HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-21 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission Minutes
21 April 2000
Attending: Virginia Adams
Kevin Cuniff, contractor
Louise Sandberg
Roberta Sullivan
Clay Jones
Call to order: 3:08
The purpose of this meeting is whether to seek a new demolition delay on the
property at 25 Auburn St. Permit to demolish was submitted by Mr. Cuniff on April 11
of this year. Barrett realty is the present owner (P&S) of the property. Virginia
explained how the demolition delay bylaw works. Mr. Cuniff originally wanted to
renovate the house, but now wants to demolish and build a new house. Mr. Cuniff
told us he cannot rehab the property efficiently so he can make some money on the
house. It appears that Barrett Realty paid too much for the property. Rehab and
rebuilding would have also required a visit to the Board of Appeals. Roberta
suggested that they advertise to sell it to someone else. Barrett will own the property
in two weeks. The commission discussed reimposing a delay when a property
changes hands.
Virginia Adams made a motion that, due to the coming change of ownership of the
property of 25 Auburn St. and the commission receiving a new demolition permit from
the Building Inspector (4-11-00), at the advice of town council, the commission makes
an initial determination that the 25 Auburn street structure is historically inventoried
(positive). The purpose of this motion is to fulfill the demolition delay bylaw. "To
encourage owners of such structures to seek persons who might be willing to
purchase, preserve, rehabilitate or restore such structures rather than demolish them."
3-1-0 passed
Date May 8
Adjourned 5:43 Amended approved. 6/14/00