HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-12 Historic District Commission Minutes Town of Reading _r O,E f V. E D
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Board - Committee - commission - Council: 2021 JAN 13 AM 8: 54
Historic District Commission
Date: 2020-05-11 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Location:
Address: Session:
Purpose: Public Hearing Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
EEverett Blodgett
Virginia Adams
Ilene Bornstein
Pino D'Orazio
Amelia Freedman
Carl Mittnight
Members - Not Present:
Greg Maganzini, Priscilla Poehler
Others Present:
Julie Mercier - Community Development Director, Ann Goodwin, David
Goodwin, Michael Yeomelakis, Noelle Yeomelakis, Robert Corwin
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders
Topics of Discussion:
Mr. Blodgett called the meeting to order at 7:09 PM
Mrs. Mercier explained that the meeting was being held remotely and went overthe protocol forthe
meeting.
Mr. Blodgett appointed Ms. Freedman and Mr. D'Orazio as active voting members for this meeting.
150 West Street
Mr. and Ms. Yeomelakis explained that they were looking to add a second-floor addition consisting of
one bedroom and bathroom.
Ms.Adams stated she went out to view the property and if the addition was added to the rear of the
house,then there would be very little visibility from the street.She asked the applicants to clarify where
the addition in the back would be and the applicants explained where.The applicants also stated that
they were willing to work to match the look of the neighborhood but did not want to have plans drawn
up to Hind out that they could not use them.
Ms. Bornstein asked if the rear of the house would be visible. Mr. Blodgett state you would be able to
see the side of the house and the window placement maybe a concern.
Mr. D'Orazio asked which street the front of the house faced.The applicants stated West Street but you
can also see the side of the house.
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Ms. Freedman asked if the house was visible from Howard Street. Mr. Blodgett stated that it is not
overly visible from Howard Street and the applicants agreed.
Mr. Mittnight had no additional questions.
Mr. Blodgett stated he did not see anything wrong with putting an addition on and he was not sure if
they should issue a certificate before or after they get plans.The biggest concern would be the windows.
Ms.Adams expressed concerned about making a decision without seeing the plans.
Ms. Bornstein agreed with Ms.Adams about getting the plans before issuing a certificate.
189 Summer Ave
Mr. Blodgett stated that the applicants were asking for changes to the windows from a previous
certificate.
Mr.Godwin stated which windows they were looking to modify the windows to match and make the
rest of the home consistent. Ms.Godwin stated that the original size of the three windows were smaller
and higher,which blocked a lot of light from entering the kitchen.
Ms.Adams believed that it was a good modification and thought that the new certificate could be an
addendum to the original and asked. Ms. Mercier stated that the certificate could be done as an
addendum or amendment would be a good way to do it.
Ms. Bornstein had no comment.
Mr. D'Orazio had no questions.
Ms. Freedman had no questions
Mr. Mittnight had no questions.
Mr. Blodgett stated it was fine by him and agreed about the window lighting.
Vote 5-0-0.
Motion made by Ms.Adams,seconded Mr. Blodgett to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness to 189 Summer
Avenue for the kitchen and addition behind the house.
Mr. Blodgett mentioned an issue about hearing some repairs to the porch,which previously had a
certificate for repairs.
Ms.Godwin explained that there had been repairs done over the years and that there were issues with
some rotting.Originally,she thought that they would be doing work to the kitchen and were going to do
the porch as well but she was unhappy with some of the plans and put the project on hold, not realizing
that there was an expiration date on the original certificate.
Mr. Mittnight asked if the balusters and railings needed replacement and Mr. Blodgett stated no.
Motion made by Ms.Bornstein,seconded by Mr. Blodgett, to adioum the meeting. Vote 5-0-0.
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