HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-08 Historical Commission MinutesF ? A
Minutes
Reading Historical Commission
December 113 1997
Meeting convened at 7:40 p.m.
Regular members present: Virginia Adams, Gladys Montgomery Jones, David O'Sullivan,
Roberta. Sullivan
Associate members present: Louise Sandberg, Alan Ulrich
Guests: Peggy White, Will and Kim Finch
Minutes recorded by Gladys Montgomery Jones
Meeting convened at 8:15 PM.
Historic Properties: A«vAPPR°`~o
• 607 Main Street: Members editeethe letter releasing the demolition review.
• 288 Grove Street:
• Plan to get accurate measured drawings of perimeter.
• Club has repaired glass in some windows.
• Peggy indicated that 60% of club members live in Reading, while up to 40% of the
corporate members do.
• Members discussed three possible sites to which to move the house. Lot A: Wetlands
have been flagged and it would be possible to parcel off the lot (southernmost corner
of Club property on Grove Street, the pump station lot). According to the Town
Planner and Building Inspector, the lot drops off to.the skating pond, but if water
table is 2' below the cellar floor and house is set on the high point of the lot that is
okay; need to check about vernal pools. Gladys related conversation with David
Goodemote stating Club probably would expect $120,0004150,000 for the property.
Lot B: more desirable Club lot on east side of Grove Street previously marked to be
subdivided. Lot C: Town land at Grove and Strout. To check ownership: whether
Town Forest or Water Department.
• DeGenero would be interested in the house on the Club property, but not in locating it
in his subdivision.
• Virginia sent letter to David Goodemote about potential buyers.
• Peter Heckenbleikner supports idea that RHC spearhead establishment of Friends'
group to work on Foster-Emerson project. David: establish preservation trust fund.
• Review of budget and Discussion of fees: David: Fees: engineer Mike O'Neal (N.
Reading) survey $900; subdivision plan $400; filing with Conservation $600; notice
of intent to Conservation $2,00043,000, architect's drawing and measurement
$2,000. Make or break on project is the cost of the land to result in final sale price of
$275,000-$300,000.
• Funding: eligible for Mass Historical Commission grant program if owned by the
Town or by a non-profit. Gladys to follow up with Goodemote and Mass Historical;
deadline is January 9.
• RHC can develop preservation restrictions for the deed; Gladys to follow up with
John Cole about covenants program in Ipswich.
Next meeting set for J A 0 . 5 , 1998. Meeting adjourned at 10:30 PM.