HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-05-03 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission Minutes
May 3, 2005
Attending: Applicants for membership
Virginia Adams - Chairperson Lt. Col. Wilbar Hoxie George Doucette
Mark Cardono - Secretary Roberta Sullivan Mike Giguere
Call to order 7:40 PM U L L '
Treasurer's Report:
Members signed a warrant for the purchase of a write up on a Reading house that was in House Beautiful.
Roberta requested a purchase of a new camera battery charger with batteries and a new 0,dtW6 { 9 '
Roberta made a motion to purchase a new camera battery and charger for up to $30.
Mark seconded the motion. Vote 3-1-0
Town Meeting:
The Carriage House Bylaw will be presented to Town Meeting this Thursday June 9, 2005. The Commission needs to
show positive support of the Carriage House Bylaw.
Virginia made a motion that The Commission votes to support Article 26, The Carriage House/Stable/Barn Bylaw
Roberta seconded the motion. Vote 4-0-0
Miscellaneous:
Tafoya will be The Commission's liaison to the Selectmen.
Nancy Smithurst is being honored for 20 years of service to the Town of Reading, at the Library on May 12, 2005 from
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
Graduation is set for June 5, 2005. The Commission can now plan the downtown walk.
Guests at the meeting, George Doucette and Mike Giguere, might apply for membership/associate membership.
Sally dropped off the letter she wrote that may help save the Pierce Organ Factory.
Mark handed in a CD of pictures from various site visits.
420 Franklin Street:
Virginia wrote up about the site visit to 420 Franklin Street.
The owners will be going in front of The Conservation Commission because one of the intended building lots is of
concern to The Conservation Commission. The Commission should make a presence to let The Conservation
Commission know about the historic home on property.
Some of The Commission members will attend The Conservation Commission's hearing.
572 Haverhill Street:
Some Commission members attended a site visit at 572 Haverhill Street. The northwest corner of the house was
opened for renovation. Some interesting artifacts were found as well as some interesting construction methods. In
the corner, on the west wall, was the original horizontal sheathing; with beveled edges to accommodate the saltbox,
and the north wall had plank construction. The information that The Commission gathered should be analyzed.
West Street Local Historic District:
Discussion of signage and the possibility of using some of The Commissions funds for the signage. Virginia brought
in the map to be recorded, it was lacking some information. Town Counsel will take care of recording the district.
Walgreens:
The Commission has an article prepared for The Chronicle which is based on the site visit. A short discussion ensued
about the appropriate time to submit the article.
26 Pleasant Street is to be torn down. It is a small Greek Revival and is on the 1854 map. Everett Blodgett suggested
and will investigate the possibility of moving the house to the Parker Tavern land. Virginia brought up the possibility of
having a plaque made for The Hamden Mansion. The Commission could pay up to $500 from documentation funds.
Administrative Review Of The Site Plan Review:
Virginia and Roberta attended the April 4, 2005 meeting. At the meeting, was a discussion of how to improve the
design review process. The Commission needs to be notified earlier in the process. Town planner had suggested
The Commission be included in the DRT meetings (Design Review Team).
Pierce Organ Factory:
Virginia made a draft of design guidelines. Virginia also found a Structural Engineer to review he building. He will do
it for free, but he doesn't want The Commission members to tag along.
Virginia met with owner and asked if The Commission can tour the building and go over his stuff.
Virginia asked the owner about having the Structural Engineer look through the building. He would rather not have
the. Engineer come in. He said that he found the Organ Factory on a website, where it is listed as one of the 10 most
reusable properties.
The Commission reviewed Virginia's design guidelines.
717 Pearl Street Barn:
The owner wants to dismantle the barn and sell the materials. Roberta checked with the Building Inspector about the
age of permits. The permits die in a year, so the barn will be flagged for demolition delay.
75 Pleasant Street:
The Reading Housing Authority is working on a design.
Depot signage:
No further action.
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Public outreach:
June 25, 2005 is Community Day. The Commission discussed making a display about preservation, like a now and
then showcase, or a good preservation project showcase.
The Commission discussed when the walking tour of the Town Square should be held. Some possible dates are
June 11,12,18, and 19, based on Graduation being on June 5, 2005.
The Commission reviewed an outline of the walking tour and set a date of June 18, 2005, with a rain date of June 19,
2005.
Forward current list of members
Virginia made a motion to appoint Mark as the Historic and Celebration Trusts representative.
Roberta seconded the motion. Vote 4-0-0
Suggestion of purchase of Cummings book on first period houses
Roberta made a motion to buy The Cummings book as a reference for the archives.
Wilbar seconded the motion.
Virginia amended the motion to spend up to $100.
Roberta amended the motion to spend up to $200
Wilbar seconded the motion. Vote 3-1-0
Wilbar suggested that The Commission have a learning session on using the book.
Next meeting June 7, 2005
Adjourned 10:10PM
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