Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-11-10 Historic District Commission MinutescpN oruGo i Town of Reading s' Meeting MinutesTOWNEIVED ERK READINI Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2022 MAR 16 PM 3. 57 Historic District Commission Date: 2021-11-10 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Town Hall Location: Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Purpose: Meeting Version: Attendees: Members: Pino D'Orazlo, Chair; Amelia Devin -Freedman, Vice Chair; Everett Blodgett Ilene Bornstein; Associate Members: Virginia Adams and Priscilla Poehler Members - Not Present: Greg Maganzini and Associate Member - Carl Mittnight Others Present: Jerry & Nancy Lamb Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: Chair D'Orazio called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM. Mr. D'Orazio said Greg Maganzini is not in attendance and elevated Virginia Adams to a voting member. 169 Summer Avenue. Heat Pump Installation Mr. D'Orazlo briefed the commission on the application that was submitted by Ms. Shanyan LI, owner of 169 Summer Avenue to install heat pumps. The owner has a contractor ready to install the heat pumps, and she is nervous that she will lose the contractor if the Installation can't commence. He further explained there Is Internal ductwork, no conduits and the units are barely seen from the roadway. Mr. D'Orazio said the owner is not able to come in to discuss the application but is willing to talk by phone, and called Ms. Lee. Ms. Li updated the commission and said the installation is under construction. She opined the heat pump system is very popular right now and she explained: • The heat pump system is both air conditioning and a heating unit; • It is run off of electricity; • The lines in the back of the building will go directly into the dwelling; • The units are in the rear and can only be seen if you drive into the shared driveway; and • This type of unit has no outside conduits, which is a positive for any exterior concerns The commission discussed the proposal. Ms. Li said it was a big decision to update the gas boiler system to a heat pump system. Ms. Adams asked if the lines go into the Interior of the chimney. Ms. Li responded in the affirmative, and explained the lines are in the basement ceiling, around the chimney and out to the units. Mr. D'Orazio asked when the project will be completed. Ms. Li responded hopefully by Thanksgiving, the project is taking longer than she thought, Mr. D'Orazio opened the discussion to the public and closed with no questions. Town of Reading 4&1 Meeting Minutes Mr. D'Orazio said he issued the Certificate because of the urgency from the owner that she was nervous she would lose the contractor and have no heat. Ms. Li requested a copy of the Certificate that was issued. The Commission agreed a vote was not needed because a Certificate was issued. Mr. D'Orazio thanked the owner for participating in the discussion and let her know to reach out to the commission if there are any changes to the exterior of the house. 186 Summer Avenue. Discussion Mr. D'Orazio updated the commission that he has made several attempts to contact Criterion Child Enrichment Program executive office but is not able to get a "live" person or a returned phone call. He said he will keep on calling and will email Cindy, who is an assistant in the office. Mr. D'Orazio said there is a joint meeting with the Historic District Commission, Reading Historical Commission, town staff and town counsel tentatively scheduled on November 22, 2021. Mr. D'Orazio reminded the commission and public members that at the last meeting it was discussed what was seen at the site visit. The commission discussed the property and upcoming joint meeting: • The report from the structural engineer is needed; • Structural integrity of the buildings and maintenance of the outside on both buildings Is a concern; • Water damage on the top Floor on main dwelling; • Concern about the barn; • Historic Preservation Restriction Agreement; • Frustration that the State allows the Dover Amendment but not requiring the owner to use the property as approved; and • Talk to town staff and the Select Board about options for the property Ms. Nancy Lamb from 196 Summer Avenue said the gate at the property was left wide open even on Halloween night. She said the property should be locked if the fence needs to stay. The commission agreed the gate should stay locked to prevent people from going onto the property. Ms. Devin-Freedman asked Mrs. Lamb to notify the town if this happens again. Mr. D'Orazio said he will notify Ms. Julie Mercier, Community Development Director, that the commission will attend the joint meeting on November 22, 2021. The commission asked If a copy of the draft letter from Town Counsel could be forwarded to review before the joint meeting. Resident Inauiry about New Historic District Mr. D'Orazio said Ms. Naomi Kaufman, the owner of 62 Woburn Street is interested in creating a Woburn Street Historic District to maintain the character of her neighborhood. He said both him and Jonathan Barnes, RHC member, talked to her about the lengthy process. The commission discussed the property and the process. Mr. D'Orazio added Ms. Kaufman has already spoken to her Immediate neighbors about her inquiry, and the majority already did renovations to their property and are willing to consider this proposal. The commission discussed the surrounding properties and pointed out City of Somerville has single homes that are historic districts. Town of Reading re PJ9r IMIOPrOPP�u Meeting Minutes Mr. D'Orazio said he invited Ms. Kaufman to a future meeting. The commission discussed the potential of added work load and it was noted that another commission could be created for this district. New Business There is no new business. The commission briefly discussed Unitarian Universalist Church, 239 Woburn Street and the three (3) pending applications: emergency roof repair, repair siding and replace all siding. Minutes- 10/27/2021 Ms. Adams made a motion to approve 10/27/2021 minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. Adiournment Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 PM. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. Documents Reviewed at the Meeting: 0 169 Summer Avenue