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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-04-06 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission Minutes April 6, 2004 Attending: Pat Greichen ARCHStone-Smith Trust Virginia Adams Lt. Col. Wilbar Hoxie Robert McCullough - Vice President Mark Cardono - Secretary Sharlene Reynolds Santo Candace Jenkins - Preservation Consult-, Clay Jones Roberta Sullivan John Looney - Structural Engineer Call to order 7:35 PM Past Minutes Review: Mark will resubmit past minutes with larger margins. Review minutes from March 9, 2004. Virginia moved that the Commission accept the minutes from February 2, 2004.> Clay seconded the motion. Vote: 5 - 0 - 0. ti Spence Farm at 42 and 42R West Street and The Marino House at 70 West Street: _q ARCHStone-Smith Trust representatives arrive. 7:45 PM 3t> 7-0 i::5 Robert McCullough told the Commission that they have obtained comprehensive permits for' 04 s they are through the MEPA process, and they are waiting for sewer approval for the project. They sguld close on the property this summer, and begin construction in the Fall. He continued that they have various designs for buildings. They are looking for names for the project, and they are seeking a waiver on the demolition delay. Candice hands out reports, to the Commission, that details her visit to the properties and buildings, and her research at the Reading Public Library. She then presented her findings which included the history of the buildings and the owners. The original house was built in 1875. Some discussion ensued She then presented the history on the Marino house. The owner has two original photographs of the property. The Commission would like to get copies of the original photos. John Looney passed out and presented his report on the Spence Farm buildings. His recommendation is to raze all buildings on the property. He added that the Marino House looks like it is in good condition. Clay asked about moving the houses. Robert said they are still considering moving the Marino House to the available lot across the street. However, it is very expensive ($400K). If it is possible, he would like to set it up for teachers at a nonprofit to inexpensively live there. Clay asked about the view from the road. Robert responded that according to the comprehensive permits, they will need to maintain the look of street. He plans to make it look like it fits, and is very close to final design. It will probably be complete by the end of April. The exterior will be clapboards. He added that the Christmas tree is staying and a very large maple tree. They are hiring an arborist to keep as many original trees, or to relocate them on the property. Clay requested that they have the construction crew workers keep an eye out for artifacts and let the Commission know if they find any. Robert was agreeable to the request. Clay asked about the clubhouse. Robert responded that the clubhouse will be the main representation on West Street. Clay explained that he had toured other ARCHStone properties. One property was in Waltham where the clubhouse had historic images and artifacts on display. The Commission would like them to consider something similar so that the residents can get a feel for the Town. Virginia added that we should be able put together images from archives for the clubhouse. Clay stated that we have discussed names for the project, but we do not have any yet for suggestion. He asked if the signage will be visible from West Street. Robert responded yes, but it will only be visible when in front of the entrance. Virginia asked about reviewing the plan of razing the farm houses and the Marino house. If it is not feasible to move the Marino house, can the buildings stay, and will it be viable? Robert responded that in theory it is possible, but it is not likely. Virginia then asked that because there are no plans for the carriage house, will they offer to give it to someone to move? Robert said that if they can do it, they will. Clay then asked Candace if it was possible to dismantle the carriage house? Candice responded that there was not much value, but they could offer it. Clay asked if there are any small features that could be displayed in the clubhouse. Candice said that there was some gold leaf trim on second floor, and two mantles in basement of the farm house. Virginia asked if the Commission could visit after the tenants are gone. Robert said that probably in late summer or early fall the buildings will be demolished. However, they should be vacant for about 60-90 days. Diana Kaine, Realtor entered the meeting. Virginia asked Diana about the available lot across the street. Diana answered that she was no longer the Realtor of the lot, but it is in the MLS. She added that it seems to be inline with other similar property ($429K). Clay said that the Commission will try to help with the moving of the house. Roberta asked if they would pay for the move for someone who has a lot, and sell it to them for $1? Sally suggested that they contact Massachusetts Building Recycling Center (MBRC) for the recycling of the building materials. Clay, said that the Commission will make a determination on the demolition delay. He asked that we have access to the buildings, the Commission will help determine artifacts for display, and they will call the Commission if any artifact RHC Minutes RHC04062004min.doc Page 1 of 2 is found. Robert added that Mass Historic did not consider it an archaeological site. He would like to keep an open dialog with The Commission. Clay will send a letter of the demolition determination by the end of the week. Robert added that he has no problem of the Commission documenting the buildings after they take ownership. He will also request and pay for the reproductions of the pictures of the original Marino house. ARCHStone left the meeting. Virginia moved that the Commission has no opposition to the demolition of 40, 42, and 42R West Street as requested by Archstone-Smith Trust. Clay seconded the motion. Vote 5-0-0 Discussion of the Marino house. Roberta moved that the commission has no opposition to the moving and relocating of the Marino house and carriage house located on the west side of West Street across from Louanis Drive. Clay seconded the motion. Vote 5-0-0 Clay will write the letter with the motions which includes the visitation request, a statement that the Commission will work on the naming of the project, a thank you for the photos of the Marino house, and a request they contact BMRC to recycle buildings. Discussion of naming Farmlands Westgate Spence Farm West Gate West Gate of Reading West Gate Farm West Gate Farm 75 Pleasant Street The RHA will hold a meeting at the Senior Center, on April 7, 2004 at 7:30 PM, to present their proposal to the neighbors. They want the Commission to be there to endorse the plan. Train Depot Virginia asked if there was any news about the depot. Clay said that Peter Hechenbleikner and Chris Reilly were pushing for depot waiting area. Miscellaneous: Virginia has information on the Senior Center door repair. Sharlene said that the owner of 65 Wakefield Street wants to have his house put on the National Registry of Historic Places. Clay was called by a possible purchaser of the barn at 717 Pearl Street. The caller asked about the Commission's authority on the property. Clay announced that there is a Restoration Conference at the Hynes Convention Center on April 21, 2004. Purchasing: Roberta stated that the Commission will be getting $154 in rebates from the computer purchases. She added that we have more money for other computer needs. Preservation Week: Discussion on the presentation included what to present, and when to present. Currently 35 houses have been found to be still standing from the 1865 map. The presentation will be at the Library on Sunday May 23, 2004. Next meeting May 4, 2004 Adjourned 10:10 RHC Minutes RHC04062004min.doc Page 2 of 2