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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-18 Historic District Commission MinutesOrR `� � Town of Reading .1Y I ,.,.e Meeting Minutes rdINNCCLtL W F?7,1, EFtr W MA. Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2023 NOV 16 FH 12:33 Historic District Commission Date: 2023-10-18 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Town Hall Location: Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Purpose: Meeting Version: Attendees: Members: Pino D'Orazio, Chair; Everett Blodgett and Ilene Bornstein Associate Member: Virginia Adams, Ann Ward Members not Present - Amelia Devin -Freedman, Greg Maganzini Others Present: Angie Allen, Andrew MacNichol - Community Development Director 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 Ms. Ward and Ms. Adams to voting members. 149 West Street. Front and Rear Steps Ms. Angie Allen from Downer Brothers Landscaping was present and went through the proposal: • Existing steps at front and side entrances are proposed for removal and replacement; • The front steps are visible from public way - the side entrance steps are less visible; • Granite is proposed at both entrances for cohesive appearance using natural stone materials; • Steps at front entrance are currently brick veneer risers and sidewails, limestone treads and landing - and wrought iron railings; • Proposed front steps to be granite with split face risers and thermal finish at treads/landing - same dimensions as existing 3x5 with two (2) 5' wide steps; • The existing wrought iron railing is to be reinstalled at new granite steps; • The right side of the house off the back end of the driveway, existing concrete steps to be removed and replaced with granite steps with split face risers and thermal finish at treads/landing to match front entrance; • A 3x5 granite landing with seven (7) 5' wide granite steps are proposed leading from the house to the driveway; and • Black aluminum railings are proposed at new steps Ms. Bornstein complimented the packet the commission received. Ms. Allen responded the online application was clear and attaching the pictures was an easy process. After the Commission discussed the proposal and the applicant clarified a few items, Ms. Adams went through the procedural steps to see if the proposal qualifies for a Certificate. Ms. Adams made a motion to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for 149 West Street to replace the front and rear steps as discussed. The motion was seconded by Ms. Bornstein and approved with a 5-0-0 roll call vote. � OFNrq� Town of Reading Meeting Minutes N[OPro�� The Commission agreed a public hearing isn't necessary. Mr. D'Orazio said the abutters will need to be notified and explained the process. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to waive the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 roll call vote. Mr. D'Orazio said he will reach out to Ms. Devin -Freedman to draft the Certificate and Notice to the Abutters. Design Guidelines Discussion - Additions to Historic Structures/Use of Artificial Materials/Ground Level Changes Mr. D'Orazio said the Public Hearing was not noticed in the local paper to be able to have the hearing tonight. Ms. Adams informed the Commission that RMLD is holding a discussion on heat pumps. She opined that heat pumps are becoming more popular especially with the rebate that RMLD offers - and brought forward a suggestion to contact. the manufacturers of the heat pumps to see about making the piping less visible. The Commission discussed the different styles of heat & ac units - and how the piping now comes in color rather than just offering intrusive white. Ms. Adams read the language that was adopted last year in the Design Guidelines "Policy Regarding New Technology" and commented it gives the Commission Flexibility to review and approve on a case by case. Mr. Blodgett brought up his concern when property owners make a change at ground level the Commission should be contacted first to review the project. He gave an example of a property on West Street that the owner changed the front of his yard and paved the driveway to connect to the neighbor - and all you see from the roadway is pavement. Mr. Blodgett said plastic fences are offensive and should be discouraged in the District. He gave an example of the white fences Installed along Salem Street and said the reflection is horrible when you drive down the road. Mr. Blodgett commented that if an owner installs a plastic fence without approval the Commission should be able to consider the General Bylaw under section 7.3.9: unless the Alterations affect more than twenty-five (25%) percent of any fagade visible from a Public Way. The Commission talked about what can be done to "force" a property owner to come in to receive approval - especially the projects that do not require a permit from the town. A member asked what Districts in other Towns do to make sure they are approving all projects. Mr. D'Orazio said he will keep the Design Guidelines discussion on the agenda. Updated Applications Discussion The Commission agreed based on the discussion with the applicant for 149 West Street the updates to the application was successful. MBTA Communities Law Andrew MacNichol, Community Development Director, arrived at the meeting to discuss the current MBTA Communities Law that the State requires towns to allow multi -family district Off. (1f Nt.' Town of Reading Meeting Minutes by -right. He provided a map of the proposed overlay zoning. The Commission members brought forward their personal opinion and expressed their concerns. After the discussion, it was unanimously agreed that the Summer Avenue Historic District not be included in the overlay district - and highly recommended that the zoning line be moved away from the homes on Woburn Street that are on the National Historical Registry Mr. MacNichol responded that he believes the zoning change is a slow growth. The town will be compliant with the State MBTA Communities Law as long as the zoning allows the units, not when the units are built. Mr. Blodgett said he is very concerned about over -development and pointed out that the Parker Tavern, built in 1694 and the oldest extant structure in Reading, is In the overlay district. Mr. MacNichol suggested the members attend the next community forum on November 8, 2023. The Commission thanked Mr. MacNichol for attending the meeting and complimented his presentation. 186 Summer Avenue Mr. D'Orazio informed the Commission that the Reading Historical Commission has agreed that they will hold off moving forward with litigation since the owner of the property is actively seeking a private sale. The Commission agreed with this decision. Future Agenda Items Mr. D'Orazio went over a few items he will keep on the agenda: MBTA Communities Law and the Design Guidelines Discussion. He added the Public Hearing will be noticed for the next meeting. Review Meeting Minutes from September 2023 and Executive Session Minutes The Executive Session meeting minutes were not reviewed. Ms. Adams made a motion to approve the minutes of September 20, 2023 as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 roll call vote. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 PM. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 roll call vote.