Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-05-22 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission Minutes May 22, 2000 Attending: Roberta Sullivan Clay Jones Virginia Adams Jerry Kaper Col. Wilbar Hoxie Ellen Watts Louise Sandberg Bob Fishman Mark Cardono Sharlene Santo Called to order 7:30 The purpose of the meeting to consider the proposed agreement of Pearson and the COMMISSION Roberta suggested that number 1 on page 2 of the agreement could be limited in time (perhaps 3 years). Pearson did not want any restriction of any type. Missing is the suggested scholarship and seminar on industrial architecture. Pearson is still interested in possibly funding a scholarship, but does not want it attached to the agreement process. Virginia wanted to compliment Pearson and the commission in the expeditious cooperation that has occurred during the last few days, but she wanted to let it be known that she felt the $5000 was a smaller amount that she expected Col. Hoxie moved that we accept the agreement of May 22, 2000 with Pearson Education and authorize the chairman, Clay Jones, to sign the document on behalf of the Reading Historical Commission. The agreement is attached. Accepted 5-0-0 The commission discussed ways in which it would use the money to document Addison-Wesley and Building A. Anne Krieg will invite the new owners to a meeting with the commission to brainstorm ideas for the property. Clay divided up tasks to do over the next few months. Adjourned: 9:02 Next regular meeting: June 13. Apprved as amended 6-14-2000 LS WILLIAM R. BROOKS VICE PRESIDENT, FACILITIES i PEARSON EDUCATION c' ONE LAKE STREET 0 0. UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ 07458 _ TEL: (201) 236-3220 FAX: (201) 236-3222 May 22, 2000 wiUiarn-brooks@pearsoned.com Mr. Clayton Jones Reading Historical Commission c/o Reading Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Re: Addison Wesley Campus Office/R&D and Hotel Redevelopment Dear Clayton: i In response to the Commission's interest in Building A, Pearson Education has cooperated with information; assistance, and site access. Now that we are about to put the Addison Wesley campus on the market (and despite our continuing belief that Building A does not meet the criteria for a Potentially Significant Structure under the Town's bylaw), we propose an agreement that we believe will serve the mutual interests of the Commission and Pearson Education: ' As terms of this agreement, Pearson Education would agree as follows: 1) Promptly following execution of this agreement by the Commission and the adoption of the votes described below, we will withdraw our pending Demolition Permit application for Building A; 2), We will continue to cooperate with the Commission's reasonable requests for information, assistance, and site access; and 3) We will make a contribution of $5,000 to the Town of Reading within two weeks after the Commission authorizes this agreement, such funds to be used as elected and directed by the Commission, for documentation of Building A and/or Addison Wesley's history in Reading. These funds would be used by the Commission for one or more of the following actions, with any balance to be placed in the Town's Preservation Trust: a. Professional architectural photography; b. Copies of plans and as-built drawings, original drawings if possible; C. Oral history by former Addison Wesley and R. D. Kimball employees; d. Aerial photograph; e. Commemorative wall display; £ Reference books for the libraries of the Reading schools; and Sao. g. Preliminary design services for an entrance sign to Reading acknowledging Addison Wesley's legacy. In consideration for these voluntary actions by Pearson Education, the Commission will agree and vote tonight as follows: 1) To take no actions in the future that would cause a demolition delay upon a later Demolition Permit application by Pearson or a subsequent owner(s) of the property including, without limitation, making a Positive Determination under Section 5.13.3.3 of the by-law or requirii}g a public hearing under Section 5.13.3.4; 2) To cooperate in the redevelopment of the property by Pearson or subsequent owner(s); and 3) To not oppose Pearson's Environmental Impact Report addressing historical and architectural issues. This agreement shall become effective as a sealed instrument upon execution by authorized representatives of Pearson Education and the Reading Historical Commission, and the adoption of the foregoing votes by the Commission required to effectuate this agreement. This agreement shall continue until the redevelopment of the Addison Wesley campus is completed by subsequent owner(s). If these terms meet your approval, please sign three (3) originals, provide one (1) to the Town Manager, return one (1) to me and retain one (1) for the Commission's records. Very truly yours, PEARSON EDUCATION William R. Brooks Vice President, Facilities READING HISTORICAL COMMISSION Clayton Jones/ ' Date Chair Duly authorized by vote of the Reading Historical Commission taken on May 22, 2000.