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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-08 Historic District Commission MinutesVAN OrRfgO ERK A _Town of ReadingMeeting Minutes <� "4 T U W h� A. Board - Committee - Commission - Council: �i3 SEP 2� AM 9' 25 Historic District Commission Date: 2023-06-08 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 Member: Virginia Adams Members - Not Present: Ilene Bornstein, Greg Maganzini and Carl Mittnight Others Present: Alex Durso, Elizabeth and Peter Denmark 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 to a voting member. 146 West Street - Windows Alex Durso, owner of 146 West Street, provided the following information on installing replacement windows: • Dwelling was built in 1946; • Existing vinyl siding- proposal is to fix any cracked siding; • Existing aluminum material windows to be replaced with 11 Harvey double -hung vinyl windows- 9 on Ss' floor and 2 on 2"d Floor; • The windows will be 6 over 6 or 6 over 4, depending on size of window, and the grid is 1 over 1; • The 2nd Floor windows were replaced in 2005/2006 with the addition; • Existing aluminum sills to be replaced with historic window sills Ms. Devin -Freedman asked about the diamond shaped window and if it will be replaced with the same style. Mr. Durso responded the manufacturer does not make diamond shaped windows. Ms. Adams informed the owner that the Commission encourages windows to be repaired and not replaced. She said Window Women out of Amesbury is a business that repairs windows. Mr. D'Orazio commented the existing house has vinyl everywhere and natural wood is not seen from the outside. Mr. Blodgett opined the window sill replacement will bring back character to the dwelling. o� • orxrb Town of Reading Meeting Minutes o. Ms. Devin -Freedman made a motion to approve the Installation of 11 Harvey double -hung windows to match existing 2n° floor windows — and sills to be added. The motion was seconded by Mr. D'Orazio and approved with a 4-0-0 vote. The Commission agreed a public hearing will not be necessary. Mr. D'Orazio said the abutters will need to be notified. Ms. Devin -Freedman explained the process. Ms. Adams made a motion that a public hearing is not needed due to the proposal being insubstantial to the neighborhood. The motion was seconded by Mr. D'Orazio and approved with a 4-0-0 vote. 167 Summer Avenue —Plunge Pool Elizabeth and Peter Denmark, owners of 167 Summer Avenue, was present to discuss the proposal to install a plunge pool. Mr. Denmark provided the following information: • Concrete patio being Installed in the rear of the property; • A 70 plunge pool with lockable cover to be installed; • Table and chairs that are shown on the plan provided are removable; and • Currently there is an existing lawn Ms. Devin -Freedman asked what can be seen from the roadway? Mr. Denmark responded nothing can be seen, there is foliage surrounding the property. Ms. Adams asked about the construction equipment that is at the property and if the project commenced? Mr. Denmark responded that the patio installation has started, he was told a building permit is not needed for a patio. It was clarified that a building permit is not needed, but the HDC needs to be informed of any project on the property that is visible from public way. Ms. Adams asked about a fence and said if one is needed the Commission will need to approve. The Commission discussed the project and agreed a Certificate of Non -Applicability can be issued. Ms. Adams made a motion to approve a Certificate of Non -Applicability to install a plunge pool at 167 Summer Avenue. The motion was seconded by Mr. D'Orazio and approved with a 4-0-0 vote. 186 Summer Avenue Mr. D'Orazio informed the Commission that there are no new updates on the property at 186 Summer Avenue. Open Meeting Law and Public Records Trainina Ms. Adams and Ms. Devin -Freedman attended the Open Meeting Law and Public Records Training held by the town. Ms. Devin -Freedman brought forward a few items that the Commission needs to correct: • Votes should be a roll call and the member(s) who abstain or vote in the negative should be noted in the minutes; • Executive Session Minutes need to be reviewed every 3 months to see if the minutes can be released to the public. Mr. D'Orazio will reach out to Andrew MacNichol, Community Development Director regarding the Executive Sessions Minutes drafted by Julie Mercier who resigned a few months ago; a�' orx o Town of Reading ci Meeting Minutes �2 3" Best Practice is that members personal emails should not be used for town business. Mr. D'Orazio will contact the town to see if the members should be given a town email; and • "New Business" Is not allowed on the agenda. Mr. D'Orazio said he will look to see if there is language that can be used in place of new business. Guidelines Discussion - Additions to Historic Structures Ms. Devin -Freedman asked the members if they reviewed the document she forwarded a few months ago on the proposed language she drafted on additions to historic structures. After a brief discussion, the Commission agreed to table the discussion to the next meeting. Ms. Devin -Freedman will send the document by email and bring hard copies to the next meeting. New Business Mr. Blodgett suggested revisiting ground -level features and when or if the Commission should review those types of projects. He added, in his opinion foliage screening does not erase the requirement if a project can be viewed from the roadway. If the plunge pool at 167 Summer Avenue was not at ground -level the foliage screening would not be accepted as a reason why It cannot be seen from the roadway. Ms. Adams suggested a change to the new online permit application, and requested the applicant provide pictures of the existing property. Ms. Devin -Freedman said she will take a look at the online application to see if there are any other changes needed that will make it easier to review the application. Review of Minutes: May 17, 2023 Ms. Adams made a motion to approve the minutes of May 17, 2023 as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. D'Orazio and approved with a 4-0-0 vote. 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 4-0-0 vote.