HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-10-08 Historical Commission MinutesW
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Reading Historical Commission Minutes TOWN CLERK
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8 October 2002 ADING, MA .
Attending: Virginia Adams Louise Sandberg
Roberta Sullivan Clay Jones 2002 NOV 22 P 1. 15
Sharlene Santo Brad Latham
Wilbar Hoxie Merry Beth Rucker, VNA
Mark Cardono Pat Greichen
Sally List
Call to order: 7:30
320 Haverhill St.: The town has a trust that was meant for building a hospital. The VNA wants to use
this property and money from the trust to make a hospice. The VNA has the property under contract,
but they do not own it yet. This is a permissible use under Reading Zoning. The plan will utilize the
barn, connecting it to the house. Ms. Rucker showed the plans for the building. Clay expressed the
opinion that anything done should be reversible. The commission would like to have access to
document of the present structure and a site visit. The VNA wants to finalize the project by the end of
October and occupation by spring; Some commission members are concerned with future owners may
change the use envisioned by the VNA. Mr. Latham, the VNA lawyer, felt that deed restrictions could
be written to retain the historical character of the house. Once the VNA takes possession, they will
schedule a site visit (mid November).
Treasurer's report: Bill has been received for from Sir Speedy for partial printing the inventory. $974
is in the general fund and $23,667.01 is in the Special Revenue fund.
Minutes for Sept. 3, 6, 20 approved as amended.
The Pierce Organ factory did not win designation of one of the 10 most endangered properties.
A West Street resident asked Clay about becoming an historic district. He suggested she contact the
Board of Selectmen.
Clay and Virginia went to the meetings in New Bedford. Town manager spoke about comprehensive
permits and Clay spoke about demolition delay by law.
Peter has written the warrant article to set up the trust for the $20,000 received from the developer of
1375 Main St. The commission needs to make a presentation at Town Meeting. The meeting is planned
for Nov. 12. Roberta feels we need guidelines in place for the ways the fund can be used and how it is to
be administered. Majority vote for expenditure of fund and 4 to 1 for changing guidelines at any
regularly scheduled meeting. The regular fund supplies our operating money. This fund would be used
for the out of the ordinary projects, like documentation of properties, education, public seminars, web
site design, engaging the services of consultants and experts in the field of historic preservation to
advise the commission of historic properties and materials, preservation, archives projects.
Next meeting Thursday November. 7. We'll vote on the guidelines. If TM is earlier we will meet
earlier.
South Street: Sharlene, Wilbar, and Roberto went on the walk. Walnut Street was approved and
South street was approved up to 155 South St. by CPDC.
The commission voted to support the CPDC decision to extend South Street as a scenic road to 155 South
St. 5-0-0
Moved to support the CPDC decision to extend Walnut Street. as a scenic road.
Blacksmith shop is up for sale as well and 62 Salem St. 5-0-0
Down town steering Committee is reviewing the 2570 design for down town. The commission will be
expected to provide a letter of support. Public hearing. Oct. 23. The plans will be available in the
library by Oct. 17.
Virginia asked us to pay for her seminars. 4-0-1 Approved as amended 11-7-02 Adjourned 10:00
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