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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-20 Historic District Commission MinutesOrR Town of Reading RECEIVED wall."01 Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK READING, MA. Board - committee - Commission - Council: 2021 OCT 28 AM 8: 39 Historic District Commission Date: 2021-09-20 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, Virginia Adams, Greg Maganzini, Ilene Bornstein Members - Not Present: Priscilla Poehler Others Present: George Bowen, Kevin Hays, Jeremy Wahlman-Krogh, Ralph Preston, Allison Maganzini and Chris Haley, Select Board Liaison Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: Chair D'Orazio called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM and the Commission members were introduced. 95 Howard Street. Fence Kevin Hayes, the owner of 95 Howard Street, discussed the proposed location of a fence. The vinyl fence will tie into the existing fence and the height will range from 6 -feet down to 3 -feet. Mr. D'Orazio asked if the fence will be seen from the roadway. Mr. Hayes responded that the fence will be seen on West Street in the winter. Ms. Adams asked about the fence material. Mr. Hayes responded it will be a white vinyl staggered Victorian. He looked into the price for a wood fence and based on the style the vinyl fence is less expensive. The Commission looked at the property on the computer to help clarify the proposal. Ms. Devin -Freedman asked if the lattice on the fence puts the height over 6 -feet? Mr. Hayes replied 6 -feet is the total height, and includes the lattice. Mr. Blodgett said visibility that is screened by a tree is still an issue. He opined why wood would be a better product over vinyl. Ms. Adams said the Commission does not favor all vinyl fencing. Ms. Devin -Freedman reiterated the Commission wants wood and asked for a compromise. The Commission vetted the location of the wood and vinyl fence. Mr. D'Orazio opened the meeting to the public and closed with no comment. Oaw OrA q Town of Reading s' Meeting Minutes IVf OP Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to approve the fence installation at 95 Howard Street, as discussed: a 6' wood fence on West Street, no more than a 4'vinyl fence on Howard Street and a vinyl fence will be tied in with the existing fence. Mr. Blodgett seconded. Vote: 5-0-0 The Commission discussed if the installation of the fence is a substantial change in its effect on the District, and if a public hearing is required. Ms. Adams shared an example when a fence could be a substantial change but agreed the proposal is insignificant because of the location. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to waive the public hearing for the fence installation at 95 Howard Street. Mr. Maganzini seconded. Vote: 5-0-0 The applicant was informed the abutters will need to be notified and the process reviewed. Ms. Adams suggested reworking the Design Guidelines for height of fence. 168 West Street. Addition Mr. Maganzini recused himself as a member to discuss the application submitted for his property at 168 West Street. Allison and Greg Maganzini, owner of 168 West Street, provided architectural plans of the proposal to add a garage with a master bedroom and bathroom above: • The 27x30 addition is setback quite a bit on the property; • The white vinyl will match the existing house; • The front door will be replaced; • Architectural features on the front will be repaired; • MG Hall is the contractor; • The windows will match the windows that were recently permitted and approved by the Commission; • Garage door will be vinyl but will match the wood; and • The existing grass area on the right will be paved The Commission reviewed the plans. Ms. Bornstein asked if the existing fence will be impacted by the construction. Mr. Maganzini replied it will not be impacted. Mr. Blodgett said the "tower", architectural feature, is the only one like it in Reading. Ms. Maganzini assured the Commission it will remain. Mr. Maganzini said the garage floor will be a slab. He added his family wants to stay in Reading and the proposal will add more space in his home. Mr. Blodgett informed the applicant's if there are any other changes they will need to come back to the Commission. Mr. Blodgett made a motion to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for an addition including the architectural features at 168 West Street. Mr. D'Orazio seconded. Vote: 4-0- 0 Ms. Adams thanked Mr. Maganzini for serving on the HDC all these years. She commented it is important to have a property owner who is in the District. After a discussion, the Commission agreed a public hearing is necessary. O'aH OFq Town of Reading �.� Meeting Minutes 'IN(oPP�PP Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to approve a public hearing at 168 West Street. Mr. Blodgett seconded. Vote: 4-0-0 The Commission discussed a virtual meeting. Ms. Adams said some resident could have a difficult time with Zoom, and she prefers an in-person meeting to allow all residents to attend. The Commission decided on a few dates in October and Mr. D'Orazio will reach out to town staff to schedule. Mr. Maganzini stepped back in as a member. 211 Summer Avenue. Sidina Jeremy Wahlman-Krogh, a member of the UU Church, presented the proposal. He said there is wood rot and damage on the Loring Building and would like to replace with vinyl siding. Mr. Maganzini asked what is the building use? Mr. Wahlman-Krogh replied the building is used for meetings, staff offices and public space. Mr. D'Orazio showed pictures of the building in its current state. Ms. Adam pointed out the scallop window trim on the first floor. Mr. Maganzini asked if all the wood will be replaced with vinyl. Mr. Wahlman-Krogh replied some wood will remain. Ms. Bornstein asked if the windows will remain? Mr. Wahlman-Krogh replied the windows will remain. Ms. Devin -Freedman said the building was built in 1892 Ms. Adams said she has a strong opinion on the proposal. The picture shows a lot of architectural elements to the building. The clapboarding looks like it lost paint from lack of maintenance. She opined there is no reason to vinyl side over a beautiful building - the gateway to the Summer Avenue Historic District. Mr. D'Orazio said the Commission strongly discourages vinyl for siding. Mr. Maganzini said the great features should stay. He asked why the building cannot be scraped and painted. Mr. Wahlman-Krogh replied painting was looked into, but the building will have to be repainted in the future. Mr. Blodgett pointed out a property on Prescott that the whole side of the dwelling had to be replaced because something got behind the siding and leaked through the house. Vinyl hides what is going on behind, it builds up moisture and causes the wood to rot. He suggested the applicant look Into Hardie -Plank siding, cement board. Mr. Wahlman-Krogh responded Hardie -Plank is a lot more money than vinyl siding. Ms. Devin -Freedman asked about keeping the wood and doing the project in stages. Mr. Wahlman-Krogh replied he will discuss this option. Mr. Blodgett said the building was home to Charles Loring. Ms. Adams asked if the church has an inventory sheet for the architectural features. She pointed out there are grants available through the Massachusetts Historical Commission, but said they could require a Preservation Restriction Agreement. Mr. Blodgett commented the Commission has never approved a building for vinyl. Mr. Wahlman-Krogh asked about a previous conversation held between a church member and commission member. The Commission could not remember the conversation. Mr. D'Orazio said it is difficult to approve the vinyl in o� r Town of Reading Meeting Minutes -a �`MOP accordance the District provisions and Design Guidelines. Mr. Maganzni said is appears the wood is in good shape Mr. Wahlman-Krogh said the church received a donation and the slate roof was repaired. The money for the siding will come from the donation. Mr. Blodgett said the Commission should have been contacted when the slate roof was repaired. Ms. Devin -Freedman said applications are needed on any maintenance, repairs or changes. She requested an application be submitted for the slate roof. Mr. D'Orazio suggested tabling the discussion and let the applicant think about what was discussed - maybe come back in October. Ms. Bornstein asked if there is any leaks or damage? Mr. Wahlman-Krogh replied there is damage in the kitchen area. The Commission said the damage could have been from the roof. Mr. Blodgett suggested other grant options. Mr. D'Orazio suggested fundraising. Ms. Adams agreed other alternatives should be explored, perhaps Eagle project. Mr. D'Orazio said he will follow up with the applicant to let him know when the next meeting is scheduled. 86 West Street. (4) Applications Mr. D'Orazio said Ralph Preston, owner of 86 West Street, has submitted four (4) applications, the project is a couple of years away. The Commission does not have purview on the interior renovations. Mr. D'Orazio read the application - house built in 1779, the proposal is to replace existing siding, masonry, sills or sheathing as needed. Mr. Preston said the siding material will be wood, similar to the existing. He said it is difficult to find a contractor who knows how to restore historic homes. The house will have to be jacked up and the beam replaced. Mr. D'Orazio said when the project is getting closer to the date the applicant should come back to the Commission for approval. Mr. Blodgett asked if the applicant is keeping a record what renovations/repairs are being done on the house, and asked to keep informed about the interior. He said the Commission cannot recommend a contractor, suggested the applicant stop by a historic house that is being renovated and ask about the contractor. Ms. Adams complimented the applicant for using like -kind materials. She suggested putting a query on the Massachusetts Historical List Serve to see if someone can recommend a reputable contractor. Mr. Preston said the contractor listed on the application only does structural, he will need to find another contractor for the other renovations. Mr. D'Orazio thanked Mr. Preston for starting the conversation with the Commission, come back with update and a formal application should be submitted when closer to the date. 186 Summer Avenue Discussion Mr. D'Orazio informed the Commission that he has been in contact with the office administrator at Criterion Enrichment Program and Johnathan Barnes, Reading Historical Commission member, to coordinate a property inspection at 186 Summer Avenue. The rq Town of Reading Meeting Minutes �2 a` inspection could potentially be on October 15, 2021 or October 19, 2021. He added Dr. Littleton, property owner, will be leaving for his winter residence on October 25, 2021. The Commission voiced their opinion on the lack of communication from Dr. Littleton, and what they would like to achieve from the property inspection and at a town meeting. There was common consent that they want to see proof the property has been maintained and would like a definite answer what the intention is going forward. Ms. Devin -Freedman briefed the Commission on a recent meeting that was held with town staff and Town Counsel. The Commission discussed exploring legal options. Ms. Adams said her files on this property has been scanned in by town staff. Mr. D'Orazio opened the meeting to the public. Chris Haley, Select Board Liaison, opined a site visit should happen first and any discussion about the property should be held off until a town meeting. The Commission talked about having a Professional Engineer at the inspection, and Mr. Haley asked if he is allowed to attend. Ms. Devin -Freedman will follow up with Town Counsel on who can attend the property inspection. Design Guidelines The Commission agreed to hold the Design Guidelines public hearing at the next meeting. At the public hearing the Commission intends to review all of the Design Guidelines including the HVAC. Mr. D'Orazio will follow up with town staff to schedule both the Design Guidelines and 168 West Street public hearing. Ms. Bornstein left the meeting at 9:30 PM New Business • Mr. D'Orazio said he approved "in kind" the wood replacement for the bay window at 257 West Street. Ms. Devin -Freedman will draft the retro -active Certificate. • Mr. D'Orazio said due to the roof leak at 146 West Street he approved the Issuance of a roof permit. Ms. Devin -Freedman will draft the retro -active Certificate. • Mr. D'Orazio said Ms. Kennedy from 246 West Street is seeking approval for the installation of a mini -split after the fact, it was installed in July. He showed pictures of the conduit. Ms. Devin -Freedman said the owner received the letter that was sent out last year from the Commission, and she is aware approval is required before installation. Ms. Adams asked if the owner should come in and review with the Commission. Mr. D'Orazio recommended tabling the discussion about the Certificate until the next meeting. Minutes — 01/26/2021.07/14/2021 & 07/22/2021 Minutes of 01/26/2021, 07/14/2021 & 07/22/2021 were reviewed and amended. Ms. Devin Freedman made a motion that the minutes of 01/26/2021, 07/14/2021 and 07/22/2021 be approved as amended. Mr. Maganzini seconded. Vote: 4-0-0 Adjournment Ms. Devin -Freedman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9.45 PM. The motion was seconded by Mr. D'Orazio and approved with a 4-0-0 vote. Documents Reviewed at the Meeting: Town of Reading Meeting Minutes o Application for 95 Howard Street o Application for 211 Summer Avenue o Applications for 86 West Street o Application for 168 West Street