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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-21 Historic District Commission Minutes 0 Town of Reading RECEIVED Meeting Minutes READING,TOWN CLERK Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2021 JUN 10 AM 8 27 Historic District Commission Date: 2021-04-21 Time: 700 PM Building: Location: Remote Meeting - Zoom Address: Session: Purpose: Meeting Version: Attendees: Members: Pino D'Orazio, Chair; Amelia Devin-Freedman, Vice Chair; Everett Blodgett, Virginia Adams, Carl Mittnight Members - Not Present: Greg Maganzini, Ilene Bornstein Others Present: Julie Mercier, Community Development Director, Amy Karcz, Geoff Freeman, Jerry Lamb, Robert Corwin Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Julie Mercier Topics of Discussion: MEETING HELD REMOTELY VIA ZOOM Chair D'Orazio called to order at 7:OOPM and went through Zoom protocols. The rest of the Commission members introduced themselves. Mr. D'Orazio elevated Ms. Adams and Mr. Mittnight to voting status. 196 West Street Amy Karcz was present on behalf of the application. Ms. Karcz explained that she would like to do a roof replacement and fascia repair of rotted areas along the driveway side of the house. Fascia is the curved roof molding, which is decorative. She is proposing pewterwood Certainteed Landmark Series architectural shingles for the roof, and in-kind molding that will be flat instead of tiered. Chair D'Orazio screen shared the application, a street view of the house, and the roofing color catalogue. Ms. Karcz explained the shingle color in more detail. Mr. Blodgett noted that the Commission does not have jurisdiction over roof color, though it is nice information to have. He mentioned a prior process of allowing In-kind replacement that was easier for applicants. Ms. Adams noted that for the fascia repair, wood is encouraged versus artificial materials. She noted that gutters are not in the Commission's purview. Ms. Kara stated that the repair of the rotted fascia will be with wood, and that gutters will likely be contemplated in the future. She noted that she would use a flat fascia which would enable them to install gutters later. 1 °\ Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Mr. Blodgett noted that the existing fascia molding would be hard to attach gutters to, but that making it Flat would be a change to a historic aspect of the house. Ms. Karcz noted that they can replace it with shaped molding instead of Flat, if that's easier and desired by the Commission. Mr. Blodgett suggested alternatives for replacement and noted that the Commission does not have jurisdiction over the back of the house. He suggested she could replace it as best as possible in the visible areas. Ms. Adams inquired about the age of the house. Ms. Karcz replied that it was constructed in 1924; Mr. Blodgett confirmed that a 97-year old house falls within their jurisdiction. There were no other comments. Mr. Blodgett moved that the Commission approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the in-kind roof replacement with the repair of the fascia, noting that some adjustments may be needed to the fascia and molding (moving some from the back of the house to the front) to make attachment and repair easier. Mr. D'Orazio seconded the motion. The Commission voted 5-0-0. The Commission discussed drafting the Certificate of Appropriateness, which should be ready in a couple of days. Once the Building Division has it, the Building Permit will be issued. 129 West Street Geoff Freeman was present for the application. Mr. Freeman explained that he has lived in Town for 7 years and would like to replace the fence on the perimeter of his property along West Street and Oak Street, which has fallen into disrepair. He intends to replace it with a similar 4'tall cedar fence, but it will have a slightly different style from what is there now. He would like a Flat-topped fence versus the existing scalloped-topped fence. Mr. D'Orazio screen shared an image of the proposed fence. Ms. Adams thanked the applicant for proposing wood instead of vinyl. Mr. Freeman noted that he was able to find a cost-effective wood fence, which he was happy about. Mr. Blodgett asked for clarification on the height of the existing fence. Mr. Freeman clarified that it is between T-4' due to the scalloping. Mr. D'Orazio asked the length of the fence. Mr. Freeman said it is a lot, the whole street frontage of the property. Mr. Blodgett suggested the Commission view this as an in-kind replacement to make the process easier. Mr. Freeman said that it is in-kind but nicer. The Commission agreed. Mr. D'Orazio moved that the Commission approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for an in-kind cedar fence at 129 West Street. Ms. Devin Freedman seconded. The Commission voted 5-0-0. Mr. Freeman asked a couple of follow-up questions about the Commission's jurisdiction. He noted that his roof may need replacing soon. Ms. Adams and Mr. Blodgett stated that 2 orv��� Town of Reading yl Meeting Minutes .J ,.�,.; P9X(OPPON� anything visible from any public way is within their jurisdiction. Mr. D'Orazio clarified that some things can be done without approval, but letting the Commission know gives them the opportunity to review if needed, and the Commission will issue a Certificate of Non- Applicability. Non-vegetative landscaping is under their jurisdiction; paint color is not, but notification and a Certificate of Non-Applicability would be in order. Mr. D'Orazio alerted Mr. Freeman to the guidelines. 186 Summer Avenue - Ongoina Discussion Ms. Devin Freedman recapped the conversation the Reading Historical Commission (RHC) had with Dr. Littleton of Criterion in the fall. At that time, Dr. Littleton asked for patience for 90 days while they re-bid the project due to complications due to COVID. Ms. Devin Freedman noted that it's been more than 90 days at this point. During the RHC meeting, Mr. Barnes noted that the Commission's Certificate of Appropriateness expires in June 2021, which is 2 years from the date of first issuance of the Building Permit, and is a drop-dead date for completion of the work. He suggested that the RHC seek input from Town Counsel about what the options are when the Certificate expires. Mr. Barnes would like to have Dr. Littleton attend a meeting in order to smooth out any communication issues. Ms. Devin Freedman noted that she has drafted a letter requesting Dr. Littleton attend a joint meeting of the RHC and HDC to discuss. She screen-shared the letter. Ms. Devin Freedman noted that COVID is a 'good cause' to request an extension, and asked if anyone knows the typical length of an extension, and whether an extension needs to be requested before the Certificate expires. Mr. D'Orazio asked whether not allowing an extension would just bring everything back to square one and perpetuate the situation of nothing happening on the property. Mr. Blodgett opined that the applicant has not been operating in good faith or shown 'good cause.' Ms. Mercier explained that typically requests for extensions need to be made before a permit expires, but that the COVID State of Emergency has suspended a number of timeframes and deadlines, and so the `drop dead' date may not actually be imminent. She noted that Town Counsel could be looped in to clarify this, and to let the Commission know what their options are in terms of granting extensions, enforcing the terms of the Preservation Restriction Agreement, what could happen if the Certificate lapses, and whether there is anything that can be done at the State level. Mr. Jerry Lamb asked about the 2019 Building Permit, and noted that the fence has been up around the property for at least five years. Mr. Blodgett clarified that the Building Permit is what starts the clock on the Certificate and 2-year timeframe, and that a Building Permit was applied for in 2019. Ms. Mercier mentioned some memories of a joint RHC/HDC meeting in January 2016 to finalize the Preservation Restriction Agreement and Certificates for this property. She agreed to help the Commission compile a chronology of events for Town Counsel. Robert Corwin of 199 Summer Avenue, across the street from the property, chimed in and stated that he thinks it is time that the Commission apply some pressure to the situation. He opined that Criterion is doing nothing and expecting the Town to do nothing. He commented that this is the 3rd time Criterion has said they would be starting the work, and that they never follow through on it. He noted that no one seems to want to take responsibility for the situation and asked how to get someone to take charge. Nobody has a clear understanding of who has authority. Mr. D'Orazio noted that leverage is limited without going to court, and noted that the Commission cannot start suing people. He did mention that as signatories to the 3 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Preservation Agreement, if they are not complying with it, there are certain things that can be done and ways that it can be enforced. Mr. Corwin noted that the Select Board has had no problem spending money on the Daniel's House situation, but that his neighborhood gets nothing to deal with this problem. He asked why that situation warrants Town money but this one doesn't. Ms. Devin Freedman asked Mr. Corwin if he reached out to the Building Commissioner about the fence at Summer Avenue. Mr. Corwin responded that he has not yet. Ms. Devin Freedman stated that many entities have some authority, and figuring out how to coordinate and bring it to bear on Criterion is the question for Town Meeting. She noted that she would summarize the issues for Ms. Mercier, in order for Ms. Mercier to get Town Counsel involved. Mr. D'Orazio agreed to help put together a chronology of the project and send it to Ms. Mercier. Mr. Blodgett mentioned that there must be something at the State level that allows Dr. Littleton to get away with doing nothing. He noted a number of issues with the building that are not being addressed. Mr. Corwin noted that someone at Mass Historical Commission (MHC) was very helpful to the Commission in the creation of the Summer Avenue Historic District. Mr. Blodgett noted that it was Chris Skelly, but that he really didn't want to get involved with this specific property. The Commission discussed what they want. They want to compel Dr. Littleton to do what he said he would do. They pondered what effect the Dover Amendment has, and noted that the Preservation Restriction Agreement runs with the land. 187 West Street - Continued Discussion from 3/31/21 Tom Prendergast was present on behalf of the application. Mr. D'Orazio recapped that the application is for installation of a television and awnings on the side of house, visible from West Street. He noted that Mr. Prendergast did make some changes to the proposal since the last discussion. He asked Mr. Prendergast to go through the changes. Mr. Prendergast noted that he reviewed other potential locations for the TV, and discussed options with his Installer. He noted that the corner doesn't really work due to a crank window and regular window. He also looked at the other corner, and the potential to install it at eye-level, but there is a sconce light in the way which would have to be removed. The installer did not think it was a viable location because people could easily bump into it. He also looked at whether he could build a special apparatus for the TV. He noted that the awning would extend about 7-8' off the deck, which would completely cover the TV. He said he is amenable to a condition requiring the awning to be extended whenever the TV is on. He noted that the TV will also be covered when not in use. Mr. Mittnight asked for clarification on the cover. Mr. Prendergast reiterated that the cover is for the TV. Ms. Adams noted that the deck is elevated by a couple of feet. She said she went through the guidelines several times and cannot find justification for a TV that is visible from the street. She noted the criteria regarding review of the relationship between this proposal and 4 Town of Reading ? ;ee Meeting Minutes the harmony and character of the streetscape. She said she cannot see how this fits Into the Historic District. Ms. Devin Freedman agreed with Ms. Adams. Mr. Blodgett noted that awnings are not really meant to be used this way, and is not sure that this awning meets typical requirements or is historically appropriate. Ms. Mercier clarified that a building permit Is required before an awning is installed. Mr. D'Orazio read through the application. He noted that the Commission probably needs to take an up or down vote on whether to approve it. Mr. Blodgett suggested that the TV could be located at the back of the house, between the house and the other structure. Mr. Prendergast noted that It's a driveway and would not work for his proposal. Mr. D'Orazio noted some comments from Mr. Maganzinl, who was not able to participate. He noted that Mr. Maganzini does not think the TV will be that visible, and will require people to crane their necks to actually see. Mr. Prendergast pointed out that many people have TVs inside visible through their bay windows. Mr. D'Orazio said he is willing to entertain a middle-ground solution where the awning is down when the TV is on. Ms. Devin Freedman disagreed and noted that if the awning does not have sides, the TV will be visible from certain points of view. Mr. Prendergast disputed Ms. Devin Freedman's statement. He does not believe the TV will be visible when the awning is down. Mr. D'Orazlo asked if the applicant has explored getting an awning with sides. Mr. Prendergast said there is a piece that can be attached, but that the installer did not think it would work or make a difference. Ms. Adams asked for Mr. D'Orazlo to clarify for the applicant who the voting members are. Mr. Prendergast clarified that if the TV is not approved, he still wants the awning, but If the awning is not approved, he will not get the TV. Mr. Blodgett noted that there are two separate things going on. He said he thinks if the awning were approved and put up, it might then be easier for the Commission to understand what it will or won't cover. Mr. Prendergast agreed that the application should be separated Into two parts: (1) awning, and (2) TV. Mr. D'Orazio moved that the Commission approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the awning at 187 West Street. Mr. Blodgett seconded. Ms. Devin Freedman asked for details on the awning size. Mr. Prendergast provided them. He noted that if the TV is not approved, then he would mount the awning right above the deck doors. Ms. Adams went through the steps for a vote. VOTE on Awning: 4-1-0 5 4"°1 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Will the Commission waive the public hearing?The standard is whether this is insubstantial to the District. Ms. Adams believes this is a substantial change to the District, given the visibility of it from the street. Mr. D'Orazio agreed. Mr. D'Orazio moved that the Commission hold a public hearing for the awning. Ms. Adams seconded. The Commission voted 5-0-0. Abutters Letter will be sent providing notification of Certificate and public hearing. Mr. Prendergast agreed to extend the 45-day timeframe for the application. The Commission agreed to schedule a public hearing for Thursday, May 13th. Mr. D'Orazio moved that the Commission approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for a TV installed on the exterior wall at 187 West Street. Mr. Blodgett seconded. The Commission voted 1-4-0. Motion did not pass. Ms. Adams commented that this was a difficult decision for the Commission and something they had never dealt with before. She wished the applicant well and hoped that he is able to figure out a solution that will work. Mr. D'Orazio offered that the applicant can come back with alternatives if desired. Mr. Prendergast inquired about the `temporary' comment made by Ms. Devin Freedman, and asked if the Commission would be ok with it only in spring and summer. Ms. Devin Freedman clarified that the guidelines discuss'permanent change' versus something that is not up all year. Mr. Prendergast asked for clarification of the guidelines. Ms. Devin Freedman and Ms. Adams attempted to clarify. New Business Mr. Blodgett mentioned that he got the mail and asked if anyone would like to have it. Mr. Blodgett explained the past process for in-kind approval by the Chair. Mr. D'Orazio and Ms. Devin Freedman agreed they would like to continue reviewing things with the full Commission until they are more seasoned in their roles as Chair and Vice Chair. Ms. Adams noted that Harvey window has stopped fabricating a historic window that many historic districts had come to rely on. Ms. Adams noted she sent out a draft proposal for how.the HDC can handle new technology, such as exterior conduits for heating systems, etc. She would like the Commission to be more proactive and prepared for the future. Minutes No minutes were reviewed. Adiournment Mr. Mittnight made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:10 PM. The motion was seconded by Ms. Devin Freedman and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. 6 Town of Reading r' Meeting Minutes Documents Reviewed at the Meeting: 0 196 West Street Application 0 129 West Street Application 0 187 West Street Application 0 186 Summer Avenue Preservation Restriction Agreement 7