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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-14 Historic District Commission Minutesor Town of Reading REC51VV-D Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK READING, MA. Rh. aoard - committee - commission - council: 2021 OCT 28 AM 8:39 Historic District Commission Date: 2021-10-14 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Town Hall Location: Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Purpose: Meeting Version: Attendees: Members: Pino D'Orazio, Chair; Amelia Devin -Freedman, Vice Chair; Everett Blodgett, Greg Maganzini, Ilene Bornstein; Associate Members: Virginia Adams, Carl Mittnight Members - Not Present: Associate Member - Priscilla Poehler Others Present: Robert Corwin, Jerry & Nancy Lamb, Jeremy Wahlman- Krogh, David Kay, Arthur Cabone Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: Chair D'Orazio called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM 246 West Street. Mini Split Mr. D'Orazio summarized the recent conversation he had with Ms. Joan Kennedy, owner of 246 West Street. She was not aware the commission would have to approve the installation of a mini -split. The "Application for Certificate" was received after the electrical contractor submitted an electrical permit application, but the work was already completed. Ms. Kennedy is not available to attend the meeting but is available by phone if necessary. Mr. D'Orazio said at the last meeting pictures were presented which showed the conduit. He recommended sending a letter to Ms. Kennedy. The letter will state that the conduit is to remain the same color as the house. Ms. Adams requested language be added that the owner should have known approval was required. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness, for the mini -split installation at 246 West Street with a condition that the applicant will maintain the conduit color in the future. The Certificate is after -the -fact. Ms. Bornstein seconded. Vote: 5-0-0 186 Summer Avenue Mr. D'Orazio reminded the commission there is a site visit scheduled at 186 Summer Avenue on October 19, 2021. The Building Commissioner and Community Development Director will be attending. The commission and abutters expressed concerned about the maintenance and current appearance of the property. The commission agreed if the temporary construction fence cannot be completely removed they would like the fence be fixed and moved closer to the dwelling so it wouldn't be so prominent from the roadway. Design Guidelines, Public Hearing Mr. D'Orazio opened the public hearing at 7:32 and read the legal notice for the Design Guidelines. OAF OIAF.. r q Town of Reading x' Meeting Minutes Mr. D'Orazio provided a brief background on why the Design Guidelines will be reviewed by the commission. Recently there has been quite a few applications to install AC mini -splits which triggered the commission to look at the Design Guidelines and update the language on technology. Ms. Adams said the Massachusetts Historical Commission has already addressed the mini - splits. She brought forward a new product for shingles that can be solar powered and look different than asphalt shingles; and added the Historic District is trying to decide if the shingles should be acceptable. The commission discussed how Massachusetts Laws state solar energy should not be regulated, specifically for panels on roofs. The commission reviewed the draft "Policy regarding New Technology", Mr. Blodgett commented solar is allowed by Massachusetts State Guidelines and questioned if the commission should be controlling the conduits since mini -splits use less electricity. Ms. Adams responded mini -splits are a common problem in all historic districts. Mr. Blodgett opined the conduit should be painted the same color as the house. Mr. D'Orazio commented the commission has never denied an installation of a mini -split. The application is a chance for the commission to have a discussion with the applicant, and each application is reviewed case-by-case. The commission discussed AV equipment and where it should be placed in the Design Guidelines. Mr. D'Orazio opened the public hearing to public comment, and read the updated language of "Policy regarding New Technology". The Commission agreed on a few minor changes. Mr D'Orazio closed public comment. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to close the Design Guidelines public hearing. Mr. Maganzini seconded. Vote: 5-0-0 Mr. D'Orazio asked the commission for a motion to approve the Design Guidelines change. Mr. Blodgett made a motion to adopt the Design Guidelines as amended. Mr. D'Orazio seconded. Vote: 5-0-0 Mr. D'Orazio will contact Julie Mercier, the Community Development Director on the next step. 211 Summer Avenue. Sidino A representative for 211 Summer Avenue submitted an "Application for Certificate" for a roof replacement that was already completed. The contractor, Arthur Carbone presented a sample of the cedar impression siding that is being proposed to be installed over the existing clapboarding at the Loring House at 211 Summer Avenue. He said after the last meeting he looked into different types of siding; and opined the cedar impression looks real, top quality and you cannot tell the difference between wood and this material. All the wood details will look the same and make the house "pop". The commission studied the sample and said: • The grain on this type of material always looks the same - particularly Hardie Plank; • The commission's purview is to protect the visual impact to the historic district; • The cement product could hold moisture and deteriorate; • The original integrity of the building needs to be maintained, and this product is not the same compared to painting; }N OPR O i q Town of Reading Meeting Minutes arc � • The building has been neglected and needs to be scraped and painted; • The quote given to paint the building seems high, suggested painting one side of the building at a time to allow money to be raised; • The architectural features will not be prominent if sided over; • This type of material has never been approved in the district; • The historic building will be changed if no clapboarding; • The windows will be set in if siding is installed; • The owner is lucky to have historic building - The Loring House; • The only non-residential property in the district; • The property is on the edge of the district -one of the first buildings seen when entering the district from Woburn Street; and • If the material is allowed other property owners could request the same The contractor and representatives responded: • The damaged shingles will need to be replaced before painting - the cost will be very expensive; • A donation was given to the church and some of the money is going to be used for this project; • Grants were looked into, and even with grant money the cost of painting the building is expensive; • It would take a number of years to fundraise; • The contractor also paints and said siding is the less expensive option; • The building is in need of repair, and can't afford to waste additional years to raise money to paint; • The building is going to fall apart and be an eye sore - all sections are damaged/weathered and will have to come down; • Suggested paint on street side of the building and siding on the other; • The architectural features will be maintained; • If the building is painted one side at a time the paint will never blend; and • The building is used for offices and meetings - not a residential dwelling; After the discussion, the representatives of the property asked about the process of removing the property from the district. The commission responded Town Meeting will need to approve any changes to the district The applicant asked if the proposal could be considered a hardship. The commission responded they have never received a hardship application and would need guidance from Town Counsel on the criteria and process. Mr. Carbone said if the commission is willing to be flexible and allow some wood and some siding he will look into other types of material for the scallop architectural features. Mr. D'Orazio went over the options the commission can take: approve, disapprove, issue a Certificate of Hardship (same as approving) with stipulations, or the applicant comes back to the commission with other options. He said if the application is not approved then the applicant can appeal with an independent arbitrator - and a finding is made. Ms. Devin -Freedman made a motion to approve the application for 211 Summer Avenue dated October 6, 2021 to replace the exterior wood with Cedar Impressions. Ms. Bornstein seconded. Vote: 0-4-1 (Mr. D'Orazio abstained) The contractor informed the commission the church is need of an emergency repair. Mr. D'Orazio said he will draft a Certificate for an in-kind replacement. ��� of N �/ Town of Reading }I Meeting Minutes is PP IXCOPp The commission reiterated any work that is done and can be seen on the outside of the property needs approval, which includes emergency repair. The contractor should follow up with the Building Department to see if a building permit is needed before starting the project. Mr. D'Orazio will follow up with Ms. Mercier about the process of a hardship application. New Business • Mr. D'Orazio asked for clarification on Certificates issued after -the -fact and if a Certificate is necessary when he approves due to an emergency situation. The commission discussed and agreed an application needs to be filed before a Certificate can be issued and all work needs a Certificate - including an emergency. ' • Mr. D'Orazio will follow up with the owner of 257 West Street and 146 West Street and let them know an application is required. Ms. Devin -Freedman will generate after -the -fact Certificates once the applications are received. • After a discussion, the commission agreed the front stair replacement at 96 West Street will need approval. Ms. Bornstein left the meeting at 9:30 PM Minutes- 09/20/2021 The commission tabled the 09/20/2021 minutes. Adiournment Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 PM. The motion was seconded by Ms. Devin -Freedman and approved with a 4-0-0 vote. Documents Reviewed at the Meeting: o Design Guidelines o Application for 211 Summer Avenue