HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-06 Historical Commission Minutes1'~Eftl~'E ~
o CLERK
Reading Historical Commission Meeting Min es 1
G, MASS. 6 May 2007
Meeting called to order at 7:30 pm in the Towaoraceox
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Commission Members in attendance included:
Virginia Adams, Member Roberta Sullivan, Treasurer
Kathy Greenfield, Chair Clayton Jones, Associate Member
Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Secretary Susan Patterson, Associate Member
Mark Cardona, Member
Others in Attendance: Tim Whyte - TE Whyte Construction
Minutes:
• 420 Franklin St - Tim Whyte spoke to the Commission about the renovation status. The
paneling has now been exposed and it was determined that if the owners like this look they
can keep it. The Commission suggested keeping sheet rock/plaster walls that could be
painted and will reserve judgment until wainscoting has been removed. Any changes to the
horizontal beam at the north end of the ell must be approved per our agreement. A window
needs to be cut through the beam, but the ends will be left intact. It was noted that it is
unusual to have a beam in this location but everyone was comfortable with the proposed
changes to the wall to make room for the kitchen window. Kathy made contact with Boston
University forwarding digital drawings to them for the architects, but has yet to hear back
from them. We do have a limited amount of time that this house will be open. Roberta
suggested having Larry Sorli and Ann Grady come to view the structure while it is exposed.
Tim spoke about the vertical paneling in the upstairs bathroom which is in poor condition.
The current bathroom wall location will be kept. The first floor under oak flooring is very
curious there are a variety of boards. Black architectural shingles were mentioned for the
roof, but no ridge vents should be used. The exterior paint color will be red with white trim;
similar to the current. colors. Clay suggested California paints because they have a good line
of historical paints. A wall near the back door has been removed to the studs and will be
replaced. There were no objections by the Commission who felt that reinstalling the studs is
optional and felt that it could be left to the owners. Tim doesn't expect to cut into the beams
in the upstairs bath because there is an eight inch space between the walls and the stack can
be located there. After inspection of first floor main room the paneling it will be easier to
determine options for the paneling. Kathy will compose a letter regarding the issues
discussed. Virginia moved to accept the changes Roberta seconded. Approved 5-0.
• Old South Church - Ron Weston of Old South Church has contacted the Commission
regarding the restoration or replacement of the 1913 windows. Roberta suggested that they
restore the windows. The Christian Science Church recently did their windows and they may
have some information. They have quotes and asked about grants from Mass Historical. The
Commission believes that Mass Historical may require a restriction. Virginia suggested that
they contact Mass Historical.
Archives - Kathy shared that the leak has continued in the Archives. A letter has been
drafted to Peter Hechenbleikner; after the reading of this letter Roberta moved to send it
Sharlene seconded. Approved 5-0.
• Annual Historical Commission Report - Kathy distributed copies of the Annual Historical
Commission Report for review (attached) the report was sent to the Town Manager's office.
• Next meeting scheduled for June 5, 2007.
• The meeting adjourned at 9:50 pm.
Historical Commission Report (2006)
The Historical Commission met approximately 40 times in 2006, in
order to perform its duty to preserve the historic assets of the Town.
The Commission's work included regular meetings, special meetings,
hearings, and attendance at numerous meetings of the CPDC, ZBA,
Conservation Commission, Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting.
Accomplishments included saving an historic home from demolition,
strengthening the demolition delay bylaw, and offering important input
on a wide variety of projects in the Town of Reading. The Commission
also continued its tireless effort to convert historically important
town records to formats that may be accessed electronically.
An amendment to the Demolition Delay bylaw was presented by the
Historical Commission at Annual Town Meeting. The amendment passed
and increased the delay period from 6-months to 1-year. The change
will allow the Commission more time to work with owners of historic
structures to find alternatives to their demolition.
Three demolition delays were imposed during 2006, two under the
6-month delay and one, after passage of the amendment, under the 12-
month delay. Demolition of structures at 420 Franklin Street, 30-32
Elliot Street, and 75 Pleasant Street were all delayed. The Emerson
Barn on Pearl Street, however, was dismantled and moved to New
Hampshire.
The c. 1711 First-Period half-house at 420 Franklin Street was
not only saved from demolition during the delay, but through the
combined efforts of the Historical Commission and Conservation
Commission, has had preservation restrictions placed on its deed in
perpetuity.
In 2006, the Commission was approached for advice and worked with
the community on various issues from updates and conversions to
recognizing citizens and remembering the past. They included: Pierce
Organ Factory, Boston Stove, the Old Hose House, signage on the
Common, the new Veterans Wall at RMHS, a cemetery marker for a world-
renowned chess player buried at Laurel Hill, a half-dozen or more
residential properties, the library's digitized postcard collection,
and the streetscape design for the Downtown. A representative from
the Commission is also working on the ad hoc committee exploring the
Community Preservation Act.
Members of the Historical Commission continued its work, in the
Town archives, to make records available electronically, both to aid
in its own research, and also to make the records more accessible to
the public. Much of the data-entry from Town Valuation books was done
by a senior citizen working under the Senior Property Tax Work
Program. The Commission purchased a new scanner and printer for the
archives to assist in this endeavor.
Wilbar Hoxie served his final term on the Historical Commission,
and did not seek re-appointment in June. Kathryn Greenfield was
appointed, by the Board of Selectmen, as a voting member. The
Commission elected a slate of new officers in June, as well.
Members at year-end•2006 Associates at year-end 2006
Kathryn M. Greenfield, Chair Karen Herrick
.Sharlene :unto Reynold Secretary Clayton Jones
Roberta Sullivan, Treasurer Susan Patterson
Virginia Adams Linda Tuttle
Mark Cardono