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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-24 Historic District Commission Minutesq4� Town of Reading RECEIVED I,c '--=�._*I Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Historic District Commission Date: 2024-07-24 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Town Hall Location: Berger Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Purpose: Public Hearing Version: Attendees: Members: Piro D'Orazio, Chair; Amelia Devin -Freedman and Everett Blodgett Associate Member: Virginia Adams, Ann Ward Members not Present Ilene Bornstein, Greg Maganzini Others Present: Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: The Chair, Piro D'Orazio called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM Ms. Adams and Ms. Ward were elevated to a voting member. MBTA Communities Act & Potential Expansion of Historic Districts Mr. D'Orazio recommended the MBTA Communities Act and potential expansion of historic districts be discussed together since both agenda items are connected. Mr. Blodgett distributed the proposed map that was drafted by Andrew MacNichol, Community Development Director, to show potential properties that could be affected by the new State Law. The Commission discussed the following: • What is the mission of the Commission - protect a structure, preserve a property and/or ambience of street; • In addition to the older/unique structures, homes where prominent people in history lived need protection; • The Historic District Commission does not have jurisdiction over the street; • Buildings are missing from the proposed map that are located outside of the area affected; • Should a whole street be restricted to protect one house; • One house can be a district; • Protecting portions of certaln streets is important; • A Preservation Restriction Agreement on a house is forever; • Town Meeting requires 2/3 vote to approve a Historic District; • Reading Historical Commission is presenting at the fall Town Meeting to extend the Demolition Delay; • A legal written statement from Town Counsel on which Commission takes precedence, the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) or the Historic District Commission - each Commission has their own rules/regulations; • A legal written statement from Town Counsel interpreting the State taw; • WIII there be any additional State requirements In the future in regards to housing; and • A Historic Distrlct can be created after the MBTA Communities Act is valid. � Town of Reading Meeting Minutes WO% , The Commission discussed sending the letter/survey that was drafted by Ms. Devin- Freedman. The Intent of the document is to get the pulse of a neighborhood on creating a new historic district on their street. The Commission discussed what streets should be targeted. The language was slightly changed and it was agreed to send the letter out In August. The Commission discussed who would be responsible if new districts are created - would a new Commission be needed or would this Commission undertake all new properties? The Commission discussed different ways to do community outreach about the letter and workshops In the future. Mr. D'Orazio reminded the Commission a study group is required before the Commission can move forward on meeting with public, and added the Select Board will need to take-action first. Mr. D'Orazio said he will contact Amanda Beatrice, admin staff, to inquire about sending out the letter and ask her about creating an online survey. He will send an email to the Select Board Liaison to update the Board on what has been discussed at tonight's meeting. The Commission agreed sending this letter does not limit them from sending out additional letters or adding other properties or areas. Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to send the letter to the Woburn-Prescott Street Corridor Area. The motion was seconded by Ms. Ward and approved with a 5-0-0 vote The Commission agreed a general announcement should be sent to alert property owners about the letter: on Facebook pages, Reading Post, Chronicle, Patch and Town Managers Monthly Minutes. Mr. Blodgett will follow up with Jayne Wellman, Assistant Town Manager, to Inquire about future State Laws on housing requirements. The Commission agreed a property cannot opt-out of being in a district. The Commission discussed single family owners creating their own district. Mr. D'Orazio will look into the City of Somerville's process. Future Agenda Topics Mr. D'Orazio said currently there are no applications to review. Minutes —June 26 2024 The Commission reviewed the June 26, 2024 minutes. Ms. Saunders to confirm what minutes were approved at the last meeting and correct the minutes before sending to Town Clerk. Mr. Blodgett made a motion to approve June 26, 2024 as amended. The motion was seconded Ms. Devin -Freedman and approved with a 4-0-1 vote (Ms. Ward abstained). Mr. D'Orazio made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 PM. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blodgett and approved with a 5-0-0 vote.