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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-05 Historic District Commission Minutes Town of Reading i"L�v(vwEL) WN rLEFK X Meeting Minutes TOVA. I^'. . ILK a�'+rao Board - committee - commission - council: 2621 . a11 I� AM 8� 54 Historic District Commission Date: 2020-02-05 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Purpose: Public Hearing Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Everett Blodgett, Chairman; Virginia Adams, Ilene Bornstein Members - Not Present: Greg Maganzini, Priscilla Poehler Alternate members - Carl Mittnight, Pino D'Orazio and Amelia Freedman Others Present: Min Becker, Anita Gottschalk, Paola Santoro, Guido Sabatella, Bob Biggio, Patrick Cloney Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: Mr. Blodgett opened the public hearing for 146 Summer Avenue at 7:03 PM. 146 Summer Avenue.Public Hearing Guido Sabatella, Paola Santoro, Miri Becker and Anita Gottschalk attended the public hearing. Motion made by Ms.Adams,seconded by Ms. Bornstein,to dispense of the reading of the public hearing notice. Vote 3-0-0. Mr. Blodgett said the Applicant presented the proposed project at the last meeting. Ms. Becker said since the last meeting,there is no further information; and said she has brought materials,samples and photographs if the Commission would like to review. Mr. Blodgett provided a "fun"fact and said the same balusters are in the"Little Women' movie and can be seen on the homes in Plymouth, MA. Ms.Adams opined there is a large amount of artificial material being used but to her satisfaction and acceptance it is not proposed for the historic home. Mr. Blodgett brought up how new materials can cause toxins. Ms.Adams complimented the presentation made at the last meeting. Mr. Blodgett opened the meeting to public and closed with no comment. Page 1 1 Motion mode by Ms. Bornstein, seconded by Ms.Adams, to approve the plans submitted for 146 Summer Avenue as presented and authorize a Certificate of Appropriateness. Vote 3-0-0. 136 West Street Lot l—General Meeting Joshua Latham, Robert Biggio and Patrick Cloney were available for the meeting Mr. Blodgett said Attorney Joshua Latham,on behalf of the Applicant of 116 West Street,emailed him for clarification on the fence and gate in the front of the property; and explained as part of the construction of Lot 1 the gate and fence needs to be removed. He said because the previous approved minutes did not state the removal of the gate and fence is part of the approval he requested the Applicant to come in and discuss. Mr. Biggio responded a piece of the wall needs to be removed because it is in the right-of-way. Mr. Blodgett added the Commission gave approval for the right-of-way. Mr. Latham passed out pictures to help clarify the request. Mr. Blodgett said the gate of the driveway stops in the right-of-way and not on the second Lot. Mr. Latham provided a brief overview: • A public hearing was held in December to build a new house on Lot 1 with a shared driveway; • Implication to take down fence and part of the wall-1982 cinder block; • The Commission would not have been prompted by the Building Department to approve since a building or demolition permit is not required; • The fence and part of the wall is located where the shared driveway will be constructed; and • The driveway qualifies for a structure under the Zoning Bylaw Ms.Adams asked about the curve offence on the right-hand side of the property and if it will stay? Mr. Biggio replied that part will remain for now. Ms.Adams asked for point of clarification and if the Certificate will need to be amended? Mr. Latham replied an amendment to the Certificate i., not required. Mr. Blodgett added the confirmation will be in the minutes. Mr. Blodgett said fences do fall under the jurisdiction of the Commission; and the right-hand side of the fence is for the original home. Mr. Biggio clarified everything to the left side of the driveway need to be removed to widen the driveway;and said he will come back if anything changes on the right side. Ms.Adams asked about the Lot lines between the historic home and Lot 1 and where they are in relation to the driveway. Mr. Cloney replied the site plan will help explain the Lot lines. Mr. Biggio pointed out the Lot lines and right-of-way,and said Lot 1 has no frontage on West Street. Mr. Blodgett asked the Commission if the gate has any significance to the new or old property? Ms. Adams said the structure was built in 1982 and is not a historic feature. The Commission briefly talked about the history of the house and who visited the property in the past. Mr. Bornstein asked about the stonewall inside the driveway and said it is visible from the street. Mr. Blodgett said the stonewall was not discussed previously; and he added the Commission has jurisdiction over a stonewall but not ground level features. Ms. Bornstein opined stonewalls are unique. Mr. Page 1 2 Blodgett replied most stonewalls are not original.The Commission continued vetting if the Commission should allow the stonewall to be removed. Mr.Cloney clarified the wall is not one continuance wall. Mr. Biggio affirmed a vehicle can fit in between the two walls,and said approximately 4'of the wall will be removed. Mr. Latham said the AFC Guidelines favors no fences and obstruction on the street; and the removal of the structures will improve visibility to the historic home. Mr. Biggio added the width of the driveway is a requirement from the Fire Department. After the discussion,the Commission agreed the area that is shown within the right-of-way is approved to be removed. Mr. Latham and the Commission determined a vote is not required. 115 West Street.HVAC Unit Mr. Blodgett presented the Application for 115 West Street to install a HVAC Unit, Mr. Blodgett explained the location of the unit will be in the back by the garage and will not be seen from the road. Ms.Adams said the unit does not impact the streetscape. The Commission agreed the Application can be changed to a Certificate of Non-Applicability. Motion made by Ms.Adams,seconded by Ms.Bornstein, to accept the Application to install an air handler,change the Application to a Certificate of Non-Applicability and give permission to the Chair to issue a Certificate. Vote 3-0-0. Minutes:01/13/2020 and 01/23/2020 The minutes were not discussed. Ms.Adams requested the Commission to review the changes to the application,that were made by Town staff,at the next meeting. The Commission discussed emails received from Town staff and requested: • The subject line in an email to change to match the request that is written in the body;and • To make sure the email group has all members Motion made by Ms. Bornstein,seconded by Ms.Adams,to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 PM. Vote 3-0- 0. Page 1 3