HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-10-27 Historical Commission MinutesrR
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Meeting Minutes
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eoard -committee -commission -council: NOV 16 Am 8: 32
Historical Commission
Date: 2022-10-27 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Location:
Address: Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Business Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Virginia Adams (Assoc), Jonathan Barnes (JEB), Sarah Brukilacchio (SB),
Samantha Couture (SC) - Chair, Sharlene Reynolds Santo - Treasurer (SRS)
Members - Not Present:
Pino D'Orazio, Amelia Devin Freedman, Chris Keller
Others Present:
Penny Flaherty, George Liakos, Chris Gregoris Co-owners of 583 Main St
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Sharlene Reynolds Santo
Topics of Discussion:
583 Main St - JEB provided a brief summary of the CPDC minor modification request made
by owners to modify parapet. This is desired because the weight of the current design is
not properly supported by the current structure. The Building Inspector has not required
the owners to submit a demolition application for the work proposed. CPDC requested that
the applicant speak with the RHC before receiving final approval. George shared plans of
new design using just a brick facade that is supported to decrease the height and weight of
the wall. VA suggested using artificial materials to replicate the current design so as to
keep these important architectural design elements. VA also suggested that they check the
Massachusetts Historical Commission ListSery for possible contacts to accomplish this.
George voiced concern about the costs and the weight of design. JEB let him know that we
understood that the structure must be improved and asked if there was a way to keep the
look using other materials. The owners have been dealing with this situation for nearly a
year and want to get it fixed asap to limit their liability but claimed they would consider
finding a way to keep architectural features. VA asked if the awnings and signage would
remain as is and was assured that they would. George stated that they want to implement
the current plan as submitted to CPDC and will look into later revisions to make the building
look more like it does now. There is a plan to add dentil molding. Chris believed that the
current plan had been approved by CPDC and Engineering. JEB expressed his belief that
CPDC had not yet approved the current plan. Rather CPDC had continued their decision to
their November 7th meeting and asked the applicant to meet with RHC to discuss possible
changes to their plans and return to CPDC on 11/7. They will consider our suggestions, but
want to deal with the liability and are not willing to increase their costs significantly. The
downers do not want the RHC to hold things up . The owners did agree to save examples of
what is being removed on site so that they could be duplicated in the future. Owners
agreed that the concrete pilasters are staying. Penny said that they are willing to beautify
but want to take care of the safety issue. JEB asked what was being presented to the CPDC
on Monday, November 7th. It appears that no new plan will be submitted. VA asked about
changing the brick to red on the new section to match the rest of the building and owners
agreed.
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After the owners left about 7:55 pm the RHC discussed that the historic look is going to be
lost and was not sure that the owners understood what the CPDC needed. Members of the
RHC will attend the CPDC meeting when they discuss this property. SC will write up a
summary of what the owners agreed to.
186 Summer Ave - SC will check if the joint meeting (incl. Executive Session) with the
HDC can be hybrid. SC also spoke with Karen Herrick from the Select Board who checked
with Mark Dockser the Chair about getting this on their agenda after our 11/9 meeting. ]EB
is concerned about the deterioration of the town's rights to inspect and protect the historic
property per the Preservation Restriction Agreement signed by the RHC, HDC, and the
property owner.
Chronicle Building - The developer has contacted the RHC requesting additional images
and verbiage for the plaque and that they plan to put in this structure. VA will work on this.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:00 pm
Next Meeting - November 9, 2022
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