HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-08-17 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission Minutes
August 17, 2006 RECEIVED
Attending: TOWN CLERK
Virginia Adams Kathy Greenfield - Chairman READING, MASS.
Mark Cardono - Acting Secretary Karen Herrick
Susan Patterson 1001 MAR IS A q-' 59 "
Reading Housing Authority (RHA):
Brad Latham Lyn Whyte
John Coote
Guests:
Karl Jessen 97 Pleasant Street Susan Martin 111 Pleasant Street
Andrea Durham 97 Pleasant Street
Call to order 7:40 PM
Public Hearing on Demolition of 75 Pleasant Street:
Susan read the notice.
Brad Latham spoke on behalf of his client The RHA. The RHA wants to move forward, on the demolition,
as soon as possible. They also requested that The Commission not put a moratorium on the house.
Virginia presented the history on the house. It was referred to as the Ebenezer Buxton House.
The RHA said the house will be empty by October, which may cause them to lose their property insurance.
Virginia asked about the lot lines.
The RHA said that the financing of the four units may be difficult.
The public is invited to ask questions.
Karl Jessen, who lives at 97 Pleasant Street asked about the financing. Lyn answered that construction
costs are up 25% and interest rates are also up. She added that financially the RHA cannot afford it and
the land swap with the Town is done.
Andrea asked why people can't move in now, but they could years ago.
Martin asked about the RHA selling the house. Lyn said it is a possibility. Brad added that a new buyer
would be stuck with the 12 month demolition delay.
Karl wants to maintain as much as possible in the historic area.
Martin said that it feels like losing what Reading is all about.
Andrea is concerned about all of the teardowns throughout the Town and there are already 8 affordable
units on Pleasant Street. She does not want it to be like Somerville.
Brad asked that no delay is imposed.
Karen expressed her concern on the cost estimate to renovate the house.
Mark moved that the Commission close the Demolition Delay hearing for 75 Pleasant Street. Virginia
seconded the motion. Vote: 3-0-0
Virginia asked if the application is in order. The following items were checked; Plot Plan, Elevation
Pictures, Description of the Structure, and the Reason and the Support of the Reason for Demolition.
Virginia feels the materials are acceptable because The Commission has previously gone through most of
it. She added that if another application was this sparse, The Commission would ask for the complete
material for clarification.
Kathy said The Commission can release the delay any time, but it may have the demolition delay imposed
because it is on the inventory.
Virginia and Kathy would like to discuss moving the house. Virginia said there are 4 possibilities for moving
the house.
The RHA said they will have trouble.getting financing and they will probably be unable to give the house
away because of the mortgage.
Mark suggested that they work the house move around the refinancing.
The RHA said it is hard to get a tenant in because they must provide a 1 year lease.
Alternatives were discussed.
Virginia and Kathy feel that they would impose a delay.
Brad asked about imposing a shorter than 12 month delay.
Virginia asked the RHA if they would consider buying a different parcel and build the 2 units on it and sell
the house.
Brad asked for a shorter than 12 month delay.
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Kathy suggested that The Commission impose a 6 month delay
The RHA added that they need to apply to DHCD (Department of Housing and Community Development)
for their financing by mid September. DHCD only has 2 application periods per year.
Karen suggested that The Commission write a letter to DHCD about the demolition delay.
Kathy moved that the proposed demolition of the structure (s) at 75 Pleasant Street would be detrimental to
the historical or architectural heritage and resources of the Town, and that demolition be delayed up to
twelve months from today's date in order to seek alternatives (per General Bylaw section 5.13.3.5 and
5.13.3.6). Virginia seconded the motion. Vote: 3-0-0.
25 Walkers Brook Drive:
Owners:
Ed Shaw
Allen Schiller
There are some photographs of the building. The Commission is welcome to come in and document the
building, within the next 6 months. Virginia said that would be good for The Commission to come in and
document the building.
The Commission can contact Allen to arrange a date and time to visit.
The building was originally a trolley car barn.
The Commission should interview the Uncle, Earle Kaufman, on the building's history.
The owners will meet with CPDC (Community Planning and Development Commission)
420 Franklin Street:
Discuss the deed restriction. The plot plan was sent to Mass Historic.
Brad Latham's comment on the deed restriction should be complete within a couple of weeks.
370 South Street:
A demolition permit application was given to The Commission. However, it is not on the inventory.
Virginia suggested contacting Tambone about letting The Commission document the property, Virginia will
try to contact Tambone.
Miscellaneous:
- Kathy suggested that the website be used to tell people about old houses for sale or rehab.
Walgreens has pictures of old Walgreens' Stores in the windows.
Kathy suggested contacting them about putting historic photos of Reading in the windows.
65 Harnden Street was sold. The Commission should try to get in and document it.
CPDC meeting is on August 4, 2006.
Peter Hechenbleikner sent an email requesting information about the original landscape designs of
Memorial Park, thought to be an Olmsted design. Virginia responded that a Reading resident, Mr.
Manning, worked for Olmsted.
Pierce Organ Factory representative called about tax credits. Virginia sent them to Mass Historic.
Virginia suggested that The Town should adopt the Mullen Rule. The rule allows members to hear or read
a transcript, of a missed meeting, and still participate in the meeting. Kathy agreed and added that The
Commission should write a letter to request the rule be put on the Town Meeting Warrant.
Next meeting September 12, 2006
Adjourned 9:55 PM
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