HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-07-12 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission Minutes
July 12, 2005
Attending:
Virginia Adams - Chairperson Karen Herrick Lt. Col. Wilbar Hoxi _
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Mark Cardono - Secretary Sally Hilgendorff List Sharlene Reyn9~d-
Kathy Greenfield
Call to order 7:45 PM
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Miscellaneous:
The Commission received a phone call, from someone named Kimball, regarding Reading genealogy.
Sharlene responded.
Kathy and Virginia have been transcribing names, addresses, valuations, and descriptions from old tax
records books.
Threatened Structures:
Selectman, Ben Tafoya, is the Commission's Selectman advisor. He would like agendas of the
Commission's meetings. Virginia will forward the agendas to him.
75 Pleasant Street:
Virginia sent a letter to Reading Housing Authority (RHA). They have not replied.
Downtown:
CPDC is looking into rezoning for mixed use in the downtown, and will present their findings to the
Selectmen. CPDC will also look at current buildings that could be converted to this dual use zoning.
Pierce Organ Factory:
A developer has reached an agreement with the owner to purchase the property. The developer would like
to meet with the Commission. He is aware that it is on the National Register of Historic Places. Virginia
read the draft of the design guidelines for Pierce Organ Factory. Mr. Strand, the owner, might be willing to
do an oral history of the'factory. Sharlene and Sally might be best Commission Members to work on the
oral history. There is a former employee of the factory, Sid Eaton who is approximately 90 years old and is
living in North Reading, who might be able to add to the factory's history.
420 Franklin Street:
The Conservation Commission has made a determination of the wetlands. The building potential is
unknown. There has been no demolition permit application.
483 Franklin Street: The property is under agreement.
Property at the Corner of Hamden and Pleasant Streets:
A press release Was issued and appeared on the front page of the Chronicle.
West Street Historic District:
Virginia wrote a letter to the Selectmen stating that the Commission designated Kathy Greenfield and Sue
Patterson as the Commissions representatives. Final member might be appointed tonight.
Mass Historic:
A program will be held on 7/20/2005, by Chris Skelly. It will be a roundtable discussion of neighborhood
conservation districts, which are less restrictive than an historic district. Virginia suggested that the
Commission have Mass Historic come and explain Historic Commissions' roles. It could be a joint meeting
with other towns. The Commission discussed when to have the training. The middle of September in the
evening was deemed to be the best time. Mass Historic has an annual meeting in September.
Public Outreach:
The Commission reviewed the Downtown walk on 6/18/2005. There was a good turn out, but the talks
were not loud enough. The booklet was well received, and the Commission received more requests for it
after the walk. Wilbar suggested that the Commission try to have a Police presence to help reduce traffic
noise.
Past Minutes Review:
Review minutes from May 3, 2005. Sharlene moved that the Commission accept the minutes from May 3,
2005, as amended. Wilbar seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0-0.
Miscellaneous:
Sharlene brought up that a Boyscout is looking to do an Eagle Scout Project.
Mark brought in old set of rough drawings for 75 Pleasant Street.
Next meet August 9, 2005
Adjourned 8:45
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