HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-01-08 Historical Commission Minutes8 January 2001
Reading Historical Commission
Called to order: 7:30
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TOWN CLERK
READING. MASS.
Attending: Virginia Adams Louise Sandberg Cathy Greenfield 2001 MAR 2b
Sharlene Santo Clay Jones Roberta Sullivan
Wilbar Hoxie Judith Mitchell Mark Cardono
1. Three contractors have contacted the town about reuse of the Old Police
Station. Roberta found the 1978 floor plans. Virginia found 1975 slides of the
building. Creative Arts still finds the building too expensive. Reading Housing
Authority is still considering it. John Hixson, executive director of the RHA, said he
was getting an architect to determine the feasibility of using the building. He
visualized 3-4 units. The town is in real need of affordable housing. Currently there is
only 4% affordable housing in Reading. Next step is to see if the Board of Selectmen
will approve the RFP. The Town Manager has negotiated a 90 day extension on the
demolition bid.
2. Structural engineer is willing to provide services.
3. Options for the OPS: Residential is the most likely alternative. Reading
Housing Authority would be a very good neighbor; condos are the next and rental
properties are the third. First point the addition demolition should be part of the
package. The RFP can contain whatever we want it to contain. Roberta prefers only
residential, but others including Kathy, Virginia, and Louise would like to leave it open
for potential commercial use. What should be the decision on the 1978 addition? Our
primary desire is to save the original 1930 structure with a preference for residential
use. The building would be for sale and not the land nor the parking in the back.
Angelo Saiamone presented letter to the commission.
Recessed at 8:00 to attend the Board of Selectmen's meeting.
Meeting resumed 9:55
2 members of the commission are to help the town (Russ Dean) develop the RFP and
possible restrictions.
What needs to be saved? Exterior of course. Leave the windows. If you need to close
off a window the shape should still remain. 12 over 12 sashes. Double hung. front
steps. No second floor. Unobtrusive structures on roof. Don't paint the brick. Door
entablature, but not the door itself. Do we put covenants on it? This would make the
new owners aware of the features that are important. Clay, Roberta, and Virginia will
compose a letter detailing all the our provisions.
Clay suggested that we use $200 of our funds for advertising. Roberta said we should
hold off until the RFP is completed and find out how much the ads would cost. Virginia
suggested articles in the local papers. Also perhaps pursue national register status.
Adjourned: 10:25 Approved March 8, 2001 LS
Next meeting Jan. 23 7:30 town hall.
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