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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-08-03 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission Minutes August 3, 2004 Attending: Virginia Adams - Chair Lt. Col. Wilbar Hoxie 42 Chute Street , . lv~" Mark Cardono - Secretary Sharlene Reynolds Santo Carolyn Boviardj Sally Hilgendorff List Barbara Boviat~ pr Call to order 7:40 PM Treasurer's report: 2 3 3 Less than $4.00 returned to the Town for FY 2004. Received budget of $974.0A& 4205. Miscellaneous: Wilbar turned in a report on the land on Walkers Brook Drive, now called Walkers Brook Crossing. He gave the Commission a synopsis of his findings. Wilbar made motion that the Historic Commission advise the Town that the Historic Commission recognizes no historical significance remaining at the property called Walkers Brook Crossing. Sharlene seconded the motion. Vote 4-0-0. 42 Chute Street: The owner of 42Chute Street, Carolyn Boviard, would like to convert the existing carriage house into a dwelling. The carriage house is on the Inventory, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The conversion requires a variance, which she had received in 1998. Due to personal reasons the conversion was never started, and hence, the variance expired. She would like to get the Commission's support in order to reapply for a variance to do the conversion. The only change to the original plans is the addition of a vestibule. Although the house on the property could be converted to a two family home, she said she would agree to not making the house into a two family home. Virginia added that the Commission had supported the variance application, in 1998, in order to save the carriage house. She also added that CPDC would like to write a bylaw that allows the conversion of carriage houses to a second dwelling on one property, so that these out buildings can be saved from demolition. Sharlene made a motion to support the applicant's request for a letter of support for the proposed conversion of the carriage house to a single family dwelling and an additional vestibule on the south-east side of the building at 42 Chute Street. Wilbar seconded the motion. Vote 4-0-0. Virginia will write the letter of support and send it to both the Town, and Latham & Latham, the owner's attorney. 66 John Street: Mark mentioned that 66 John Street, a twin to 75 Pleasant Street, is for sale. 572 Haverhill Street: The owners of 572 Haverhill Street would like to hire a preservation consultant to point out all of the older parts of the house prior to doing renovations. They are hiring Larry Soreli. The costs will be $100/hr for approximately 2 hours plus $50 for travel. The owners heard that commission has money for this type of thing, and is asking the commission for money to subsidize the consultants cost. Roberta suggested, via email, that the Commission pay for half of the cost. The Commission agreed that the request meets the criteria of both the Historic Preservation Trust, and the Addison Wesley fund. Sharlene made a motion that the Historic Commission reimburse the owners of 572 Haverhill Street up to $150 toward half the cost of a preservation specialist to evaluate the house. Mark seconded the motion. Vote 4-0-0. Wakefield Street Subdivision: Virginia went to a hearing on a subdivision on Wakefield Street. The developer wants a narrower allowance on the new street, and a sidewalk on one side of the new street. The Town wants sidewalks on Wakefield Street for the subdivision. Other attendees want sidewalks on all of Wakefield Street. Virginia suggested that the Commission make it a scenic road. The Commission has never put forth making a scenic road. Usually the residents apply for a scenic road. Depot: Virginia, Sharlene, and Wilbar went to tour the Depot and reported their findings. Virginia found the work acceptable, and signed off on the conditions of the deed. The Commission needs to make sure the new door that will be installed, is appropriate for the Depot. RHC Minutes Rhc08032004.doc Page 1 of 2 1765 Map: No progress to report Miscellaneous: Virginia Received a call from someone trying to do genealogy research on his ancestors that lived in Reading in the 1790s. The task was difficult for him. Virginia suggested that the Commission put together a pamphlet on how to do genealogy in Reading. Virginia reminded the Commission to attend the Historic Preservation conference in Salem, MA on September 10, 2004. Virginia recommended that the Commission present a preservation award to the VNA for the Hospice House preservation efforts at 320 Haverhill Street. The Commission was agreeable to the preservation award. Virginia asked Sally to check with the Library on the Commission's copy of the DVD of the Town's 350th Celebration. Next Meeting September 7, 2004. Adjourned 9:10 RHC Minutes Rhc08O32004.doc Page 2 of 2