HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-08-09 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission Minutes
August 9, 2005
Attending: Karen Herrick Channel Building Company
Virginia Adams - Chairperson Lt. Col. Wilbar Hoxie Brad Richards,,..-;
Mark Cardono -Secretary Sue Patterson Jim Heiberg; Pri E130 `I esigner
George Doucette Sharlene Reynolds Santo A, q S
Kathy Greenfield Linda Tuttle
Call to order 7:35 PM - i Sgt: 3 2
Pierce Organ Factory:
Channel Building Company has Pierce Organ Factory under agreement.
Representatives from Channel Building Company were in attendance so that they could have a
conceptual meeting to work with The Commission on the project. They brought in copies of their
site plan, for the Organ Pipe Condominiums, for The Commission to review. Their plan is to
develop 9 condominiums, which includes 2 garden style apartments (1 level), and 7 townhouses.
The units will be around 1200 sq ft each and reasonably priced. They want to make the property
look like and have the feeling of the photograph from the turn of the century. They plan on
removing some of the out buildings and add-ons, but keeping the 2 main buildings and the old
chimney intact. They said the 2 main buildings are good, but need some work. They want to save
the timber framing. They would like to have the driveway go under the building so that the parking
would be less obtrusive to the neighbors. They will have to go before the Zoning Board for
approval of the change in use.
Virginia told them that The Commission put together a set of guidelines. Virginia read the
guidelines.
Mark asked them about the condition of the structure. They said the 2 main buildings are fairly
sound, but they will have to repair and replace as necessary.
Sue asked if they are familiar with adaptive reuse. They answered that they are, and that they
have had good luck in the past. They added that they feel it is a good location for the
condominiums.
The windows are in bad condition, but the company will salvage the window caps.
Wilbar asked how they planned on heating the units. They explained that each unit will have it's
own HVAC system.
Virginia asked about window placement. They replied that windows would remain in the same
places, with the addition of 1 or 2 for symmetry, where the building is to be extended.
Brad asked if The Commission is concerned with some out buildings being removed. Virginia
answered that The Commission knew some were in bad condition. They said that they wanted to
salvage one of the outbuildings which is timber framed.
Virginia asked how the arched entrance to the parking lot would affect plows and dumpsters. They
explained that it is just a concept and needs further review.
Linda asked if they could use Spring Street for the entrance. They explained that there are
residential properties between the property and Spring Street.
The future owners added that the rear building may have dormers and balconies, and that they
want to make the timber framing visible.
Sharlene asked if the dormers and balconies would be visible from the street. They replied that
neither would be visible from the street.
Wilbar asked about drainage in rear of the property. They said there is an existing drain.
Virginia said that she is very pleased with the design concept and the sensitivity they are applying
to the property. Virginia requested they keep The Commission informed.
They are looking for a letter of support or support from the Commission.
They feel that the building project will bring the property closer to conforming. They also want to
sit down with the neighbors to review the plans and ask for support.
Virginia brought up that demolition delay may come up. She added that if we work in advance, we
may be able to release the delay for the out buildings.
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They did a full environmental study and found no trace of zinc or chromium. However, asbestos
was found around the boiler and oil tank. The siding is asphalt and not asbestos siding.
Virginia added that 2 members of The Commission want to interview the owner to get a history of
the factory.
The Commission further discussed the project after the Channel Building representatives left.
Downtown Steerinq Committee:
The following members of CPDC and The Downtown Steering Committee and consultants
entered the meeting:
Adele Blunt Joe Delaney - Town Engineer
Ron Boucher Darshan Jhaveri - Beta Engineers
Jack Russell Randall Collins - Gates, Leighton & Associates
Peter Simms
Darshan reviewed the plans for The Commission. They are pretty much the same as the original
plans.
Virginia added that The Common is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Commission
is concerned that some of the common will be lost.
Randy reviewed the landscape design for The Commission.
Virginia spoke about The Commission's approval letter from 2002. The Downtown Steering
Committee would like an updated letter on The Commission's opinion.
Joe stated that they will need to file an ENF with Mass Historic.
Virginia asked about having a write up about not allowing parking, and/or storage of construction
vehicles and equipment on The Common without prior approval from The Commission.
Virginia asked if they needed any more support from The Commission.
Virginia will write The Commission's updated letter to Joe.
75 Pleasant Street:
The Selectmen want have a joint meeting with The Commission and the Reading Housing
Authority. A Possible date is August 23, 2005.
Miscellaneous:
Virginia has been reviewing Andover's alternate zoning for Historic Properties.
Training for The Commission members will be held sometime in September by Chris Skelly from
Mass Historic. A Possible date is September 22, 2005.
Demolition Delay Bylaw:
The Commission discussed Town Counsel's interpretation of the Bylaw which The Commission
believes is contrary to the intentions of the Bylaw. Virginia had contacted Mass Historic regarding
Counsel's interpretation, and received a response from Chris Skelly. His response was that it
seems to be a common problem with the bylaws. A letter will be drafted to respond to Town
Counsel's interpretation of the Bylaw. Virginia suggested that The Commission should try to get
the delay extended to 12 months. She added that the Bylaw should be revised to go with the
owner and not with the property. The Commission discussed trying to get the Bylaw reworded
and on the spring Town Meeting warrant.
Past Minutes Review:
Review minutes from June 7, 2005. Sharlene moved that the Commission accept the minutes
from June 7, 2005, as amended. Virginia seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0-0.
Miscellaneous:
The senior work program will be reviewed at the next meeting.
The Unitarian church wants to demolish a building that is on the same property as an historic
house (The Loring House).
The Commission was asked for a site and impact review to see if the demolition and the project
will have any effect on the historic house. Virginia will write a letter stating The Commission's
concerns of parking in front of the historic house.
Next meeting September 13
Adjourned 10:05 PM
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