HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-18 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission Minutes
Demolition Hearing for 1-15 Harnden Street and 12-20 Pleasant Street
January 18, 2005
Attending: Mark Cardono - Secretary Sharlene Reynolds Santo
Roberta Sullivan -Acting Chair
Brad Latham Attorney
Ken Fadden Mark Investments
Michael Cassavoy Edwards and Kelcey
Call to order 8:05 PM
Brad Latham presented information on why they are requesting no demolition delay.
Michael Cassavoy explained how they are trying to blend the building into the location. They are going to
try to match the Latham Building's brick.
Brad Latham added that the Selectmen requested that they keep the pizza shop, but it would be too
expensive. He requested that there be no delay imposed on the demolition. He explained that the
previous fire and the out buildings have ruined the historic structure. He offered to let the Commission into
the building to photograph, measure, and salvage historic aspects of the building.
Ken Fadden added that the fire in 1961 destroyed the upper features of the building.
Roberta read a brief history of the 1857 building.
Brad Latham offered the Commission $500 toward the funding of preservation.
Roberta added that the look of the square will be lost.
Michael Cassavoy stated that he will work with the Commission.
Roberta expressed the concerns of the Commission, such as the brick size and color, the mortar, the blank
wall on Pleasant Street. Michael Cassavoy said they will add some windows, of which, some will be used
for the display of Town history and community notices.
Sharlene brought up the Commission's concerns about the awnings. Michael Cassavoy said that the
awnings will stick out approximately 4 feet. Roberta suggested that there be fewer awnings than the
current plans. Brad Latham said that the awning change would have to go before the CPDC.
The CPDC will be meeting next Monday, January 24, 2005. Roberta said the Commission will put together
a memo with recommendations for the CPDC. Brad Latham requested a copy of the memo.
Sharlene moved that the commission close the Demolition Delay hearing for 1-15 Hamden Street and 12-20
Pleasant Street. Mark seconded the motion. Vote - 3-0-0.
The Commission discussed the request for no delay on the property.
Sharlene moved that the proposed demolition of the structure(s) at 1-15 Hamden Street and 12-20 Pleasant
Street, Reading, MA would be detrimental to the historical or architectural heritage and resources of the
Town, and that demolition be delayed (per General Bylaw section 5.13.3.5). Roberta seconded the motion.
The Commission discussed the addition of documentation and design review.
Sharlene amended the motion to read: Sharlene moved that the proposed demolition of the structure(s) at 1-
15 Hamden Street and 12-20 Pleasant Street, Reading, MA would be detrimental to the historical or
architectural heritage and resources of the Town, and that demolition be delayed (per General Bylaw section
5.13.3.5), provided the Commission has the opportunity to incorporate design changes, so that the structure
fits in the town center, and the opportunity to document the historic structure. Mark seconded the motion.
Vote 3-0-0.
The Commission will notify the Building Inspector, the Petitioner, and Brad Latham of the outcome. The
Commission needs to prepare a proposal of design changes for the CPDC.
A discussion of the design concerns began. A memo will be written stating the concerns of the Commission
regarding the windows' and window displays' detraction from the look of the Town Center, and a request
for a written statement allowing the Commission to have access to the building for dabpmentation.
Adjourned 10:05 PM
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