HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-05-25 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission Minutes
May 25, 2004
Attending: 8 Back Bay Court - 64 Baystate Road
Virginia Adams Clay Jones - Chair Christine Shaw - Owner
Mark Cardono - Secretary Sharlene Reynolds Santo
Lt. Col. Wilbar Hoxie Roberta Sullivan
Call to order 7:40 PM
8 Back Bay Court:
Christine Shaw, the owner of 8 Back Bay Court/64 Baystate Road, is applying for a variance or
special permit to make the property livable by today's standards. The property is part of a PRD.
Christine was told that the house is already in violation of a variance, and therefore nothing can be
added to the house. She wants to put on an addition, and would like the Commission's help.
Christine said that the ZBA is probably afraid of setting precedence for other similar properties.
She is amenable to putting a preservation restriction on the property.
Clay suggested making the property into a single house historic district. However, it would require
a town body to oversee it. Somerville has a single house district that could be emulated.
It was suggested that she try to go through the ZBA before working on a single home historic
district. The ZBA hearing is set for June 17, 2004.
Christine brought a base letter that the Commission could send to the ZBA.
Treasurer's report:
There were several expenditures for supplies and a seminar.
1765 Map:
Virginia wrote a letter to the owner of the original map. The owner of the map is willing to donate it,
provided she can get a tax deduction. She would like to get 3 appraisals before the donation. The
owner wants it prominently displayed in the Town Hall. Peter Hechenbleikner agreed to displaying
the map. If it is necessary, the Commission can use the special revenue fund to preserve it. The
preservation cost could be up to $1000. Virginia sent names of appraisers to the map owner.
The owner would like her ancestors noted. Clay suggested that a plaque with the street names is
posted next to the map. Roberta suggested that we present the map owners with a preservation
award for their donation.
Miscellaneous:
Virginia received notification that a film crew, that is working on a film about Reading, England, is
coming on June 8, 2004. They would like to film some sites and talk with local people.
Woburn Historic Commission met in the Archives. The Commission gave them deed restrict
information. The Woburn Commission is interested in a multi-town Commission meeting.
Virginia brought up the possibility of putting the Saint Agnes Church on Historic Register.
Virginia showed the Commission pictures of a well that was found under the kitchen at 832 Main
Street.
Clay met a Dakota Indian who knows a Harvard Professor that is interested in the Indian rock that
Wilbar found. Wilbar still has the rock.
Received mail solicitations from Colonial Restorations and Dodson Associates. They both work on
historic properties as carpenters and landscapers, respectively.
Sharlene attained a previous year's Street Listing from the Library.
75 Pleasant Street:
The land swap was approved at Town Meeting.
Depot:
According to Clay, the CPDC accepted the latest proposal. The Commission will need to follow up
on the work.
Preservation Presentation:
"A Visit With Our Oldest Residence"
A PowerPoint presentation about the 1765 map of houses still extant will be held on June 5, 2004
between 1:00 PM and 4:00. Virginia posted it as a meeting.
Adjourned 9:20 PM
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