HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-21 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission
Meeting Minutes: October 21, 2009 Meeting Called to Order:
Meeting Held at: Town Hall
RECEIVED
10ja~T CLERK
REA ING, MASS-
Virginia Adams (VA)
Present
Others in Attend Q0 20 P 12' '
Mark Cardono (MC)
Present
Steve Colby (SC), WPJ Development
Kathy Greenfield, Chair (KG)
Present
Bill Johnson (BJ), WPJ Development
Sharlene Reynolds Santo SRS
Absent
Roberta Sullivan (RS)
Present
Bill Svirsk (BS)
Angela Binda (AB)
Present
Subject I Discussion I Action Items I Fou -
Pierce Organ
Factory Bldg.
BJ presented elevations of plan for Pierce
Organ building. Plan presented was to demolish
all buildings on site and to rebuild it, with 8 units
of housing in front building. BJ plans to speak to
fire department about access and eliminating
building in the rear.
VA noted that RHC was hoping to see a plan for
historic rehab, not demolition. KG stated that if
WPJ did a demo, the RHC would want to sign
off on scale, massing, windows, doors, etc., as
mitigation, and also noted that RHC goal has
always been to save the building. BJ stated
they want to work with the RHC, and that the
main block with dormer may be saved, but the
rest of the building couldn't be made to meet
codes of today. They found the foundation
defective in building, and also exterior walls. He
can provide a list of defects.
SC stated that it is difficult to know what may
happen when construction begins, but asked if
RHC would be OK with saving the main box.
VA noted she wasn't sure, KG noted she was
"more OK" with saving the block than complete
demolition, and RS said she was opposed to
complete demolition. SC stated they were
sensitive to issues of scale, and that the best
use is not the current use, and that neighbors
would like to see something done.
BJ stated they want to work with RHC, will try to
keep mail block, and asked for list of items to
keep, such as cornerboards. KG stated wood
windows, roofline, clapboards, and cupola. KG
will provide an e-mail list of important exterior
features. BJ stated their next meeting would be
with DIRT. VA thanked SC and BJ for their
efforts, and stated that RHC would need to think
about the proposal, and the DIRT would provide
nrlrli ;^no1 fee,AknnL fr^m +he +^-on
Provide list of
exterior features
that are
important, must
remain to WPJ by
e-mail
KG