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Home My WebLink About2024-05-15 Historic District Commission MinutesA .Town of Reading RECEIVED -Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK FfAD;NG. M[ORo board - Committee- commission - Council: 2g24 JUN 21 k"9123 Historic District Commission Date: 2024-05-15 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, Ilene Bornstein and Everett Blodgett Associate Member: Virginia Adams Members not Present Greg Maganzini, Ann Ward Others Present: Alexandra Kaplan, Matt Slowick and Jerry Lamb Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: The Chair, Pino D'Orazio called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. Ms. Adams was elevated to voting member. 195 West Street, Proposed Work Mrs. Alexandera Kaplan, owner of 195 West Street, provided a PowerPoint on a future project - she asked the commission for feedback before applying for an application: • The main house was built in 1867, the addition in early 2000 and kitchen in the 1900; • The side porch will be replaced eventually and brought up to building code; • The wood porch is the original style - the columns on the porch are square in style; • A couple of windows will be moved or added and the two entrances will be consolidated to create one new entrance; • No major changes to the front of the home; • The proposed work is mainly interior; • There are three changes proposed - bathroom window installed to create natural light; kitchen window moved and remove one entrance; • The windows will be 2 over 2 - replicate existing; • The type of material for stairs will be confirmed by architect; • Commission previously approved the windows to be replaced; • The hood/overhang at an entrance is proposed to be removed; • The below -grade foundation at the corner of the house will need to be replaced by a poured foundation; • The existing siding is wooden clapboard - not vinyl siding; and • The fence will be replaced eventually The commission commented on the project: • Mr. Blodgett suggested the commission receive additional information from applicants regarding window replacement. Ms. Devin -Freedman suggested updating the application to require up close pictures of the window that is being replaced; • Casement window recommended in kitchen; • The commission recommended to maintain the hood/overhang feature which would also be protection from the elements of weather; • Adding shrubbery will minimize the foundation appearance; and �F OFP Town of Reading ?; r Meeting Minutes oa>� • Application required for full project • Ms. Adams complimented the owner on the thorough presentation; Ms. Kaplan Informed the commission the project will be done in stages - the bathroom will be done first and the rest of the project next year. She will apply soon for a Historic District Certificate for the bathroom. 175 Summer Avenue. Deck Mr. Matt Slowick, owner of 175 Summer Avenue, was present for the discussion on renovating the existing deck: • The deck is on the front of the house off to the left side; • The existing deck will be demolished and rebuilt extending it 2' larger - constructing a new 7x13 deck; • The deck needs to be replaced for safety concerns; • Contractor recommended using Tiger Wood material; • The existing doorway/enclosure will be removed and the hood/overhang will remain to help with elements of weather; and • The stairs and wood railings will be replaced and match the existing The commission discussed the proposal and agreed there is no concerns. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for 175 Summer Avenue to remove the existing entrance @ deck and construct new 2' longer 7x13 deck with material Tiger Wood. The wood railings and wood stairs to be replaced similar to the existing. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. After a discussion, the commission agreed a public hearing is not required however the abutters will need to be notified. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to waive the Public Hearing for 175 Summer Avenue. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. Ms. Devin -Freedman explained the abutter notification process. 186 Summer Avenue. Addition Mr. Jerry Lamb, owner of 186 Summer Avenue, provided a presentation on the proposed addition as well as updating the commission on the ongoing project: • No artifacts found during the renovation; • The demolition of the rear addition was successful; • The belvedere finished and windows restored; • Trim and siding replaced; • Main house restoration; • The roofheight on the addition needs to remain as proposed per architect for the mechanical equipment; • 25 windows will be replaced; • Metal clad windows on the outside with wood inside; • Addition is not larger than the original house; • Repair the front porch; • Stonewall to be installed to bring grade up; • The proposal is a 2 -story addition with garage below - cedar clapboard siding; • A solid metal door to be installed at the garage area in the addition - the door to be painted; isOrR Town of Reading �s Meeting Minutes o•w;� • Steps on the main house will be wood; • Addition will have new full frame windows; • # of lites on addition will match the original house; • Doors and windows the same type (maker); • Front door will be repaired - storm door will be removed after construction; • The trim on the addition is different than the original house; • The roof on the addition is asphalt - the slate roof on the original house roof was repaired; • The size of deck and dimensions of house will be emailed to the commission; • Chimney was repointed; • The door on the deck will match the other doors/windows type; and • The barn structural design consists of: o Stabilizing foundation - rear and north; 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 of insulated - electricity only; and o Add a barn door at the rear of the foundation The commission complimented the current renovations/repairs. Ms. Adams reiterated she strongly suggests that the trim on the house be painted a color that is distinctive. The commission member spent time going over the renovation/repair/addition on the main house, addition and barn - and provided their opinions during the presentation. The commission agreed a public hearing is required. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to hold the Public Hearing for the addition and repairs to 186 Summer Avenue. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. Mr. D'Orazio will contact Amanda Beatrice, Admin Staff to pinpoint a date when the public hearing can be held. The commission discussed if the applicant should be responsible for dropping off 7 copies of the application and plans - rather than having the town print off for each meeting. Ms. Bornstein left the meeting. Discussion Regardina Increased Cost of Housing Materials Mr. D'Orazio informed the commission that Ms. Callan, owner of 215 West Street, has formally withdrawn her application for a Certificate of Appropriateness due to the estimate she received from a contractor to replace the windows. He added that Ms. Callan inquired about submitting a Certificate of Hardship to replace the existing windows with vinyl windows. The commission briefly discussed and said they would prefer the owner to look into a less expensive wood option window - and to come back to the commission to discuss. Discussion on the Reversion of Present -Day Houses Back to Their Oriainal Design Mr. Blodgett brought forward a show he has been watching "This Old House" and currently they are restoring a house in a historic district located in Glenridge NJ to match the surrounding houses. The show is presenting new products, flooring etc. that is less expensive than original material. Mr. Blodgett recommended the commission to review the building code for Glendale, NJ at www.glenridoe.oru r Town of Reading Meeting Minutes 'Q��IIROP�� Review Meeting Minutes from January 17, 2024 The commission reviewed the minutes from January 17, 2024 and made corrections. Ms. Adams made a motion to approve the minutes of January 17, 2024 as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. D'Orazio with a 4-0-0 vote. Review Meeting Minutes from February and March The minutes from February and March were tabled to a future agenda. Potential Expansion of Historic Districts Mr. Blodgett said the commission needs to discuss at length the potential expansion of Historic Districts - especially since the MBTA Communities Law could impact existing properties within a few miles of the railroad track. The commission agreed to continue this discussion at a future meeting. Ms. Devin -Freedman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9,20 PM. The motion was seconded by Ms. Adams and approved with a 4-0-0 vote.