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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-08-05 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission Minutes August 5, 2003 Attending: Virginia Adams Sally Hilgendorff List Chris Reilly -,Town ,Plap,r~er Mark Cardono - Secretary Sharlene Reynolds Santo Pat Greichen ? Lt. Col. Wilbar Hoxie Clay Jones Call to Order 7:40 PM Town Common/Downtown Design Project Chris presented the approved 25% plan. The work has been taken off of the TIP list (Transportation Improvement Plan), even though the Mass Highway Commission has approved Route 28 work. Chris does not know of any revisions that will be in the 75% design. The 75% design will be available in a few weeks. The goal is to minimize the design so that the cost can be reduced. Virginia explained the concerns that the Commission has regarding effects the work would have on the Town Common. According to Chris, Gates, Leighton Co. will have a 75% design. The design will be presented at a public hearing. Following the hearing will be a 30 day comment period. Wilbar is concerned with the proposed sidewalk that goes through the lower part of the Common. It will be hazardous in the winter. Mass Highway Commission is only concerned with Route 28. They are not requiring the proposed sidewalk through the lower part of the Common. Reading Depot The new owner of the Depot at 32 Lincoln Street has applied for a sign permit at the CPDC meeting on August 4, 2003. The Commission would like to have a site visit to explore the walls behind the current kitchen wall coverings, and look at the historic door in terms of public access use. The owner has 6 months for a full site review. CPDC would like the sign to look more historic. There are questions of color, font, and lighting schemes. The Commission will work on having recommendations to Chris Reilly by August 20, 2003 in preparation of the August 25, 2003 meeting of CPDC. The owner would like to have 2 signs. There may be a limit to the number of signs in the deed restrictions. There is a website about the history of the Boston and Maine Railroad. The site may have some examples of signage. Another concern is to have the appropriate styles of lighting (i.e. overhanging tulips, spot lights....). Past Minutes Review Wilbar moved that the commission accept the minutes of June 13, 2003 as amended. Virginia seconded the motion. Vote - 3-0-1 (Clay abstained) Wilbar moved that the commission accept the minutes of June 17, 2003 as amended. Virginia seconded the motion. Vote - 3-0-1 (Clay abstained) Mark moved that the commission accept the minutes of June 20, 2003 as amended. Clay seconded the motion. Vote - 3-0-1 (Virginia abstained) Virginia moved that the commission accept the minutes of July 1, 2003 as amended. Wilbar seconded the motion. Vote - 3-0-1 (Clay abstained) RHC Minutes 08052003.doc Page 1 of 2 Miscellaneous There is no rush for suggested names for the Archstone project at Spence Farm. The project won't begin for about a year. The application, for the most endangered historic property, has been submitted to Preservation Mass for the Pierce Organ Factory at 10-12 Pierce Street. The results should be out by November 2003. The property has a for sale sign of Brad Hutchinson Realty. Clay will call the realtor and inform him that the property is on the National Register. A copy of the letter from Lori Sullivan, of the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office, to Kendra Cooper, was received. The letter stated that the minutes were available at the Town Hall. Jim Jolly, former owner of the Depot at 32 Lincoln Street, wanted to make sure that the current owner follows the deed restrictions. There is a Mass Historic Preservation Conference at Emerson College on September 5, 2003. Clay moved that the commission would reimburse any member for the cost of attendance to the Mass Historic Preservation Conference. Virginia seconded the motion. Vote 4-0-0 The Commission will send a thank you note Alan Ulrich of the Congregational Church for the presentation of the bound copy of the church records. Pat will draft the letter. 572 Haverhill Street What further documentation should the Commission obtain? Measurements and drawings? Clay will contact Larry Sorli to do a walkthrough. The funds for the documentation were previously approved. 320 Haverhill Street Clay will contact Keith Taylor, the developer for the VNA, to arrange a site visit. The owner of the former Sailor Toms, Mr. Merrill, is would like to sell the property, or build 40B housing. He was told that the property is not on the inventory. Clay will let Peter Hechenbleikner know about the owner's intentions. Virginia informed the Commission that Andover passed a bylaw that allows the moving of historic properties on to nonconforming lots. They also approved a change to their demolition delay from 6 months to 12 months. Virginia bought a book, for $20, on the building of Route 128. The book was written by a Reading ` resident. She suggested the Commission should buy one for the archives, and possibly the Library. She will check with the Library to determine if they have a copy or are interested in a copy. Virginia showed a book named "Republic of Shade". There were quotes from Walter Prichard Eaton, who was born in Reading. The National Historic Register is working on how to nominate suburban properties. Next Meeting September 2, 2003 Adjourned 9:40 PM RHC Minutes 08052003.doc Page 2 of 2