HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-05 Historical Commission Minutes5 April 2001
fOVIN Reading Historical Commission Hearing READING, MASS.
Attending: Virginia Adams
Louise Sandberg 2001 APR 25 A Or ISO
Clay Jones
Mark Cardono
Col. Wilbar Hoxie
Roberta Sullivan
Mike Henessy, Developer
Denise Moynahan, Attorney (Carter and Coleman)
Mr. and Mrs.Robert Angelo
Mrs. Diane Schneider
Rocco Scippa, contractor
Anne Krieg, Town Planner
Amy Senior, RC reporter
1. Called to order 7:35.
2. Clay introduced himself to the assembled. He read the notice: "This is to serve
notice the Reading Historical, under the authority and requirements of Section 5.13
Demolition of Structures of Potential Historical Significance of the General By-Laws
for the Town of Reading, Massachusetts, shall hold a public hearing on the demolition
of the potentially significant structure, as defined in Section 5.13.2.4, at 1375 Main
Street. Under the requirements of Section 5.13.3.3, a positive initial determination
was made as to significance by the Historical Commission. The public hearing will be
held on April 5, 2001 at 7:30 PM, in the Conference Room at Reading Town Hall, 16
Lowell Street. Please direct public inquiry to Anne Krieg, Town Planner in the
Community Development Office. Clayton Jones, Chairman, Reading Historical
Commission"
3. Commission members and everyone attending introduced themselves. The
developer, Mike Hennessey, said that he intends to demolish the structure and
replace it with 8 units of housing. He feels the house is not salvageable. The barn
and the shed are not an issue. The cost to repair the house would be in the order of
$500,000. The lot cost nearly $300,000. This does not allow the contractor to create
any affordable housing. Virginia stated that the house was inventoried in 1980. It is
on both the local and state registers of historic properties. Sumner Cheney was the
original builder. Cheney kept green houses on the property. His wife, Selena, was a
member of the Reading Female Anti-Slavery Society. The house was prominent in
those early years appearing on the border of the 1854 map. Clay told those present
about the architecture of the house. It is a Greek revival, the first new style in America
since the Revolution. This house is a very early house of this style. Mr. and Mrs.
Angelo agreed that the house should come down. Diane Schneider felt that the
house should be saved. Mr. Scippa believes strongly that the house cannot be
saved. The purchase price of the property was $280,000. Mr. Scippa expressed
wonder what good it does to leave the house with no work done to it. The present
owner would be willing to sell it right now. Virginia showed the work done on 89 Main
St. that utilized the original house as well as building new units. Mr. Scippa will
entertain our ideas. Anne Krieg felt that the developer have issues with both an
historic property and with the town's water supply that must be addressed. Clay
brought up the information that the delay allows all parties to step back and
reevaluate the property and perhaps find a solution. Virginia brought up the fact that
tax credits would be available if the property was put on the national register and was
commercial. Virginia moved that the hearing be closed. 5-0-0 The public hearing was
closed at 9:00.
Regular meeting opened at 9:00.
4. Roberta made this motion: "Under the General bylaws of the Town of reading
as amended section 5.13,
i move that the Reading Historical Commisssion vote that the house at 1375 Main
Street, Reading , MA be considered a Preferably Preserved Historic Structure as
stated in section 5.13.3.6. The Demolition of this structure would be detrimental to the
Historical and Architectural heritage of the Town. The Commission will advise the
applicant and Building Inspector that a Demolition Permit is delayed up to 6 months
after the conclusion of this hearing. During that time the Commission and the
applicant will work together as stated in the Bylaw section 5.13.3.7" Anne Krieg
mentioned that the Conservation Commission will be negotiating with the developer.
She feels there are some real concerns with the drainage into the town;s water
supply. The developer gave us a plot plan, but it was not to scale. They are willing to
sell, move (and provide money for the move), and talk about other options. Mark felt
that the property is savable and perceived a lack of concern for the house by the
developers. He also felt that it would not take $500,000 to rehab the house. The
commission was allowed access in the building. The commission voted on the motion
and it was approved 5-0-0. Clay will write a letter to the building inspector and Mike
Hennessey, the developer.
5. There is now an injunction against the demolition of the Old Police Station due
to the law suit brought by Angelo Salamone.
6. The developers returned and suggested they might move the house to the front
of the lot, removing the porch, then dividing the house two units and adding the rest of
the units in an appropriate way to the back of the house.
7. Minutes of March 23 approved as amended 5-0-0.
8. ZBA meeting is next Thursday. Clay suggests we attend to tell them of our
delay and our intent to work with the developer.
9. Roberta said we need a corrected copy of the inventory at the Library. Clay
feels we need to add the commercial properties to the inventory. He also has written
a preface to the list on the web site and would like our approval.
10. Treasurer's bill needs to pay 111.68 for an ad in the Chronicle (for the public
hearing concerning 1375 Main St.) and photos.
11. Next meeting is scheduled on Tuesday the 17th of April. Adjourned 10:00
Approved as amended April 17.
page 2 minutes April 5, 2001