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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-07-19 Historic District Commission MinutesTown of Reading = Meeting Minutes KtCi OWNt1VERK Board -committee -commission -council: Rk2022 SEP 26 AH 10: 45 Historic District Commission Date: 2022-07-19 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, Everett Blodgett Associate Members: Virginia Adams and Carl Mittnight Members - Not Present: Greg Maganzini and Ilene Bornstein Associate Member: Priscilla Poehler Others Present: Francesca Callan Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: Chair D'Orazio called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mr. D'Orazio elevated Virginia Adams and Carl Mittnight to a voting member. PUBLIC HEARING: 215 West Street. Door and Window Replacement Mr. D'Orazio opened the public hearing for 215 West Street. Francesca Callan, the property owner was present. Ms. Callan provided a brief overview of the proposal: • Replacing the formal entry door that is rotting with fiberglass, same style, look and size as existing door; and • Replace six (6) windows with Anderson 400 Wood Rite Series Mr. D'Orazio asked if there were any changes from the last meeting. Ms. Callan responded the window style is an upgrade than what was originally proposed. Mr. Blodgett complimented the applicant for choosing the wood style window over the vinyl. Mr. D'Orazlo said that the dwelling is a historic property, built in the 1800's with architectural significance; and he added the house has several additions with the last one being in 1972. Mr. D'Orazio opened the public hearing to the public and closed with no one in attendance. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to close the public hearing for 215 West Street with a final determination to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness to replace six (6) windows and two (2) doors as previously discussed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. Ms. Devin -Freedman clarified the number of windows and said the Certificate will be issued. Town of Reading IWDe. Meeting Minutes 211 Summer Avenue Mr. D'Orazio explained that Amanda Beatrice, Administrative Assistant, received an email from the church regarding dates of upcoming HDC meetings. Mr. D'Orazio emailed the church about tonight's meeting but did not receive a response. 186 Summer Avenue Mr. D'Orazio provided a quick summary regarding the property at 186 Summer Avenue. He said Town Manager Maltez informed him that the residential property appraisal was completed, and he will be attending the Reading Historical Commission on July 20'^ to discuss further. Mr. D'Orazio extended an Invite to the HDC members to attend the Reading Historical Commission meeting. Review of Desian Guidelines The commission discussed updating the Design Guidelines to include "additions". Here are some thoughts that were presented: • Adding language under "Further Advice" of the Design Guidelines; • Keeping the language "loose" to make it easier to interpret; • Each application should be viewed on a case-by-case basis; • To help differentiate the historic dwelling from the addition, the addition should not be on the primary fagade; • To ensure the architectural features of the dwelling is not lost when allowing an addition; and • Residents should know in advance of a meeting what the commission requires before presenting plans to them. Mr. D'Orazio suggested the commission members digest what they would like to add for language to discuss at the next meeting. New Business Brochure - The commission agreed to table the discussion on when the property owners letter should be sent to property owners until after "additions" is resolved. Mr. D'Orazio said he will reach out to the current members to make sure they still want to be on the commission, and to a potential resident who might be interested in joining the commission. The commission briefly discussed if a property owner should be required to notify them if they are planning on painting the outside of a building. Mr. D'Orazio suggested discussing this further during the review of the Design Guidelines. Ms. Adams complimented Mr. D'Orazio on his email response to Chris Skelly, Skelly Preservation Services in regards to staff support from the town. Review of Minutes: June 23, 2022 Ms. Adams made a motion to accept the June 23, 2022 minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. Next Meeting The next meeting will be on August 17, 2022. Mr. D'Orazio and Mr. Mittnight will not be available. o�� orxr�o Town of Reading Meeting Minutes onvoe"• Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 PM. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 vote.