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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-16 Historic District Commission MinutesFECEFIED BY AL a110a1 am, Aug 07, W25 rF Town of Reading Meeting Minutes g Historic District Commission Ph: 781-942-6654 or Fax: 781-942-9071 ,5�a1M0Pr°"' hdc@ci.reading.ma.us Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Historic District Commission Date: 2025-07-16 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Town Hall Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: General Business Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Members: Everett Blodgett (EB), Ilene Bornstein (IB), Pino D'Orazio (PD), Amelia Devin Freedman (ADF) Associate Members: Virginia Adams (VA), Ann Ward (AW) Members - Not Present: Greg Maganzini (GM) Others Present: Jerry Lamb and Katherine Latham (186 Summer Ave) Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Pino D'Orazio Topics of Discussion: PD called the meeting to order at 7:03PM. PD elevated VA to a voting member. Public Hearing -186 Summer Avenue Jerry Lamb and Katherine Latham attended the meeting. Mr. Lamb is the current owner of the property and Ms. Latham represents a potential purchaser. PD started the Public Hearing and expressed the HDC's regret that the historic home and barn had recently burned down. The HOC discussed next steps pursuant to the property's Preservation Restriction Agreement (PRA). Per the PRA, Mr. Lamb submitted a letter formally notifying the HOC of the fire. Mr. Lamb said that his structural engineer and the Town still have to examine the house and decide if it is structurally sound, or if it needs to be demolished. He will update the HDC as the process plays out. The HDC reviewed several courses of action that could take place according to the PRA. Ms Latham agreed to formally withdraw the application without prejudice. The HDC expressed gratitude toward Mr. Lamb and thanked him for his years of effort in restoring the property. PD made a motion to close the Public Hearing. ES seconded. The Public Hearing was closed with a 5-0 vote. 256 West Street The applicant seeks to replace the roof. The HDC discussed the application and determined that the work had already been completed. The HDC decided to send a letter to the homeowner reminding them of the bylaw requirements to gain HDC approval before commencing such a project. PD made a motion to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness, with the inclusion of the aforementioned letter. IB seconded. The motion passed 5-0. PD made a motion to waive a Public Hearing. IB seconded. The motion passed 5-0. 169 Summer Avenue The applicant seeks to replace an existing AC unit with a heat pump/mini-split. PD said that he told the applicant not to attend the meeting, since he thought enough information was included in the application. After some discussion, the HDC decided that some more information was needed from the applicant. PD agreed to reach out and verify that the existing conduits will be used for the new equipment and that the owner agrees to install some mitigating vegetation and/or fencing around the new heat pump/mini-split. EB moved to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness, pending confirmation of the above stipulations. VA seconded. The motion passed 5-0. EB made a motion to waive a Public Hearing. VA seconded. The motion passed 5-0. Proposed MA Leeislation & Its Impact on HD('s PD confirmed that he sent an email in opposition to proposed legislation that the state legislature is considering that could take away some protections of HDCs regarding the demolition of structures within Historic Districts. The HDC will continue to monitor the situation. Somerville Response to HDC Inouiry The HDC discussed the feasibility of establishing individual Historic Districts within the Town of Reading. Maps of Historic Homes/Districts Nothing significant to report Nothing significant to report. PD made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from May. IB seconded. The May meeting minutes were approved by a vote of 5-0 PD moved to adjourn the meeting. EB seconded. Meeting adjourned after 5-0 vote at 9:15 PM.