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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-07-22 Historic District Commission Minutesaw.orq a RECEIVED °, Town of Reading TOWN CLERK a= Meeting Minutes READING, MA. Mo. P' 2021 SEP 21 PM 12: 01 Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Historic Distinct Commission Date: 2021-07-22 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Location: Remote Meeting - Zoom Address: Session: Purpose: Meeting Version: Attendees: Members: Plno D'Orazlo, Chair; Amelia Devin -Freedman, Vice Chair; Everett Blodgett, Virginia Adams, Greg Maganzini Members - Not Present: Ilene Bornstein, Priscilla Poehler Others Present: Julie Mercier, Community Development Director, John & Felicia Kennedy, Anthony DiBella 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 the Zoom protocols. He moved Ms. Adams up to full voting member. 159 Summer Avenue John & Felicia Kennedy, and Anthony DiBella of ASD Air Solutions, were present on behalf of the application. Mr. DiBella explained that there are two HVAC systems with two condenser units being installed on the side of the house. The house Is at the comer of Summer Avenue and King Street. Mr. D'Orazio screen shared the application and photos of the house, with views towards Summer Avenue, views looking towards the backyard, and views towards King Street. Mr. Kennedy noted that the units will go towards the rear of the right side of the house but before the screened in porch. They are proposing to locate them on the King Street side of the house. He noted that there are shrubs and a big maple tree, as well as a stone wall that will help screen the units from the public way. Ms. Adams noted that she drove by the house and was surprised at the visibility from both streets. She said it is highly visible and asked If the applicants could put the condensers and conduits on the other side of the house, which would be far less visible. Ms. Kennedy opined that there might not be much room on the other side because of the driveway, and the fact that the house curves out a bit on that side. Mr. Kennedy noted that putting it behind, by the screened in fence, is not appealing due to appearance and sound. Mr. Maganzini inquired whether screening would be an option. Mr. D'Orazio suggested a fence or shrubs. Mr. DiBella agreed that operationally those options should work. n� Rq0 Town of Reading .;�Meeting Minutes Mr. Blodgett asked for any fence to be louvered with vertical sideways slats so air can get out. He noted that bushes would offer very good coverage but would need trimming. He suggested conifer -like shrubs that keep leaves during the winter, so the units are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. He noted that the driveway is on the south side, so putting the units there will make them less efficient. Mr. DiBella noted that the driveway side of the house is wider, so the units would be visible for longer as you drive by. He stated that the vantage point from the other side is lesser. Ms. Adams agreed that shrubs or fencing would be good. She expressed her preference that they be inconspicuous. She asked about the conduits - will they be straight or angled, and will they be the same color as the house? Mr. DiBella clarified that there will be one white conduit, about 15 feet long. Mr. D'Orazio screen shared the New Technology Policy that the Commission is working on, which has guidelines for this type of application. He noted that the conduit should match the house. Ms. Kennedy noted that their house has white wood shingles. Mr. Kennedy expressed willingness to take out the Flower bed and put shrubs around the condensers. He noted that other homes on Summer Avenue have painted condensers and asked if that would be an option. Ms. Devin Freedman thanked the Kennedys for coming before the Commission. She noted that not everyone does, and that it is hard to know if the painted condensers were approved. Ms. Kennedy explained that many homes along Summer Avenue have mini -spits and condensers that are visible from the public way. Ms. Devin Freedman noted that a letter is about to be mailed to all owners within the Historic Districts with an explanation of jurisdiction and guidelines. She noted that since HVAC units do not need a building permit, the Commission's review is not guaranteed unless a homeowner comes forward. Mr. Blodgett explained that review of these units Is new to the Commission as well. Mr. Blodgett asked about the location of other utilities and wiring on the house. Ms. Mercler clarined that min[ -splits and HVAC units do require an electrical permit, which will trigger HDC review and approval first. Mr. D'Orazio explained to the Kennedys that a fence requires HDC approval while shrubs do not. Mr. Kennedy expressed preference to put in shrubs. Ms. Kennedy asked about painting the units, but Mr. DiBella said painting them could compromise the warranty. Ms. Devin Freedman asked about the height of the condensers. Mr. DiBella said 26 inches. Mr. Blodgett noted that certain shrubs require regular maintenance. He noted that the Commission has no control over greenery, they can just require them because of the condenser, but not specify height or location really. There should be a balance between protecting the condensers and screening the view from the street. Mr. DiBella asked if there are additional things they should be considering. He noted that there will be venting as well. He explained that it would be 2-3" white PVC on side of house, low near the foundation, which will T off and needs to be kept clear. Town of Reading '? 's Meeting Minutes Mr. D'Orazio moves to approve the application for two condenser units at 159 Summer Avenue, with condition that the Applicants install shrubbery that adequately screens the units from the public way, and that the conduits match the house. Mr. Blodgett seconded. ADF, VA, GM, EB, PD In favor. Ms. Devin Freedman explained the next steps in the process. She noted that the Commission can decide whether to have a public hearing or waive It. She opined that since the units will be shielded, she believes the units will have an insignificant Impact on the District. Ms. Devin Freedman moved to waive the public hearing. Mr. Maganzini seconded. ADF, VA, GM, EB, PD in favor of waiving the hearing. Ms. Devin Freedman noted that a letter still gets sent to abutters. She explained the envelope process to the Kennedys. After 10 days, with no complaints from abutters, Ms. Devin Freedman will write the Certificate of Appropriateness. New Business Ms. Adams asked about the West Street application for the already -Installed mini split. They agreed to put it on their next agenda. Ms. Adams noted that the Building Inspector can impose a penalty. Ms. Devin Freedman noted that Ms. Saunders will start taking minutes for them again. Ms. Adams noted that she dropped off documents at Town Hall for 186 Summer Avenue. Ms. Mercier noted that she also got some from Mr. Blodgett and Mr. D'Orazio. Mr. Blodgett noted the General Bylaw requirement for upkeep of landscaping, under the Vacant Properties Bylaw. Minutes of 6/9/21 were reviewed and amended Ms. Devin Freedman made a motion that the minutes of 6/9/21 be approved as amended. Mr. Maganzini seconded. EB, ADF, GM, VA & PD in favor. Adfournment Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8.06 PM. The motion was seconded by Ms. Adams and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. Documents Reviewed at the Meeting: o 159 Summer Avenue Application o Policy on New Technology