HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-16 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission
Minutes
October 16, 2003
Attending:
Virginia Adams Town of Reading: Readan,ousing Authority:
Mark Cardono - Secretary Peter Hechenbleikner - Town Manager Don Allen
Lt. Col. Wilbar Hoxie Chris Reilly - Town Planner Jobn Coote"
Clay Jones Lyn Whyte
Call to Order 3:37 PM
75 Pleasant Street:
The RHA (Reading Housing Authority) presented a proposal of building 6 affordable units on the
property. The construction would involve the demolition of the historic house at 75 Pleasant
Street. The house has two affordable units. The RHA has talked with the Town about a land
swap. The swap would allow the Town to put in an additional 12 parking spaces, making the total
number of spaces 40. The units would be built along Pleasant Street where the historic house is,
and where the police station used to stand. The parking lot would extend on to the rear yard of
the historic house. Another proposal was to raze the historic home, and build the units on the
property extending from the front to the rear of the property. This plan would not increase the
number of Town parking spaces.
Lyn Whyte had her father, who is a contractor; look at the house for renovations. His conclusion
was that the house barely passes the requirements for affordable housing. He also determined
that because the house is poorly situated on the lot and the house already has additions, it would
be difficult to add to structure.
There are 2 units in the house, one 2-bedroom unit, and one 3-bedroom unit. The income, from
the units, barely covers the mortgage. The balance of the mortgage is approximately $230,000.
Virginia asked if the new housing would have parking and basements. Lyn Whyte answered the
law requires 1 Y2 parking spaces per unit. John Coote responded that he was unsure if the new
units would have basements.
Clay asked how many affordable units are in Reading. Lyn Whyte answered that there are 10
State owned and 17 RHA owned units in Reading. Clay also asked what their goal was for
affordable housing over the next few years. Lyn Whyte answered that they don't have enough
and they need dozens more. She stated that there are 440 people on the waiting list for Section 8
units.
Clay wants to understand the big picture because of the past losses of historic properties.
Peter stated that the Town has 7.9% affordable units, which does not include the Section 8
housing. He added that State wants 10% of the housing in the Town to be affordable.
Peter informed the Commission and the RHA that the Town has an affordable housing fund. The
fund will reach approximately $290,000, and can be used to purchase property. He added that
the money came from mitigation of other building projects.
Peter mentioned that there was a rumor that there exists a P&S on the Pierce Organ factory.
Virginia asked if they (The RHA) have attempted to use the existing house. Lyn Whyte stated that
it sits wrong on the lot. John Coote added that it would not fit with the proposal. Woman also
added that due to the age of the house, there has been some grandfathering of codes.
The RHA has owned the property for 4 years.
Clay asked if they had looked into federal tax credits on the historic house. He was told by the
RHA that they are a NPO (NonProfit Organization) and are exempt from taxes. Clay returned with
asking the RHA if they have looked into Federal funding for historic properties.
A short discussion of the property and the proposal ensued.
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John Coote commented that the side yard has a 42-foot set back. Peter added that the street side
of the units would not be one big flat wall. Chris added that the drainage issues would be easier
to handle if the units were on Pleasant Street. Otherwise, the piping would have to be routed
through the parking lot to Parker Street.
The discussion turned to having a site visit for the Commission to view and record the property.
Lyn Whyte stated that they are required to give the tenants 48 hours notice to enter the house.
Chris asked about how the building could match the streetscape. Clay answered that you need to
take in the whole fabric of the street and determine out what is best.
Peter made a comment that each parking lot space was worth a lot of money to the Town.
However, he added that the Town does not have the funds to build a new parking lot.
Lyn Whyte said that they are trying to work with the Town on having more affordable housing and
more parking.
There will be a meeting on October 29, 2003 regarding the project.
Virginia asked if the RHA would be able to attain the loan for the project. Don Allen answered that
they would be able to attain a loan. They are currently working with local banks. The loan would
be around $1,000,000. He added that they should be able to use some of the money in the
affordable housing fund. The RHA knows what the income on the units will be. The cost per unit
is regulated by the State. John Coote added that they would need to have 6 units to cover the
loan.
Virginia asked if the building would be 3 stories. John Coote answered that the building will be 3
stories. However, some units will be 2 story units with an attic and some will be 3 story units. The
3 story units will have 3 bedrooms and the 2 story units will have 2 bedrooms.
Adjourned 4:10 PM
Reconvened at the site for the Commission to see the property:
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