Commission members to review and give feedback at the next meeting. • Mr. Blodgett reminded the Commission there is a public hearing for 189 Summer Avenue on January 23'^. • The Commission discussed 186 Summer Avenue: o Mr. D'Orazio said he has learned that Criterion Enrichment never used the Dover Amendment to not to pay taxes to the Town; o Mr. Blodgett said the fence is not secure and a letter should be sent out again; o Mr. Blodgett said the construction fence was not approved by the HDC but is required by the Town; o Mr. D'Orazio brought forward his conservation with Mr. Barnes in regards to the letter about the Preservation Agreement and if the Town should be sending the letter not the HDC; and o Ms. Adams said Mr. Barnes will be in contact with Mark Dupell the Building Commissioner in regards to the permit that was issued Motion made by Ms. Adams, seconded by Ms. Poehler, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45. Vote 5-0-0. Page 1 4