HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-07-10 Historical Commission MinutesP
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CLERK
Reading Historical Commission Meeting Mine01 G, MA S. 10 July 2007
Meeting called to order at 7:45 pm in the Townffa F_c erAce%(4ft
Commission Members in attendance included:
Virginia Adams, Member
Kathy Greenfield, Chairman
Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Secretary
Mark Cardono, Member
Others in Attendance: Ruth Ross, Janice Sullivan, Tom Lichoulas, Thomas Loughman
Minutes:
• 457 Franklin St - Ruth Ross the 'owner came with her realtor, Janice' Sullivan and the
prospective buyer; Tom Lichoulas to speak with the RHC about the property: Ruth has had
the property on the market for months, and there has been little buyer interest because of the
house's condition. She also claimed that the restrictions from being on the Historical and
Architectural Inventory are a hindrance. The asking price also seems to be a factor in finding
a :'buyer. Tom is a contractor that would like to moved back to Reading; he would be able to
do the work required, but needs to understand any limitations there maybe. Kathy explained
that the RHC feels property on the town Historical and Architectural Inventory is worth
saving and explained how the Demolition Delay ByLaw works.' The contractor believed that
no 'banker would give a loan on the current structure. Much discussion about how the
process worked: The contractor seemed willing to rehab: The RHC requested a site visit to
give us a better understanding of the condition. Ms. Ross seemed reluctant to grant a visit,
but said she would be in contact with Virginia.
• 420 Franklin St - The team from Boston University, led by Claire Dempsey, visited the
property on 6/16 and 7/5 Virginia, Clay, Roberta and Kathy met with them briefly on the
morning of the first visit. The team `asked `that they be able to do their work alone. Claire
had requested that the Commission` provide any photographs' that may aid them in their work.
Roberta sent a disc with pictures representing rooms in the oldest portion of the house.
Claire also stressed that the structure be well-documented with pictures prior to `any further
alterations being made. She added that it would be beneficial for them to have copies of any
and all original documentation available on the property. At this time, they have not seen
proof of there being a 1711 structure. It seems more likely to have been built 1730-1780; but
no conclusion has been made at this time.
• 32 Grove St - The ZBA application regarding Carriage House conversion has been
withdrawn by the owner.
• Quannapowitt Players - The plan has been accepted by the CPDC with recent revisions,
including requests made by the Commission.
• Administrative -
a Website - The Commission still needs to get content to the town.
a Treasurer's Report - Roberta is not sure if the Historic Mass (now Preservation
OnMass) membership has been renewed. Sharlene will look into this.