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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-03 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission Minutes April 3, 2006 Attending: Virginia Adams - Chairman Susan Patterson Mark Cardono -Secretary Sharlene Reynolds Santo Kathy Greenfield Linda Tuttle Karen Herrick Roberta Sullivan - Acting Chairman Lt. Col. Wilbar Hoxie Clay Jones Peter Hechenbleikner Call to order 7:30 PM Town Common: Peter Hechenbleikner presented the signs he would like put up permanently on the Town Common. The Commission asked about the sign's purpose, size, and location. Peter said the signs are for non profit events such as elections and there would no longer be sandwich boards on the Common. Sharlene asked for map of the locations on the common. Peter answered one sign would be on Lowell Street and one would be on Main Street. Virginia suggested that the Commission take it under consideration. Peter would like to move on it in the next month. Public Hearing on the demolition of 420 Franklin Street (continued from February 7, 2006): Attending: Chris Doyon Rosemary Sammarco Roberta Sullivan - Acting Chairman Cherrie Dubois Peggy White Bob Brown Fran Fink - Conservation Peter Zanni Shirley Day - Owner Brad Latham - Attorney for Owner 7:45 PM begin hearing The Commission Members introduce themselves. Virginia recused herself from this hearing. Brad Latham spoke on behalf of his client Shirley Day. He stated that the land is only considered wetland by Reading only and not the State of Massachusetts. They went before the Conservation Commission and found they are willing to work with the owner. Brad finished with a request that The Commission begin the demolition delay. Roberta stated that there have been no plans put forth showing a need for demolition. Brad said it costs too much to apply for notice of intent with the Conservation Commission. He also brought up the possibility of replicating the wetland. Roberta said that no replicating of the wetland was brought up at the Conservation Commission. She added that the house is very important to the Town's history. A Power Point presentation was shown about the importance of historic properties to the Town. Roberta said there are wetlands, Reading supersedes the state on wetland designations, and there can be waivers, but they need to file a notice of intent. The Conservation Commission is sensitive to historic properties. Roberta asked for guest comments and asked Fran Fink of the Conservation Commission to begin. Fran said she was presented with 3 plans by Brad Latham, all met basic zoning and Conservation Commission requirements and kept the historic house. She added that the Conservation Commission is willing to do a variance to fit the driveway in to the wetland setback. She added that it is workable and they are willing to be flexible, but there has not been a notice of intent. Clay asked about replicating the wetland. Fran responded they need to have 2 square feet for every 1 square foot filled. Fran believes one new house will fit, but two will not. Clay asks about replicating to put in a third house, or can they put wetlands on another property for mitigation. Rosemary Sammarco asked about a waiver for replicating a wetland in Reading. Fran answered yes, but they need to present plans. Clay asked about having the town do a replication of the wetland on town property. Roberta asked about the drainage system. Chris Doyon asked about making a 1 for 1 quality wetland in back of the property. Peggy White spoke about the marketing of the house. RHC Minutes Rhc20060403.doc Page 1 of 4 Karen asked Brad if there is an offer on the property. Brad answered that there is an offer, but he is not sure of the terms. Peggy White added that it should be made known in the marketing that the house can be expanded. Chris Doyon asked if it were sold would it remain a homestead. Virginia added that there are only 3 homesteads in the State and all are in Reading. The question is something to ask Mass Historic about. Sharlene added that The Commission would go to bat for saving house if they need help to work with Conservation Commission. Roberta added that The Commission needs to be kept in the loop and it is important to work with The Commission. Brad requested that the hearing be closed and to begin the demolition delay and the owners will sign a statement that they will work with The Commission to try to save the house. Bob Brown said his impression is the owners want to save the house and the developer wants to go the easiest way and wait out the delay. He also suggested moving the house on the property. He has not heard discussion of moving the house on the property. Roberta added that moving the house on the property could be explored. Chris Doyon suggested that the reason the owners want the delay is so they can put pressure on Conservation Commission. Fran stated that no one has made a notice of intent. Once there is a Notice of Intent, a public hearing can begin. Roberta stated that this hearing will need to be continued so that the 8:45 public hearing on the demolition of 30-32 Elliott Street/100-102 Green Street. Public Hearing on the demolition of 30-32 Elliott Street/100-102 Green Street: Attending: Stacey Clark David Hoyt Virginia Adams - Chairman Carl D'Angio Ed Vargas Ellen C. Childress Carl D'Angio Jr. - Owner Lynne Vargas William Childress Brad Latham - Attorney for Owner 8:45 PM begin hearing The Commission Members introduce themselves. Karen read the notice of the public hearing. Virginia asked for a presentation from the owner Brad Latham and Carl D'Angio Jr. said that they applied to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to replace structure with a new multi family structure. They have a new design that better fits the land. Brad requested that The Commission close the demolition delay hearing and to impose the delay if it is necessary. They offered to try and preserve some of the historic details. Virginia gave an overview of property. It was built in 1874 and is an Italianate Stick design. She added that there has been a lot of neglect; demolition by neglect. Roberta said that The Commission was surprised that the structure has been so poorly neglected. The Commission would like to save house, but if that is not possible then replace it with something that fits into neighborhood. Clay added that they should try to find some way to keep the look of house by using materials that look like wood, but not vinyl siding, and try to reuse the granite from the foundation. Virginia opened the floor to public comment. Ellen Childress commented that the recycling of all construction material goes into effect July 1, 2006. She added that there is a new statute that metal, wood, and stone cannot be dumped into a transfer station, but needs to be recycled, and that a similar recycling requirement was put into effect on April 1, 2006 for asphalt. She believes this could add a lot of cost to demolition. She also asked if any estimate had been done to rehab vs. rebuilding and what was the original architect's initial intent of siting the house on the property; is it significant historically. Virginia asked if any Commission Members had any questions, and if the owner had any comments. Roberta requested a site visit and be able to document the house. Carl D'Angio Jr. stated that the structure is in a poor state and he has not done an estimate for rebuilding the structure. Roberta commented that there is no problem to strip the house down to studs and rebuild it like the house on John Street. The Commission can get experts in and believes it is worth looking into. Ellen Childress added that the house wasn't in that bad of condition when previous owner had it and that it has gone downhill fast in the past couple of years. RHC Minutes Rhc20060403.doc Page 2 of 4 Karen asked how much bigger new the structure would be. Brad answered that it would be approximately 20% bigger than the existing house and it meets all setback requirements. Roberta moved that the Commission close the Demolition Delay hearing for 30-32 Elliott Street/100-102 Green Street. Sharlene seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0-0. Roberta moved that the proposed demolition of the structure at 30-32 Elliott Street/100-102 Green Street, Reading, MA would be detrimental to the historical or architectural heritage and resources of the Town, and that demolition be delayed up to six months from today's date in order to seek alternatives (per General Bylaw section 5.13.3.5 and 5.13.3.6). Sharlene seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0-0. Virginia stated that The Commission has 14 days to notify Building Inspector of the demolition delay. The 6 month delay will begin tomorrow April 4, 2006 and end October 4, 2006. Public Hearing on the demolition of 420 Franklin Street (continued from 8:45 PM): 9:20 PM Continue hearing Roberta said that it was now time for The Commission Members' comments. Clay asked if Brad was going to file formally with The Conservation Commission. Brad said they are willing to go back to Bill Bergeron to get an one to one wetland swap on the property. Virginia would like to acknowledge a letter (attached) that was received from Wendell Nelson dated March 7, 2006 along with a chronology of what has transpired. Virginia's Chronology shows that there has been a lot of effort done on this so far. She added that she has known both Shirley Day and her brother Wendell Nelson for a long time. Wendell called Virginia today and was hopeful that a solution could be found. Roberta commented that the date on the letter was March 7, 2006, but the letter was not postmarked until March 24, 2006. Fran added that the Conservation Commission did not receive the letter before their March 22, 2006 meeting and that it is untrue saying that the Conservation Commission is not willing to work with them. Brad explained that the delay in The Commission's receiving the letter was due his administrative error. Roberta requested that the hearing be continued until The Commission has received the plans and other appropriate material. Brad said no. Mark asked why they are so intent on getting the demolition delay if they really want to save the house. Brad asked that we simply close the hearing. Virginia explained that even if the new Demolition Delay Bylaw passes at Town Meeting, this house will only have a 6 month delay. Sharlene read off the list of the 5 required items the owner is to provide to determine if all are completed. A. A plot plan - ok B. Photographs of all facades - ok C. Description of the structure - ok D. Reason for proposed demolition and supporting data - ok E. A brief description of the proposed reuse of the property - ok All of the requirements were met. Sharlene moved that the Commission close the Demolition Delay hearing for 420 Franklin Street. Mark seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0-1. Sharlene moved that the proposed demolition of the structure at 420 Franklin Street, Reading, MA would be detrimental to the historical or architectural heritage and resources of the Town, and that demolition be delayed up to six months from today's date in order to seek alternatives (per General Bylaw section 5.13.3.5 and 5.13.3.6). Mark seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0-1. Roberta stated that the 6 month delay will begin tomorrow April 4, 2006 and end October 4, 2006. The Commission will work with the owners and help them in any way possible. Pierce Organ Factory: Brad Latham said they are going forward with Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) and asked if The Commission would like anything else. Clay suggested they work to recycle the equipment and pipes. Virginia said that they should keep window fenestration and minimize fire escape on the street facing side. She also asked if there were going to be any entries on the street side. Clay also wants to make sure the original look of the building is maintained. Mark asked about the oral history the owner was going to provide. Virginia said they will get the history. Clay said that there are organ historians in the area. RHC Minutes Rhc20060403.doc Page 3 of 4 Roberta requested that The Commission be informed about any meetings. Miscellaneous: There was some more discussion about 420 Franklin Street. Bandstand proposal - The Commission Members need to review guidelines, and it does not need immediate attention. West Street walk - Susan said the West Street District Commission has not yet had a meeting on the walk. The Superintendent of Schools requested someone to serve on the Board of Veterans Wall at the High School. Sharlene offered to be on the Board. A letter was received from Mass Historic regarding the West Street reconstruction. Town Meeting begins on April 24, 2006. For Article 24, on the Demolition Delay Bylaw changes, a presenter and a write up are needed. Clay volunteered Community Day - Virginia asked if anyone is interested in the opportunity to speak to public, sell books, or help out. Linda offered to sit at the table. Site plan review for 157 Main Street - They plan on turning the house into a lawyer's office. There are no historic structures involved. Clay suggested The Commission have a meeting to strategize on 420 Franklin Street and finish the minutes at later meeting. Next meeting Wednesday April 12, 2006 Adjourned 10:18 pm RHC Minutes Rhc2006O4O3.doc Page 4 of 4