HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-11-09 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission Minutes
November 9, 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 October 5, 2004. Wilbar moved that the Commission accept the minutes from
October 5, 2004 as amended. Roberta seconded the motion. Vote: 5 - 0 - 0.
Treasurer's Report:
There is nothing to report.
West Street Historic District:
The West Street Historic District did not get presented at the Town Meeting on October 4, 2004. It will be
presented at the next Town Meeting on October 15, 2004. Virginia read a report to support the proposed
historic district, for a presentation at the next Town Meeting.
Sharlene made a motion that The Historic Commission support Article 17, the proposed West Street
Historic District bylaw, to be presented at the fall Town Meeting.
Wilbar seconded the motion. Vote: 5 - 0 - 0.
7-9 Hamden Street:
Walgreens is planning to demolish the existing house which is on the Inventory. The Commission was
asked to submit written or oral comments for the CPDC meeting on November 29, 2004. The look of the
proposed building was discussed. The general consensus was that the look of the Pleasant Street side of
the building was too sparse.
Carriage House Bylaw:
The Town Assessor provided The Commission with 3 lists of properties that should help define the criteria
of a carriage house. The first list included barns, chicken barns, garages, and other detached buildings.
The second list includes any property with a detached barn, without regard to lot size. The third list
includes` properties built prior to 1920, with over 300 square feet, and unfinished area over 400 square feet,
and the building is listed as a barn. Roberta suggested that The Commission create a definition of a
carriage house so that the list can be narrowed down to a useable list.
The Commission plans to work on researching outbuildings for the definition of a carriage house.
124 Pearl Street:
The owner of 124 Pearl Street would like her home put on the Inventory. She is planning on selling her
house, and would like to have some protection from demolition. The owner needs to make a formal
request to add it on to the Inventory.
Miscellaneous:
Stan Maxwell, from Ohio, has three items to donate to the Archives. He will be here on Friday November
14, 2004. His parents had lived in Reading.
The proposed roads at Camp Curtis Guild can be redesigned so that the buildings, that are eligible for the
National Register of Historic Places, can be saved. Wilbar suggested that the buildings be marked.
Virginia will advise the camp to mark the buildings.
The Advocate is running a series of Reading riddles. The information appears to be from "At Wood End".
Virginia wrote a letter asking that they give credit to "At Wood End".
The Unitarian Church called Virginia regarding the possible demolition of 211 Summer Avenue. It is the
house behind the Church, it was built by Horace Wadlin, and it is on the Inventory. The Church seems
willing to work with the Commission to save the building. Moving the house is a strong possibility.
Sharlene suggested obtaining a copy of the plans for the property.
Pat Greichen requested any Anti-Slavery information. Virginia provided some information.
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 572 Haverhill Street.
There is nothing to report on the 1765 Map.
The deed restrictions on 483 Franklin Street may need to be modified. It will be put up for sale.
There has been no activity on the Depot coffee shop, except for a new door.
Next meeting December 7, 2004
Adjourned 9:30 PM
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