HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-06 Historical Commission MinutesReading Historical Commission
Oct. 6, 1998 .
Attending:
Virginia Adams 1 A i(3: 5 2
Louise Sandberg
Mark Cardono
David O'Sullivan
Clay Jones
Wilbar Hoxie
Roberta Sullivan
1. Meeting called to order 7:10
2. Frank Driscoll asked us who built the flagpole in Washington Park. It was
dedicated to the Viet Nam Veterans, but is not dated.
3. The Town manager wants our input on the new Community development position.
Virginia and David will meet with him.
4. The commission has submitted a letter to the Board of Selectmen concerning the
old Police Station, suggesting that the town retain the original structure for some other
use.
5. Correspondence: Mass Historical wrote us about property 20-22 Middlesex Ave.
that wants to be on the National Register. Mass Board of Library Commissioners has
offered us the chance to have our repository monitored. Louise will look into this.
Mass Historical lists community's bylaws and ordinances relating to preservation.
David and Virginia will review. Wilson/Pleasant Sts. corner lot. Walkers Brook
historical site? no
- 6. Public hearing called to order 7:33.
7. Notice read to public by secretary, Louise Sandberg.
8. Also attending Chris Nichols, of Stearns & Wheeler, and Ted McIntyre, from the
DPW, plus members of the public. Chris Nichols submitted a packet of information
and went through the material explaining the technical aspects of the tower. He also
brought sections of the metal plates to show us the the pitting of the interior. DPW
requested options to deal with the tower. The various options will be included with the
minutes. The DPW feels it must be removed. The cost will be $20,000-50,000.
9. Virginia presented an historical overview of the structure. How safe is the
structure? The town wants to take it down by the end of the year. 40 feet of water in it
now to keep it from moving. It is not an immediate danger, but should be removed
soon. The public and commission posed a number of questions. The public mostly
supported demolition.
10. Public hearing closed 8:25. 5-0-0
11. Col. Hoxie suggested that due to the urgency of the situation the matter should be
dealt with tonight.
12. Roberta moved that the Auburn St. Water tower be preferably preserved. Louise
seconded. Discussion. Both David and Roberta felt that measured drawings would
be desirable as documentation. The consultants do not feel that any of the tower can
be saved. Ted McIntyre said that the existing plans will be made available to the
commission. Virginia suggested that a delay of only a few weeks or a couple of
months to allow alternatives. She also mentioned that the applicants did not provide
a packet until the night of the meeting. It shiid have been available for members to
read before the meeting. Mr. McIntyre urged a negative vote, because the structure is
unsafe and the time needed for a demolition delay would be more than he feels the
structure could stnd. He also said that the DPU,U would help us in anyway he canto
document the tower. Roberta feels we should let it go. Drawings would cost at least
$2000, but the town is willing to do this. Col. Hoxie wanted to know the material used
in the tower. Mr. Nichols has the information and will provide it. Clay suggested a
month's delay. The tower will not come down, for at least a month. We will reconvene
Oct. 15. In the meantime the DPW and the engineers will put together what material
they can. Motion 5.13.3.6 approved 4-1-0. Clay made a motion to request from the
DPW (a) existing and measured drawings, photographs of the upper areas, and (b)
artifacts (pieces of the tower) when the tower comes down. Roberta amended the
motion to receive documentation as a prerequisite to a release. approved 5-0-0.
Motion approved 5-0-0. Motion for a further meeting on Oct. 15. Approved 5-0-0
13. Antiques Appraisal Oct. 18. press releases going out to newspapers. Clay made
a motion to put an ad in Headliners for $135 and $38 for post cards to historic house
owners approved: 4-1-0. Posters will be made by David. Refreshments are in order.
Do we need other tables? or anything else? Longwood Place will accommodate our
needs.
14. Site visit to James House in Hampton, NH-, Sat. Sept. 16. Thank you note sent.
15. Foster-Emerson house should be placed on its foundation this week. Thank you
note sent to the Friends for their donation sent to expedite the paint analysis.
Measured drawings have arrived. No invoice presented yet. He did not document the
attic purlins, but did do the chimney. 288 Grave St. is now 409.
16. David reported on the Making Connections conference that took place in
Charlestown at Bunker Hill Community College.
17. Col. Hoxie reported on a Special Places conference at the New Hampshire
Technology Institute. Virginia will make copies of many of the items in his packet.
18. Treasurer bill $52.50 to the Chronicle for the public notice for this evenings
meeting. Approved: 5-0-0
19. Next regular meeting Wed. Nov. 4 at 7:00.
20. Approved as amended Louise Sandberg 11/18/98