HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-03-01 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission Minutes
March 01, 2005 "pif G~
Attending: Sally Hilgendorff List Sharlene Reynolds Santo
Mark Cardono - Secretary Lt. Col. Wilbar Hoxie Roberta Sullivan - Acttog?..Chair
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Call to order 7:50 PM ~
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Harnden Street/Pleasant Street - Walrq eens: DING, MASS.
Discussion of the release of the demolition delay imposed on the property. C14 nfJ thge e is no
concession for the Commission to request changes to the plans. There were i ues rye di the Wing of
the receipt of the CPDC packet. The packet was received late, which made it so the Commission could not
have reasonable time to prepare. Emails were sent to inactive Commission Member's email accounts.
The addresses were not updated, even after numerous notifications of the updates.
Sharlene moved that the demolition delay imposed on the structure at 7-9 Hamden Street, Reading, MA be
lifted on March 11, 2005, giving the Commission a chance to tour and document the property, and to
receive the donation of $500. There is no reasonable likelihood of the structure being purchased,
preserved, rehabilitated or restored (per General Bylaw 5.13.4). Wilbar seconded the motion. Vote: 3-1-0.
Carriage House Bylaw:
The Commission reviewed the bylaw which was approved for the Spring Town Meeting Warrant. The
Commission is going to request the change of "The Reading Historical Commission should be notified" to
"The Reading Historical Commission shall be notified" in the first paragraph of section 4.3.2.10.3.
Train Depot:
Roberta went before the CPDC, and presented the Commission's comments regarding mounting a sign to
the right of the doorway of the coffee shop entrance. CPDC voted to allow a 2' wide by 3' high sign,
mounted flat on the wall, and located to the right of the door.
Roberta had contacted Chris Riley, the Town Planner, about the nonconforming neon blinking sign.
Roberta was informed that the Commission needs to let Glen Redmond, the Building Inspector, know
about the nonconforming sign.
Spence Farm/Archstone at 42 and 42R West Street:
The buildings on the property have been boarded up, and are ready for demolition. It seems like the
Commission will not be able to have the opportunity to tour and document the buildings.
Addison Wesley:
A current plan for the property is a retail development project.
Mill Buildings off of General Way (Frugal Fannies former location):
The Commission discussed the future of the mill buildings. The set of buildings was probably one of the
first modern manufacturing sites in Reading.
Town Master Plan:
The Commission reviewed, commented on, and made changes to the Commission's section of the Town's
Master Plan.
Treasurer's Report:
Sharlene moved to renew the Commission's subscription to Preservation Mass for $50. Wilbar seconded
the motion. Vote: 4-0-0.
The Commission received a donation from the Garden Club for the Moved Houses presentation.
West Street Historic District:
The Town Manager appointed the Commission as the interim West Street Historic District Commission. A
home owner within the district has asked if she needs approval to make alterations to her home. She was
informed that the Commission is the acting authority for the district. She was also informed that she can
bring a sketch to one of the Commission's monthly meetings, which is the first Tuesday of every month.
Past Minutes Review:
Review minutes from December 7, 2004. Sharlene moved that the Commission accept the minutes from
December 7, 2004 as amended. Roberta seconded the motion. Mark amended the minutes. Vote: 4-0-0.
Review minutes from January 18, 2005. Sharlene moved that the Commission accept the minutes from
January 18, 2005 as amended. Mark seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0-0.
Review minutes from February 1, 2005. Sharlene moved that the Commission accept the minutes from
February 1, 2005 as amended. Mark seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0-0.
Next meeting April 5, 2005
Adjourn 10:30
RHC Minutes Rhc03012005.doc Page 1 of 1