HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-06-09 Historical Commission MinutesReacting Historical Commission Meeting Minutes 9 June 2006
Meeting called to order at 9:10 am in the Town Hall Conference Room ;
Commission Members in attendance included:
Virginia Adams Karen Herrick
Clayton Jones
Kathy Greenfield, acting Secretary Linda Tuttle
Sharlene Reynolds Santo, acting Secretary Susan Patterson
Others in Attendance: Peter Hechenbleikner
Minutes:
• Si na a on the Common RHC met with Peter Hechenbleikner to discuss the proposed 4x7
sign on the town common. Virginia began with the background of the term "Common" or
"Green" along with a recap of the Guidelinesfor Evaluating Changes to Common approved
by the Selectman in 1991. Virginia explained that the Reading Town Common was a
relatively small Common split up into 4 parts equaling about 1 acre with the focal point being
Old South Church, the flagpole, and the Town Hall. Currently there is historic signage,
electric poles, street lights, fire hydrants, utility boxes and benches in this Green space. In
the Guidelines the RHC is charged with educating the public and defending the common
against encroachment (traffic, recreation, publicity etc) the Commission wants to maintain its
current borders to maintain the focal point - The Old South Church. The Commission
recommended some alternative locations for the new sign such as the Depot, Haven Street or
on Main Street near the Simms Jewelers. The Commission also suggested that the school
accomplishment sign; erected a few years ago; be moved to a more appropriate location, such
as at the corner of Birch Meadow Drive.
Peter claimed that there is a large demand for the signs on the common because it is the
crossroads/center of town. Permits are required and commercial signs or promotions are not
allowed. He recognized the Commission's view and wants to try to compromise regarding
the encroachment. With such a large number of signs he wants to bring order to the common
and reduce the clutter. The Downtown Plan; will be put out to bid by the end of June and
would be a 2 year project. He stated that a sign at CVS/Simms Jewelers area not an option at
this time, but could be later. Peter intends to go ahead with the sign he already has a sponsor
for. Standards will be set for the size of the lettering. He has spoken with the current
superintendent of schools who was not aware of the history with the current sign and wants
to rotate the accomplishments and may consider moving it.
The group also discussed what might be appropriate on the sign when there are no events
posted. Susan Patterson questioned if the improved traffic flow due to down town redesign
would lessen the effectiveness of these signs when traffic moves by faster. Peter didn't think
that traffic would be that fast. The town does plan to work with RHC regarding bench
placement, plantings (native) and maintenance. Virginia stated that the common is in good
shape and stressed that the sign should not be put there. Peter claimed he would look at other
location after the Downtown Streetscape is done and asked that the commission trust him that
that will happen. Clay was concerned that the signs would be more promotional than