HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-10 Historical Commission MinutesO
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Historical Commission
Date: 2024-01-10 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Business Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Virginia Adams (VA), Pamela Adrian (PA), Jonathan Barnes (JEB), Sarah
Brukilacchio (SB), Samantha Couture (SC), Pino D'Orazio (PD), Amelia Devin
Freedman (ADF), and Christine Keller (CK).
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Brad Schoonmaker (BS), Jonathan Miller (JM), and Jerry Lamb (JL)
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Christine Keller
Topics of Discussion:
PD called the meeting to order at 7:03PM.
409 Grove Street renovations
Brad Schoonmaker, Homeowner
Jonathan Miller, Architect @ Project Manager, Frank Shirley Architects, Cambridge, MA
Brad and Shannon Schoonmaker purchased the property known as the Foster Emerson
House (built circa 1710) in 2019 and would like to make renovations to the house and honor
its historic integrity. The structure is protected by a Preservation Restriction Agreement. BS
and his architect JM presented the project plans for the renovation. The structure consists of
a historic house, with a lean-to addition, and shed dormers from a 1998 renovation. Unique,
historical aspects of the home include a "Keeping Room" in the rear of the house, a Beverly
jog staircase, and a curve in the ceiling to accommodate a grandfather clock. The
Schoonmakers expect to begin remodeling in June.
Per the Preservation Restriction Agreement, the changes proposed are major and include
among others, adding windows and doors, as well as removing a wall between the Kitchen
and "Keeping Room"/Office. Such proposed major changes require RHC review and
approval. RHC believes this wall is an existing historic element, raising commission
questions whether removing this wall impairs characteristics which contribute to the
structure's architectural and historic integrity. JEB asked if the RHC could visit the property
to help visualize the changes. Brad expressed his commitment to work with the RHC and
invited the group to visit the property on January 15.
BS and JM left the meeting at B:OOPM.
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186 Summer Ave.
Jerry lamb, Homeowner
Jerry and Nancy Lamb purchased 186 Summer Ave. in December from Criterion Child
Enrichment, with the goal of rehabilitating the property and reselling it as a single-family
residence. JL presented some preliminary plans for the property to the RHC. These plans
would require compliance with certain provisions of the Preservation Restriction Agreement,
the RHC demolition delay bylaw, and the HDC bylaw. JL has retained the same structural
engineer and architect that Criterion employed. His presentation included photos of rotten
wood trim, cupola, pergola, carriage house, and room.
SB lent JL two books that featured previous inhabitants of 186 Summer Ave.: the
eponymous Father Kemp, and Katherine Howard, author of With My Shoes Off.
The Lambs will present their plans at a joint HDC/RHC meeting to be announced.
JL left the meeting at 8:55PM.
172 Hiah Street Form B
The homeowner has researched the house history and prepared a Form B for submission to
the Massachusetts Historical Commission. PD will invite him to our February meeting.
Hose House (Northern Residents Association) documents
Robin Marrow (RM), Archivist, and SC found additional information in the Archive pertaining
to the Hose House, which will be compared to the information received from VA. VA
presented the RHC with records that were collected by members of the Northern Residents
Association throughout its existence and relate to the activities of the group. Records
include founding papers, bylaws, financial and banking records, board meeting agendas and
minutes, member lists, as well as programing documents. Records also include
correspondence and promotional materials from fundralsing activities. Records further
include attorney correspondence and banking records regarding the dissolution of the
corporation.
SC made a motion to accession the documents; JEB seconded; roll call 5-0 to accept.
Roberta Sullivan documents
RM is reviewing the documents and will prepare a summary for our February meeting.
RMHS Collaboration
ADF Is the RHC interlocutor to the RMHS History Department. RMHS will identify students
for the History Award. The Award recipient receives copies of Reading 350th Book
Committee, At Wood End: Reading. Massachusetts 1644-1994. a Pictorial History and
Everett A. and Virginia D. Blodgett, Images of America: Reading. There was discussion
around adding a monetary award, and the commission is considering whether the funds
could be drawn from the Historical Commission Trust Fund.
Charter Review Committee - postponed to the February meeting.
Community Preservation Act - postponed to the February meeting.
Future Event Displays
PA sent out additional mockups to be discussed at the February meeting.
25 Haven Street
Mary Benedetto shared plans for the building renovation. There was discussion around the
existing building's historical facade elements, such as the horizonal metal band and lighting,
which were not evident in the plans. JEB requested that the retention of those elements be
included in the plans. SC to send feedback from RHC to Mary.
Pape 12
MBTA Communities Law - nothing to report
Archive Update
RM will complete a survey of the Archive contents by the end of the month. There was
discussion about the 1937 House renumbering list posted on the Town website and if the
Information matched information in the Archive.
Historical House Marker Program
PD picked up three signs from Markarian last week. The website application needs to be
updated so that the fee is listed as $45. PD to work with Amanda Beatrice.
Future Aaenda Topics
• Updating and maintaining the Historical and Architectural Inventory spreadsheet on the
Town website to ensure version control. AB to be responsible.
Finances/Treasurer's Report
JEB reported on his conversation with Acting Town Manager Matt Kraunelis about possibly
restoring RHC's specific budget line item in the upcoming Town FY25 budget. Matt
suggested it was likely too late to lobby for inclusion in FY25, as that process began last
Fall, 2023. He suggested that RHC renew its request for the FY26 budget cycle, which will
begin following the Finance Committee's FY26 Fall Forum in the Fall of 2024.
Review Minutes from December Meeting
Motion to accept 12/13/23 minutes as amended by JEB, seconded by SC, roll call vote 5-0
to accept.
Review Executive Sessions report - postponed to the February meeting
Next meeting: January 18, 2024, 6:30PM Berger Room
February meeting: Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 6:30PM Conference Room
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