HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-11-05 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission °
5 November 1998
Attending: Virginia Adams
Mark Cardono
Clay Jones
Louise Sandberg
David O'Sullivan
Roberta Sullivan
1. Called to order: 7:40
2. Minutes approved for Sept. 1, 22, Oct. 6 approved.
3. Auburn St. Water tower demolition release sent; copy-authorization to document
tank. Telecommunications installation to historic structure is no longer an issue since
the tower is coming down.
4. 409 Grove St. Les Sidelinker wants to blow insulation in the walls of the Foster-
Emerson House. Discussion of the value of blown insulation within the very small
space of the walls. Wall insulation is not recommended for historic retrofits. The best
way to insulate is to remove clapboards and sheathing, put in a vapor barrier, put in
insulation, and finally replace the sheathing before installing new clapboards. The
maximum insulation value is r 7 or 8. Roberta made a motion that the commission
reconsider the restoration work agreement page 3 section c, to allow insulation to be
blown in from the outside, the vapor barrier could be the paint on the inside. Denied
0-3-1 Les also wants a small window installed on the east side of the front vestibule.
Virginia made a motion to allow Les to put windows in either one or both sides
(windows on the sides of the front entrance). Approved 4-0-0. Roberta remarked that
she was disappointed that Les objected to her photographing the house. David is the
designated representative from the Commission. Les perhaps would like anyone else
to ask permission to view or photograph the house. Phil Duffy contacted David and
said that he was aware that he had not sent us a bill.
5. Approved Oct. 15 minutes: 3-0-0
6. Letter of thanks to the Meadowbrook Golf Course. David will rework Virginia's draft.
7. Louise scheduled and environmental program August of 1999 (Mass Board of
Library Commissioners)
8. Thank you note from the Museum of Textile History for two photographs from a
knitting mill in Wakefield.
9. NEDCC is now evaluating an 1854 Reading map for conservation purposes.
10. Antique Appraisal Day was a huge success. Too much cake. Appraiser was a bit
slow. The proceeds are $442.50 and will be given to the Celebration trust. Clay
moved that the expenses come out of the gross proceeds. not approved 0-3-1
11. Police station: Does not fall under the demolition bylaw.
12. Site visit 379 Haverhill St. still pending.
13. Article in support for the transfer of land to the Reading Antiquarian Society.
14. Sally Hoyt approached Clay about forming West St. into a scenic road.
15. Mudville Rememberance Committee want to install plaques in Washington Park
for 2 local resident, one who died in the Second World War and thethe other in the "
Korean War.
16. Program for local historical commissions. Idea from Virginia. End of February.
17. Developments on Mill Street are changing the environment of the community
there.
18. Adjourned: 11:40
19. Approved as ammended 4-0-0 submitted Louise Sandberg