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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-18 Historic District Commission MinutesRECEIVED BY AC W 10.-M am, Aug V,, MM a� ora ,� Town of Reading ti� Meeting Minutes ? - n Historic District Commission ^aka' Ph: 781-942-6654 or Fax: 781-942-9071 ,6�9'rMOF� hdc@ci.reading.ma.us Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Historic District Commission Date: 2025-06-18 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger 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: Steven O'Neil (96 West Street), 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 7:0013M. PD elevated VA to a voting member. 96 West Street Steven O'Neil attended the meeting. He is the contractor who proposed to install new siding on the house. He said that the owner intends to replace the current vinyl siding with hardy plank/clapboard siding. The shed will also be re -sided. Mr. O'Neil said that there is extensive rot present under the existing siding. PD made a motion to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness. EB seconded. The motion passed 4-1(VA voted no). PD made a motion to waive a Public Hearing. IB seconded. The motion passed 5-0. 251 West Street The applicant seeks to replace an existing metal shed with a wood shed. PD said he had some email correspondence with the owner, but that the owner was unable to attend. Some discussion ensued, and it was decided that PD will verify that the new shed will be wood, since some of the pictures that the owner provided weren't completely clear as to the material to be used. PD made a motion to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness, pending confirmation that the new shed will be wood. IB seconded. The motion passed 5-0. PD made a motion to waive a Public Hearing. IB seconded. The motion passed 5-0. 133 West Street The applicant seeks to replace an existing AC unit with a heat pump. The location of the project is not visible from a public way. EB moved to approve a Certificate of Non -Applicability. PD seconded. The motion passed 5-0. 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. Ms. Latham provided more information about the pending application for the potential installation of a pool and tennis court at the property. PD said that he confirmed with the Town that a Certificate of Appropriateness can be transferred from one homeowner to a subsequent purchaser. The HDC decided to schedule a Public Hearing for July 16th. PD made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing for July 16th. VA seconded. The motion passed 5-0. The HDC requested more detailed plans prior to the 16th. The applicant seeks to repaint the house the same color. The HDC discussed the matter and decided that a Certificate of Appropriateness is not needed to repaint a house the same color. PD made a motion to approve a Certificate of Non -Applicability. EB seconded. The motion passed 5-0. ADF summarized 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 decided to send a letter in opposition to the legislation during the public comment period. PD said that he would send the letter. Design and Pattern Book Consultation The HDC decided that if individual members have comments, they can individually direct them to the Town. Somerville Response to HDC Inquiry ADF gave an update. Somerville stated that it is difficult for them to establish new Historic Districts due to manpower limitations. The HDC discussed the feasibility of establishing individual Historic Districts within the Town of Reading. Maos of Historic Homes/Districts Nothing significant to report. Community Outreach Nothing significant to report. PD made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from April. IB seconded. The April 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 8:40 PM.