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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-16 Historical Commission Minutes10 orNG Town of Reading rL-CtIVLL) r Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK i� REA^I^l3, MA. no'o�ft'ly<OftY�ft' Board - Committee - commission - council: 2tN SEP 18 PN 2: 33 Historical Commission Date: 2023-08-16 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: General business Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Pino D'Orazio (PD), Samantha Couture (SC), Jonathan Barnes (JEB), Amelia Devin Freedman (ADF), Virginia Adams (VA), Sarah Brukilacchio (SB) and Pam Adrian (PA) by phone Members - Not Present: Christine Keller (CK) Others Present: Farouk Youssef, Mary Benedetto (Town of Reading Senior Planner), Andrew MacNichol (Town of Reading Community Development Director), Chris Hall (Parker Tavern), and Fidel Maltez (Town of Reading Town Manager) Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Samantha Couture/Christine Keller Topics of Discussion: PD called the meeting to order at 7:OOPM. PD read the rules for members to attend by phone and then phoned PA. PD appointed VA a voting member for the evening. 25 Haven Street: PD pointed out the significance of 25 Haven as the only surviving Art Deco building in town. Farouk Youssef is the architect for the new owners of 25 Haven. He would like to keep the historic character of the building. He shared slides of the current drawings. The height of the building changes at the side and back, and he wanted the Commission's thoughts on whether to go with the lower or higher roofiine. SC asked about any features that might be lost if the lower height is used. There was further discussion of the most important features to keep. JEB stated the most important features to restore or replicate (if restoration is not possible) would be the aluminum trim that runs above the windows, the exterior light fixtures, and the brick. There was general agreement that retaining the full height of the original facade is not important. VA asked how the original facade would be protected during construction. Mr. Youssef stated that as the architect, he did not know the details, but the contractor has experience with renovating historic structures. Andrew MacNichol pointed out that the building department would have oversight to ensure permits that would include specifics on preserving the original brickwork. Page 1 1 JEB asked if the owners would be open to having a historic plaque, sidewalk brick, or other historical information on the building. Mr. Youssef said he would ask the client and suggested the RHC provide a mockup of any proposed signage. SC will draft proposed verbiage for the plaque. PD asked about next steps for the project, and Mr. Youssef replied they are waiting on reports from the structural engineer. JEB asked if Mr. Youssef would share the plans as they are updated. Andrew agreed to share them with the RHC. Mr. Youssef left the meeting. Parker Tavern Chris Hall introduced himself as the new caretaker and tour guide for the Parker Tavern. He has been studying the history of the town and would like to collaborate with the RHC on the 250th anniversary of the Revolution and other projects. Andrew noted that the town can help to promote any events planned at Parker Tavern. MBTA Communities Law Mary Benedetto and Andrew gave a presentation on the MBTA Communities Law. The town is currently not in compliance with the law, which requires new by -right zoning for multifamily units at a particular density within a half mile of a transit hub. The town has a survey out, will hold public forums this fall, and will propose the new zoning during April 2024 Town Meeting. Andrew stated that this new zoning would not override the Demolition Delay Bylaw for any homes on the inventory that will eventually be part of the new zoning area. JEB asked if there would be any design controls incorporated into the new law. VA pointed out that there is currently no design review committee for large projects. Andrew described a couple of ways the Town can include design guidelines into the new zone. Andrew would like help from the RHC on the history of zoning in town and what types of buildings existed in the past in the town center. RHC suggested online sources for historic photos (RPL, Digital Commonwealth). VA said the Town Archive has some zoning maps. Andrew would like to have new info by mid-September. SC asked that any RHC photos be credited 'Reading Historical Commission.' ADF will coordinate with Andrew. There was brief discussion of the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. The RHC will continue to meet with the Antiquarian Society and RPL. Reading Street Faire On September 10, the RHC will share a booth with the Reading Antiquarian Society. JEB will ensure that RHC reimburses the Reading Antiquarian Society for our portion of the table rental. Archivist Robin Merrow has started learning the new software. She will work with SC and VA in the Archive. 186 Summer Ave. Fidel Maltez, Town Manager, joined the meeting at 9:15PM. There is nothing new to report on 186 Summer Ave. He left the meeting at 9:25PM. Misc. • SB has been offered the RMHS diploma of Gladys Sias. She will bring it in when she has it in her possession. • SB has done some research on the documents related to Gilman Parker. Parker was involved in the Hospital Trust Fund, which Is still used as a funding source to help Reading residents with medical bills. We will vote on accepting the documents at our next meeting. Page 1 2 • VA brought in a painting by Gail Wright of the original Camp Rice Moody cabin, which is being offered by the family. There was discussion of the significance of the camp to the history of the town. SC expressed that the painting might be better placed with the Antiquarian Society. PD made the motion to accept the painting into the Town Archive, JEB second. Vote 4-1 (SC) in favor, motion passed. • New Residents Night at RPL: The RHC will participate in New Residents Night on October 3 • SB offered to be the RHC representative to the Celebration Trust Committee New Agenda Items: Arts Reading Fair October 14. To be discussed at our next meeting. Treasurer Report Nothing new to report. Executive Session Minutes AF has reviewed several Executive session minutes. She recommends that they not be released to the public yet, since the issues are still ongoing. PD made a motion to adjourn, VA seconded. 5-0 in favor. Meeting adjourned at 9:50PM. Next meeting: September 13, 2023 at 7:o0PM Town Hall Page 1 3