HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-06 Historical Commission MinutesU
Reading Historic Commission Meeting Minutes 6 Jail
Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm in Town Hall Conference Room
Board Members in attendance included:
Virginia Adams
Pat Greichen
Sally Hilgendorff List
Clay Jones
Roberta Sullivan
Sharlene Reynolds Santo, acting secretary
Topics discussed:
• Financial Report given by Roberta Sullivan. Roberta had a bill for archive supplies that
received approval.
• 75 Pleasant St. Notification was received that a hearing will be held this Wednesday evening
at 7 pm at the Senior Center. Virginia will attend the meeting and offer details about its
social history, construction, anti-slavery connection and impact on the neighborhood. The
RHC wishes to retain the house suggesting that it be redesigned with new units around
existing building and will ask RHA to check the numbers again.
• Reading; Depot has a deadline approaching regarding the construction of a coffee shop so
there will be a heated waiting area for train passengers. New copper flashing to be reviewed
by commission for input on its appearance. Toilet needed for conductors.
• Arch Stone construction scheduled to begin in the spring. Spence properties still owned by
Spence family. Virginia learned from owner that a tour could occur just prior to closing date
which is not yet available. No more discussions with Arch Stone regarding moving any of
the houses.
• Pierce Organ Pipe Factory a local arts group is getting together to discuss using it as an arts
center. Clay to pick up the application submitted to PerservatiON MASS for their
Endangered House list.
• Parker Tavern caretakers are leaving at the end of the month new caretakers are being sought.
A request has been made of the RHC to suggest possible candidates.
• PerservatiON MASS meeting coming up on Thursday January 22. RHC has been asked to
submit proxy vote to change name from historic Mass to PerservatiON MASS. Commission
agreed to vote; Clay will complete and submit forms.
• Camp Curtis Guild. Copy of letter from Mass Historical regarding the addition of the firing
range to the proposed Camp Curtis Guild a National Historic district. RHC did not initiate
this but will keep a file of details.
• Maplewood village plans to develop section of Salem St. were received by the commission
• 265 West St. Historic Homestead paperwork still in process
• RHC Inventory must be presented to the library. Virginia & Clay will create a press release
for the Chronicle. Also discussed charging public $38.00 for each inventory book.
• Common The Reading Garden Club and Tom Goddard of Eric's Greenhouse have requested
permission to put planting on the common. Commission to put in writing unanimous opinion
that plantings should not be allowed on the common to keep it as close to its original state as
possible.