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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-18 Historic District Commission Minutes0~� n ° Town of Reading Meeting Minutes J•:IK•M1r� Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Historic District Commission Date: 2024-09-18 Building: Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: Public Hearing ttECEIvED T9WN CLERK G .'. MA. Mli0Clz4 AM41'z Time: 700 PM Location: Town Hall Conference Room Session: Version: Attendees: Members: Pino D'Orazio, Chair; Amelia Devin -Freedman and Everett Blodgett, Ilene Bomstein Associate Member: Virginia Adams, Ann Ward Members not Present Greg Maganzinl Others Present: Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: The Chair, Pino D'Orazio attended the meeting via remote. Ms. Devin -Freedman, Vice Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM Ms. Adams was elevated to a voting member. Ms. Adams suggested taking the agenda out of order and discussing 239 West Street first. 239 West Street — Stone Wall Rebuild and Driveway Expansion Mr. William Carrick, owner of 239 West Street, was present to provide an overview of the proposal: • To expand and repave the driveway and rebuild the stonewall in the front and on the side of the house by the driveway; • The stonewall will be moved in 18" towards the house and the driveway expanded to that area; • The location of a telephone pole makes it difficult to exit and enter driveway; • The existing stonewall was damaged and never repaired during the construction of the sidewalks and curbing; and • The proposed wall height is less than 3' and material is fieldstone and mortar Ms. Adams asked if the stonewall was already built when the house was purchased. Mr Carrick responded he bought the house in 1986 and yes, the stonewall was there. Ms. Adams opined the wall is not a classic stonewall and has no historical significance. Mr. Blodgett wanted confirmation that the driveway was not expanding to the front lawn area. Mr. Carrick responded the proposal is not to remove curbing or sidewalk, the existing front grass area is to remain. The Commission briefly discussed how the contractor will rebuild the stonewall. Ms. Devin -Freedman recommended the owner contact the Town Engineering Department before expanding the driveway. *04Q6"Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Ms. Bornstein made a motion to approve the Certificate of Applicability for the driveway expansion and rebuild of the stonewall at 239 West Street. The motion was seconded by Ms. Adams and approved by roll call with a 5-0-0 vote Ms. Devin -Freedman explained the abutter notification process. The Commission discussed and agreed the public hearing to be walved. Mr. Blodgett made a motion waive the public hearing for 239 West Street. The motion was seconded by Ms. Bornstein and approved by roll call with a 5-0-0 vote. The owner expressed concern about notifying the abutters and having to wait the 14 calendar days before the project can start. The Commission explained notifying the abutters is a requirement for a Certlflcate of Applicability. The owner said he will let the Commission know if he changes his mind and not expand the driveway - and to only repave the driveway and repair the stonewall. Mr. Carrick left the meeting. Mr. D'Orazio informed the Commission that after a discussion with Ms. Amanda Beatrice, Admin Staff, he was made aware that the Design Guidelines has an error. Driveway review falls under both "Subject to Review" and "Exempt for Review" by the Commission. He suggested that this error be fixed next time the Design Guidelines is updated. Ms. Bornstein requested a copy of the most recent Design Guidelines. Mr. D'Orazio commented that Andrew MacNichol, Community Development Director was not available to attend tonight's meeting. He Informed the Commission there has been changes to the proposed MBTA Communities map and the two scenarios discussed at the recent Community, Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) meeting is not by the Historic Districts. The dlscusslon regarding the "Potential Expansion of Historic Districts" and "MBTA Communities Act" can be held off until further Information is received from the town. Potential Expansion of Historic Districts — Discuss Potential Letter to Neiahborhoods MBTA Communities Act Community Outreach Updates/Email Inquiries from the Public There have been no email inquiries from the public regarding the MBTA Communities Act and how it could Impact properties. Mr. Blodgett brought forward a potential problem that was brought up during a discussion with a lawyer. He believes he has a Conflict of Interest with either discussion about expanding a historic district and MBTA Communities Act. He explalned It Is due to owning property by a historic district. Ms. Ward commented she belleves she too could have a Conflict of Interest. She lives by Woburn Street, where the Commission has discussed previously expanding the historic district. Mr. Blodgett said he could recuse himself of the discussions and leave the room or sit in the audience and participate as a resident and not as a member. The Commission members encouraged both members to reach out to the town to seek a waiver from the Select Board. p rPF"O �:. Town of Reading Meeting Minutes aJa;IKOR �`C Future Aaenda Topics No future items added to the agenda. Ms. Devin -Freedman reminder the Commission that the Town is hosting an Open House for all residents next month. The Historic District Commission's brochure will be available at the Reading Historical Commission's table. Ms. Devin -Freedman said the next HDC meeting will be held on October 16, 2024 Minutes -July and Auaust The Commission reviewed the July 24, 2024 minutes. Mr. Blodgett made a motion to approve July 24, 2024 as amended. The motion was seconded Ms. Bornstein and approved by roll call with a 5-0- . The Commission tabled the August minutes until next meeting. Ms. Devin -Freedman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 PM. The motion was seconded by Ms. Adams and approved by roll call with a 5-0-0 vote.