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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-22 Historic District Commission Minuteso�N OFR a: 5 Town of Reading KECEIVLD = Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK READING, MA, bav on>°" p. Board - committee - commission - council: 2123 MAY 18 AM 9: 00 Historic District Commission Date: 2023-03-22 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Town Hall Location: Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Purpose: Meeting Version: Attendees: Members: Pino D'Orazio, Chair Ilene Bornstein, Associate Members: Virginia Adams and Carl Mittnight Members - Not Present: Amelia Devin -Freedman, Greg Maganzini and Everett Blodgett Others Present: Stephanie Walsh and Sean Kiley 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. 212 West Street Ms. Walsh, the owner of 212 West Street, presented the proposal: • The property is a condominium and the association is in agreement of the project; • Strip and reside the entire house with Hardie Board Siding; • The siding looks like wood siding and enhances the historic @ timeless integrity; • The wood trim and large fascia boards will not be replaced or wrapped; • The siding color is neutral colors; • The green door and black shutters are not being replaced; • Windows were replaced by a previous owner Ms. Bornstein asked why the Hardie Board Siding is not wood textured. Ms. Walsh responded she prefers the look of this siding. Mr. Kiley, resident of 212 West Street, said: • The Hardie Board Siding does not require maintenance; • The vinyl and wood material cost is extremely high; • The existing cement siding is water damaged and is cracking; • There is no asbestos on the existing cement board; and • The clapboards underneath the cement are rotted Ms. Adams expressed concern the Hardie Board Siding could be too heavy of a product for the existing sheathing and might impact the dwelling. Mr. D'Orazio asked the Commission if Hardie Board Siding has been allowed in the district. Ms. Adams responded she has a hard time thinking about Hardie Board Siding in the district. She said one home was resided without a permit from the Commission. Ms. Adams said the Design Guidelines are strong on artificial material. Mr. D'Orazio pointed out the mitigating factors. �,�n OFxr'io Town of Reading ;n�a Meeting Minutes o° -IN[OPo�P' Mr. Kiley opined that the existing siding is heavier than the Hardie Board Siding. The Hardie Board Siding is insulated. He said the windows will be more revealed with the Hardie Board Siding. Mr. D'Orazio commented that the proposal is to replace artificial material with artificial material. Ms. Bornstein agreed, and opined that the applicant should not be required to replace the existing with wood If the existing is not already wood. After a discussion, the Commission agreed that an artificial product is existing on the exterior of the dwelling. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for 212 West Street to replace the existing artificial material with Hardie Board Siding contained in the application. The applicant will keep wood trim and fascia boards. The motion was seconded by Ms. Bornstein and approved with a 4-0-0 vote. Ms. Walsh said the proposal is for no corner boards. The Commission discussed if a public hearing should be required. Ms. Adams opined the property is highly visible and the siding of the whole dwelling is substantial. The Commission agreed that the house is important in the district and a public hearing is warranted. Ms. Adams made a motion to hold the public hearing for 212 West Street. The motion was seconded by Mr. D'Orazio and approved with a 4-0-0 vote Mr. D'Orazio explained the public hearing process and suggested the applicant reach out to Amanda Beatrice at the town hall. 186 Summer Avenue Mr. D'Orazio briefly updated the Commission on the property at 186 Summer Avenue. The Town Manager is in discussions with the owner, and there will be a meeting in a couple of weeks. New Business Mr. D'Orazio said there was no new business. He commented that he anticipates the application submittal to increase since the warmer weather is coming. Ms. Adams suggested a future item on the agenda. She would like the Commission to discuss wood versus artificial entities in a Historic District. Review of Minutes: September 22. 2022 and February 15. 2023 The review of the minutes was tabled until next meeting. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 PM. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 4-0-0 vote.