HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-09-22 Historical Commission MinutesI
i
Reading Historical Commission i P, SS.
Sept. 22, 1998
Attending: 18 A RD 2
Mark Cardono
Col. Wilbar Hoxie
Virginia Adams
Louise Sandberg
Roberta Sullivan
Clay Jones
David O'Sullivan
Called to order: 7:40
1. Minutes for July 8 approved.
2. Treasurer's report: General fund 1174.92 and special
revenue 1974.11. Do we need. to take so many, photographs?
3. Old business: Conflict. of interest report from town meeting-
of Sept. 17. Table local option property tax-assessment.
4. Correspondence: Painting historic exteriors $10 Virginia
thinks we should purchase as reference tool. Approved.
Virginia is sending a letter of thanks to the Reading Friends-of
Historic Preservation concerning their help in saving, the Foster-
Emerson House. Approved.
5. Auburn St. Water Tower demolition permit received Sept.
14. Clay Jones made a motion that the commission make an
initial determination that the Auburn St tower is historically
inventoried and of historic significance. Approved: 5-0-0. Public
hearing is scheduled for Oct. 6, 7:30. The notice will appear in
the Chronicle announcing the meeting; abutters will receive
notices from the town. The commission decided after
discussion that it was not necessary to post a notice on the
property since abutters' notices will go out. Col. Hoxie
expressed reservations concerning information that we might
need to come to a decision about the tower. He will try to find
out by the hearing date.
6. Police Station: Hearing to be called this fall. Other options?
Save the front? David will write something up.
7. Appraisal day: Virginia, Roberta, and Louise planned the
event to take place the event to at Longwood place Oct. 18, 1-4
in the great room. Admission will be free; item appraisal will be
$2.50 per item. Moved to accept; approved. The proceeds will
go to the Preservation Trust.
8. James House in Hampton, NH will be open Saturday, Sept.
26. Some members of the commission will visit the house with
Les Sidelinker.
9. 288 Grove St. moved Sept. 15th. Paint analysis cost
$638.92 paid by donations: $500 from Friends, $138.92 from
the Sidelinkers. The central chimney was demolished before
the move. Movers were not cooperative in trying to save it. In
the future the commissions needs to monitor the actions of the
individuals to ensure proper procedures when working on
historic properties that we have covenants on. Chimney lug
pole was saved and now is in the hand of the owners. We still
do not have the measured drawings. The commission agrees
to appoint David O'Sullivan the liaison with the Sidelinkers on a
weekly basis to monitor the progress of the house. Other
commission members intend to visit the building site
periodically.
10. Walnut St: Letter sent to CPDC
11. The Antiquarian Society is going before town meeting to
acquire the vacant lot abutting the Parker tavern. Virginia will
write a letter of support.
12.51 West St.: The owner is considering giving the propet
the town.
13. Melendy Drive drainage study.
14. Adjourned: 10:15
15. Approved and amended 11/5/98 Louise Sandberg.