HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-05-21 Historical Commission MinutesRECEIVED
Reading Historical Commission Minutes TOWN CLERK
21 May 2002 READING, MASS.
Attending: Virginia Adams Louise Sandberg Mark Cardono
Roberta Sullivan Clay Jones 1002 AUG I b P 1= .3'b
Rick Nazarro Wilbar Hoxie
Call to order: 7.30
Joseph Moriarty the owner of the property at 1037 Main St. was not able to attend. His real estate
agent, Rick Nazarro, attended in his place.
Town Hall was alerted by a neighbor that the octagonal structure at 1037 Main St. was in the process of
being torn down. Virginia and Roberta were told by the building inspector that the owner was told
that he had to apply for a permit before the structure could be demolished. Town counsel told the
commission that since the property is on the inventory it does come under the demolition delay by law
and all provisions apply. Virginia wrote a letter to the owner. Virginia felt that the owner knew
some of the history of the structure and therefore must have known of the historical value of the
structure.
Mr. Nazarro said that the owner did not understand that the demolition delay bylaw did not apply to
adjacent structures, but agrees that Mr. Moriarty should have taken out a permit. The owner felt that
with the house being vacant it held a danger. Mr. Nazarro did reply to the owner that he should
contact the Commission should he be interested in demolition. Mr. Nazarro also stated that he gave
Mr. Moriarty the inventory information at the time of buying the house. This information clearly
states that the structure is of an historic nature.
Clay paraphrased the by-law: The by law institutes a moratorium on construction for 2 years on the
property. No permits can be granted during that time. This includes any and all owners during that 2
years. The loss of the structure is an irreparable loss to the town of another historic structure. April 16
was the date of demolition and the moratorium begins from that date according to 5.13.6 of the by law.
The commission plans to inform the building inspector to withhold permits on the property of 1037
Main St. It will expire April 16, 2004. Mitigation might be an option, but we would need to talk to
town counsel. Town counsel in the meantime will write the deed restriction for the property.
Roberta asked if it was possible to rebuild, but Mr. Nazarro did not know. The commission will contact
the owner when a meeting can be scheduled.
Should we take this to the press? The commission will write its own article for both papers.
We received a letter from the town manager who was concerned with the process of the purchase of the
digital camera and equipment.
Longwood Poultry farm is now going through its comprehensive permit and zoning. The property may
have stone walls that the commission is being asked about.
The proposed changes may to Routes 128 J 93 interchange may affect South Street and Walnut Street.
Edgerley and Bessom plans have been submitted. Roberta asked if we wanted to view the plans in the
hope to remove the faux stone on the Main street side. Roberta felt that if Biggo could keep his
internal staircases he would: remove this stone.
We tabled the issue of rejoining Historic Mass. Inc.
Adjourned 9:15 Approved as amended Aug. 6