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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-17 Historic District Commission MinutesTown of Reading 4R0 RK Meeting Minutes RNGMO E ioard - committee - commission - Council: 71124 May 6 42 Historic District Commission Date: 2024-01-17 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Town Hall Location: Berger Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Purpose: Meeting Version: Attendees: Members: Pino D'Orazio, Chair; Amelia Devin-Freedman and Everett Blodgett Associate Members: Virginia Adams, Ann Ward Members not Present Ilene Bornstein, Greg Maganzini Others Present: Jerry Lamb, Alexandra Kaplan, Select Board Liason Chris Haley Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: The meeting was moved to the Berger Room due to the Conference Room being utilized The Chair, Pino D'Orazio called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. Ms. Ward called into the meeting as approved per Mullin Rule. Both Ms. Ward and Ms. Adams were elevated to voting members. 186 Summer Avenue — New Owners Mr. D'Orazio welcomed Jerry Lamb, one of the new owners of 186 Summer Avenue, and noted the Reading Historical Commission viewed the presentation last week at their meeting. Mr. Lamb provided a PowerPoint on the repairs to the main house: • Replace rotten trim and siding using the same materials - pine boards for the trim and cedar clapboards for the siding; • Patch and repaint foundation; • Emergency roof repair due to water leakage; and • Cupola to be repaired in-kind — slate to be replaced, the copper will not be replaced. Ms. Adams recommended a business that restores windows. Mr. Blodgett asked if "restored in-kind" means as in the original or what is currently the existing material. Mr. Lamb responded the intent is to match the existing material. Mr. Blodgett recommended using Latex Glazing because it lasts longer. Mr. Lamb noted the paint color is still in discussion. After the discussion, the Commission agreed to amend the application and add the cupola and roof repair. Mr. Lamb briefly discussed the removal of the existing pergola and said once the architect and structural engineer drafts plans he will return the commission for approval. ° Town of Reading Meeting Minutes o° Mr. Lamb acknowledged the property has three (3) separate lots. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for 186 Summer Avenue as discussed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 roll call vote. The Commission agreed a Public Hearing is not necessary for the repairs, however the abutters need to be notified. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to wave the Public Hearing for 186 Summer Avenue. The motion was seconded by Ms. Adams and approved with a 5-0-0 roll can vote. Mr. D'Orazio explained the abutter notification process to Mr. Lamb. Ms. Devin -Freedman said she will draft the Certificate by Monday. 195 West Street — Window Replacements Mrs. Alexander Kaplan, owner of 195 West Street, was present for the discussion on window replacement: • The house was built in 1867; • There are 11 windows that will be replaced - 3 windows on porch, 4 on front of house, and 4 windows visible on back/side of house from Prescott Street; • The proposal is to replace with white wood Pella Architect Series, Traditional Replacement Double Hung windows - which will reflect the existing style of windows; • Aluminum cladding on the outside; and • The window lites are 2 over 2 except for the office window is 1 over 2. Ms. Adams encouraged the applicant to keep the existing windows and install interior storm windows - and pointed out a resident on Mill Street who chose to install the storm windows which has lessened the street noise. Ms. Kaplan responded she is concerned about insulation and heat loss. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for 195 West Street to replace 11 windows as described. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 roll call vote. The Commission discussed if the window replacement is greater than 25% of the fagade and if a Public Hearing is necessary. Ms. Adams suggested the owner save one window in the attic or basement for future owners. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to wave the Public Hearing for 195 West Street. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 roll call vote. Mr. D'Orazio explained the abutter notification process to Ms. Kaplan. Ms. Devin -Freedman said she will draft the Certificate by Monday. Ms. Devin -Freedman welcomed the homeowner to come to any meeting to discuss her property or listen in on a meeting. Ms. Kaplan thanked the Commission and said she will be in contact - she is interested in doing additional renovations. off. OFq Town of Reading Meeting Minutes oxapP�h° MBTA Communities Act - Impacts on Historic Districts Mr. D'Orazio provided a brief background on the META Communities Law. He said the current map presented by Andrew MacNichol, Community Development Director, shows one (1) property on the corner of Woburn Street and Summer Avenue that is being proposed in the new zoning area. Mr. Blodgett said he attended the recent public forum that was held by Mr. MacNichol and Mary Benedetto, Senior Staff Planner and provided a summary what was discussed. He expressed his anger on not completely understanding the new law and how it will affect not only the historic district and historical homes but the towns appearance itself. He questioned if the Historic District Commission Bylaw has precedence over the MBTA Communities Law. Select Board Liason Chris Haley was present and said he also attended the public forum and listened to Mr. Blodgett's concerns. He said it his understanding that the MBTA overrides the Historic District Commission. A builder can demolish an existing home and build what he wants - this is by -right per the MBTA Communities law. He was in contact with a resident by computer during the meeting who said that is her interpretation too that the MBTA overrides the HDC. The Commission members all expressed their concern on the State mandated MBTA Communities Law. The Commission discussed: • By -right development is a concern; • Extending or creating a new Historic District - and who will lead this effort; • Town Meeting would need to approve a new or extended District; • Property owners can create individual historic districts; • Can you extend/create a district after the State Law is in effect; • Sending letters to property owners to inform them of options on how to protect their home; • Protecting your property is protecting the neighborhood; • Deed Restrictions is an option for property owners; • Which option is financially reasonable for a property owner; • Concern about future State request - will they extend the zoning requirement further into neighborhoods; and • Reading Historical Commission to look into expanding Demolition Delay Bylaw It was noted that the Historic District Commission will need to approve if an application is submitted to demolish a single-family dwelling and rebuild a multi -unit building if property is in a historic district. Commission agreed to reach out to Town Counsel to help interpret the State Law. Guidelines Discussion - Additions to historic structures/use of artificial materials /ground level changes/mini-solits The Commission reviewed the proposed language and agreed to move forward and schedule a Public Hearing for the next meeting to adopt the changes to the Guidelines. � •OFR �: Town of Reading 1i�. ,.e1, Meeting Minutes oxvo�`e Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to accept the changes to "Addition to HDC Design Guidelines on Alternative Materials and Ground Level Features" dated January 2024. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett with a 5-0-0 roll call vote. Mr. D'Orazio said he will reach out to Amanda Beatrice, Admin Staff to schedule the Public Hearing. Future Agenda Items Mr. D'Orazio said future agenda items: MBTA Communities Law, Public Hearing and 186 Summer Avenue. Mr. D'Orazio asked the Commission members their thoughts on changing the start time of the meeting to 6:30 PM - it was agreed to keep 7:00 PM. Review Meetina Minutes from December 2023 and Executive Session Minutes The Commission reviewed the minutes from December 20, 2023 and made corrections. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to approve the minutes of December 20, 2023 as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett with a S-0-0 roll call vote. The Executive Session meeting minutes were tabled to next meeting. Mr. D'Orazfo made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9.05 PM. The motion was seconded by Ms. Devin -Freedman and approved with a 5-0-0 roll call vote.