HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-05 Historic District Commission MinutesdN orq Town of Reading kE� i Meeting Minutes TOVVNFIVEp fir° Rl yyj '' � RK •.,.ten• Bo1014 Board - Committee - Commission - Council: JUN G7 AM 9, 24 Historic District Commission Date: 2024-06-05 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Town Hall Location: Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Purpose: Public Hearing Version: Attendees: Members: Pino D'Orazio, Chair; Amelia Devin -Freedman, Ilene Bornstein and Everett Blodgett Associate Member: Virginia Adams, Ann Ward Members not Present Greg Maganzini Others Present: Dennis Carr and Jerry Lamb Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: The Chair, Pino D'Orazio called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM 186 Summer Avenue, Public Hearing on the Addition and Repairs Mr. D'Orazio opened the Public Hearing and read the Legal Notice for the record. Mr. Jerry Lamb, co-owner of 186 Summer Avenue, provided a PowerPoint on the proposal and gave an overview what was discussed at the Historic District Meeting held on May 15, 2024. He updated a few details: • Dimensions - the net increase between the addition that was demolished and the proposed addition is 258sf; • The total house will be 6393sf; • The 32-4x14 deck proposed In the rear of the house is an additional 453sf; • The proposed material for the deck: railing and stairs wood and decking will be Trex composite material; • The proposed spindle will be round (turned) not square; • The existing front porch stairs and Floor will be natural wood; • Roof material is still under debate and would like feedback on rubber or metal roof material; • The bottom of the belvedere is metal - metal roof would match; • Would like to remove the banisters on the farmers porch - pictures were provided of homes in Reading that do not have the banisters on the front porch; • The window replacement will be Anderson E -Series: 6 over 6, exterior aluminum clad and Interior wood material; • Pointed out the location of the two windows that will not be replaced on the existing dwelling; • The doors in the addition will be Anderson E -Series - French doors on the In and 2nd Floor - exterior and interior wood material; • The 1s' Floor porch on the northside door will be Therma-Tru - exterior and interior wood material. The door will be stained to match front door; • Basement egress door will be a fiberglass and painted black; • Garage door will be fiberglass and painted black; • The barn structural design consists of: o Stabilizing foundation - rear and north; ^Q re E Town of Reading c, Meeting Minutes ~ J9•,R0NN�N o Shore up bowing walls; o Repair siding/trim and stairs with in-kind; o Fix floors; o Replace barn door; o Paint; o Barn is not heated or insulated - electricity only; and o Add a barn door at the rear of the foundation Mr. D'Orazio opened the meeting to public comment. Mr. Dennis Carr, 61 Temple Street, asked if railings will be installed at the steps off the deck in the rear of the property. Mr. Lamb responded there will be a stone wall built that will raise the grade - but will install if required by building code. During the presentation the Commission expressed their opinion on the materials and styles proposed on the addition and existing dwelling - a few noteworthy comments: • Removing the balustrade would not express the importance of the structure and architectural details; • Allowing a metal roof could set precedent; • Adding gutters could Impact a product installed and cause deterioration; • Metal roof material is more compatible to belvedere; • The home is an Important house and the renovations and material used should do it justice; • The style of architecture is important - not just the time period; • The front window is an Important feature; • Balustrade are not original on house - and distracts where you look, makes you look down rather than up at the home; • Balustrade are a personal preference - and will have to be maintained; and • The 3 horse windows on the barn should remain The following was agreed upon: • The applicants can decide between installing a metal or rubber roof; • Mr. Lamb will look to see if Anderson has windows that supports the grille insert on the outside; • The window grille width must not be less than the existing - Mr. Lamb to measure the width; and • The balustrade on the farmers porch can be removed but a section should be stored on the property for future homeowners Mr. D'Orazio closed the meeting to public comment. Ms. Devin -Freedman read the proposed language for the Certificate. Mr. D'Orazio said he will send a letter Mr. Lamb regarding the Preservation Agreement - similar to what he did on the approval for the demolition Certificate. He added he will send a letter to the Reading Historical Commission to Inform them of the approval. Ms. Adams was elevated to voting member. Mr. Blodgett made a motion to close the Public Hearing for the addition and repairs to 186 Summer Avenue. The motion was seconded by Mr. D'Orazio and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. r Town of Reading = Meeting Minutes Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness as read by Ms. Devin -Freedman. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 vote The Commission agreed Mr. D'Orazio can approve a different brand for the windows if Anderson does not make the window that supports outside grille inserts. Mr D'Orazio reminded the Commission that the Town is holding a public forum on the MBTA Communities Law on lune 12, 2024. Mr. Blodgett distributed an article from the Globe on the MBTA Communities Law and said he would like to discuss at an upcoming meeting. The Commission briefly discussed future agenda items and agreed the following should be added: • The MBTA Communities Law; • Expanding Historic Districts, start a new District and/or recommend single-family residents be their own District; Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 PM. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 vote.