HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-12-07 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission Minutes
December 7, 2004
Attending: Mark Cardono - Secretary Sharlene Reynolds Santo
Virginia Adams - Chair Lt. Col. Wilbar Hoxie Roberta Sullivan
Call to order 7:45 PM
Past Minutes Review:
Review minutes from November 9, 2004. Sharlene moved that the Commission accept the minutes from
November 9, 2004 as amended. Roberta seconded the motion. Vote: 5 - 0 - 0.
West Street Historic District:
The West Street Historic District passed at the Town Meeting on October 15, 2004. The Commission will
need to nominate someone to serve on the West Street Historic District Commission. The nominee does
not have to be a member of the Historic Commission.
Virginia made a presentation to Town Meeting with Roberta's assistance on graphics.
7-9 Hamden Street:
Virginia attended a CPDC meeting and reported to the Commission information about a design review for a
new Walgreens.
Virginia and Roberta attended a CPDC hearing and reported the following; Virginia encouraged them to
change the wall on Pleasant Street. They will put in false windows. Roberta is concerned with the possible
overload of signage in the windows. All attendees were concerned with the brick size and color. The plans
also call for awnings on the Main Street side of the building, in order to emulate the rest of Reading
Square. Roberta expressed concern with the awnings. The Commission should get involved with the look
of the Town Center
483 Franklin Street:
Clay Jones arrived to review the latest modifications to the Preservation Restriction Agreement. The Town
Counsel will need to review the agreement prior to the assignment to the deed. Virginia will check with the
Town Counsel on the specifics of the deed restriction. Sharlene moved to accept the draft of the
Preservation Restriction presented by the owner Clayton Jones for 483 Franklin Street, as amended.
Roberta seconded the motion. Vote 5-0-0.
Carriage House Bylaw:
The Commission discussed the definitions of the properties that would be covered under the bylaw, for
presentation to CPDC. These definitions include year built, size of the structure, and size of the lot. The
Commission determined that the order of importance should be historic preservation, especially for
inventoried properties, and properties built prior to 1920. Another consideration was whether or not the
occupancy will be limited to in-law apartments. Roberta had the Assessor's Office provide a listing which
included single family homes, built prior to 1920, with a detached building. Site visits were done to
compare with the list. Based on the list and the visits, the criteria for inclusion of properties covered by the
bylaw include the property is on the Inventory, was built prior to 1920, and the structure has the minimum
living space, based on square footage, to comply with current building code. Even though only single
family homes were researched, the Commission would like to reserve the right to consider non-single
family home with out buildings.
Miscellaneous:
Mark suggested that The Commission request copies of any historic photos from the residents of Reading.
Past Perfect software is approximately $600-$700. It is used to organize historic collections.
There is nothing to report on the Depot.
There is nothing to report on the 1765 Map.
There is an expected hearing for a demolition permit on 7-9 Hamden Street for building the Walgreens.
Mark presented information on the software package Past Perfect. This prompted a discussion for the
Historic Commission's website.
Next meeting January 4, 2005
Adjourned 10:30 PM
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