HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-07 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission
Minutes
October 7, 2003
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Attending:
Virginia Adams Sally Hilgendorff List Owners of 75 Scotlagotjl oo
Mark Cardono - Secretary Sharlene Reynolds Santo Bob Weggel
Pat Greichen Roberta Sullivan Diane Weigel, : A 103: r
Lt. Col. Wilbar Hoxie
Clay Jones
Call to Order 7:40 PM
Past Minutes Review:
Review minutes of September 2, 2003
Clay moved that the Commission accept the minutes of September 2, 2003. Roberta seconded
the motion. Vote - 5-0-0.
Review minutes of September 16, 2003
Virginia moved that the Commission accept the minutes of September 16, 2003. Wilbar seconded
the motion. Vote - 5-0-0.
Treasurer's report:
Bills - 2 bills from Virginia.
The first bill is for the seminar "2003 Massachusetts Historic Preservation Conference" at
Emerson College on September 5, 2003.
The second bill is for a book purchase.
Virginia moved that the Commission join "Preservation Mass", for $50, as we had in previous
years. Wilbar seconded the motion. Vote - 5-0-0.
10-12 Pierce Street - Pierce Organ Factory:
Clay received a letter from "Preservation Mass" regarding the application for adding the Pierce
Organ Factory to the "Ten Most Endangered Historic Resources" list. The organ factory was
chosen as an alternate.
Miscellaneous:
Wilbar has no news on the possible Indian artifact that was found on the site where the new
elementary school is going to be built. He will take it to Peabody Essex Museum for their opinion.
767 Main Street - Winthrop Parker House:
Ingrid Krohn asked Clay about the demolition delay and how it would affect a kitchen revamp.
She has a couple that is interested in the house, but they would like to remodel the kitchen. Clay
told her that the demolition delay would only come into effect if a demolition permit is needed for
the work.
75 Pleasant Street:
The RHA (Reading Housing Authority) would like to raze the house in order to put in new
affordable housing. The Commission will try to meet with the RHA prior to their public meeting on
October 29, 2003.
The house is on the inventory of historic properties. Virginia suggested that the house probably is
up to current building codes, and could be moved to another town owned property. Possibility -
the property at the corner of Pearl Street and Audubon Road.
54 Scotland Road:
8:05 PM - Bob and Diane Weggel, the owners of 54 Scotland Road, came to the meeting to
discuss the possibilities of getting the house on the inventory, setting up deed restrictions, or
obtaining a plaque for the house. The Weggels are interested in finding some way to preserve the
house. The house is not on the inventory. The house was designed by local architects Charles
Cleary and Jim Nolan, and has won a design award and published in an architectural magazine.
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It was built around 1926, has had only 2 owners, and is in the book "At Wood End". The house is
for sale, and they are approaching the signing of a P&S (Purchase and Sale) agreement, October
14, 2003, with the prospective owners. The sale is expected to occur on November 24, 2003.
Clay explained how the demolition delay bylaw would work to preserve the house. Virginia sited
the bylaw, section 5.13.2.4, so the owners could understand how they could get the house on the
inventory. She also explained that the 30 day wait for a vote to add the house to the inventory
was not necessary in this case because the owners were requesting the inclusion.
Clay explained that the owners could write up whatever restrictions they would like to impose, and
who would be the governing body of the restrictions.
The Commission requested to be able to document the house. They were agreeable.
They will discuss the preservation restrictions that they would like to make, with the prospective
owners. However, because the preservation restrictions were not on the original disclosure of the
property, the restrictions could be considered an impediment to the prospective owners.
The owners asked if it is possible to put the house on the inventory right away, and that they will
discuss it with the prospective owners.
The Commission offered to do a site visit and explain to the prospective owners about the
demolition delay bylaw. The site visit will be tentatively posted for 1:30 PM on Friday October 10,
2003.
Roberta stated that the commission needs to send out formal letters to the owners and the
building inspector regarding the consideration of the inclusion on the inventory.
75 Pleasant Street:
The RHA will meet on October 29, 2003. The Commission will try to arrange a meeting with the
RHA, including a site visit, prior to October 21, 2003 to review their plans. October 17, 2003 is a
tentative date for the meeting.
Reading Depot:
Virginia brought in the deed restrictions on the depot. However, the deed restriction were from the
sale of the property from B&M Railroad to the Town of Reading, and not the sale from the Town to
this first private owner.
Miscellaneous:
Virginia received a call from a lender in Warwick, RI regarding what constrictions the demolition
delay bylaw has on the property at 240 West Street. The owner is borrowing money from this
lender. Virginia wrote a letter to the lender about the bylaw and how it works. She added that a
house being on an historic inventory can increase its value.
Demolition permits received by the building inspector - 40 Harvest Street and 21 Winslow Street.
Roberta suggested that the Commission reduce the price on the "At Wood End" book, from
$30.00 to $25.00, for Christmas shopping season.
Next Meeting:
November 4, 2003
Adjourned 9:40 PM
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