Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-15 Historic District Commission Minutes03 nrxr,� Town of Reading Meeting Minutes TOWN, 1 L 7bNPa CLERK 9k Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2123 DEC 21 AM 8: 5J Historic District Commission Date: 2023-11-15 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 and Ilene Bornstein Associate Member: Virginia Adams Members not Present -, Greg Maganzini, Ann Ward, Associate Member Others Present: Liz and Bill Adams Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: Ms. Amelia Devin -Freedman called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM. Ms. Devin -Freedman informed the Commission she will be substituting as Chair since Pino D'Orazio will not be present at the meeting -however if needed, per the Mullen Rule, Mr. D'Orazio will join by phone. Ms. Devin -Freedman elevated Ms. Adams to voting member. 168 Summer Avenue. Roof Replacement and Chimney Repoint Liz and Bill Adams, owners of 168 Summer Avenue, was present and went through the proposal: • Strip 1 -layer and replace roof with architectural shingles, to prepare for the installation of solar panels on the front of the roof; • The Reading Municipal Light Department will issue a rebate once the solar panels are installed; • The solar panels and roof color will be the same color (black); • Roof needed to be repaired when house was bought in 2015 - re -shingled the ridge 6 years ago; and • The chimney will be repointed. Due to the "work description" listed on the HDC application, Ms. Devin -Freedman asked for clarification on the proposed project and if the siding is being replaced. The owner explained the project is to reroof, install solar panels and repoint chimney - the siding is not being replaced. It was noted that the solar panel application was submitted separately and Mr. D'Orazio approved the permit since solar panels do not fall under the Commission's purview. Ms. Devin -Freedman asked for additional information on the material of the shingles. The owner responded she will forward the information to the Commission. Mr. D'Orazio called into the meeting at 7:10 PM and Ms. Devin -Freedman brought him up- to-date on the discussion. Mr. D'Orazio confirmed he approved the solar panels - and requested the repoint of the chimney be included In the Certificate as part of the approval. rN OrN Town of Reading 'a Meeting Minutes 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 168 Summer Avenue to replace the roof in-kind and to repoint the chimney. The motion was seconded by Ms. Bornstein and approved with a 4-0-0 roll call vote. Ms. Adams gave her opinion and stated even though the roof replacement is visually substantial - a roof replacement is a common occurrence. The Commission agreed with Ms. Adams. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to waive the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Ms. Bornstein and approved with a 4-0-0 roll call vote. Ms. Devin -Freedman said the abutters will need to be notified and explained the process to the owners. The Commission briefly discussed the potential changes to the Design Guidelines and agreed to wait until there are more members present. Ms. Devin -Freedman suggested the Commission review the document she distributed "The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors" - and to draft language on any changes they would like to discuss at the next meeting. The Commission discussed ideas on how to reach the residents who live In the West Street and Summer Avenue District to inform them of the potential changes to the Design Guidelines. Mr. D'Orazio recommended to hold one public hearing to adopt all changes - potentially in January MBTA Communities Law No discussion on the MBTA Communities Law because the Commission members were not able to attend the November community forum. 186 Summer Avenue Mr. D'Orazio gave a brief update and said the private sale for 186 Summer Avenue is still being worked on between the owner of the property and potential buyer. Former Member(s) Acknowledgement The Commission will be sending out a Letter of Appreciation to former members. Mr. D'Orazio will draft and send from the Historic District Commission. Future Agenda Items There were no items added to a future agenda. Mr. D'Orazio said he will respond on behalf of the Commission to the recent email received regarding "Questions about Bricks" view Meetina Minutes from October 2023 and Executiv o N OFR Town of Reading Meeting Minutes r° �umnFo Ms. Adams made a motion to approve the minutes of October 18, 2023 as amended. The motion was seconded by Ms. Devin -Freedman and approved with a 4-0-0 roll call vote. The Executive Session meeting minutes were not reviewed. Ms. Bornstein made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 PM. The motion was seconded by Ms. Devin Freedman and approved with a 4-0-0 roll call vote.