HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-02 Historical Commission MinutesMinutes
Reading Historical Commission
December 2, 1997
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1-d 25 A &
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: Randy Collins of Gates-Leighton; Richard Bernardo of Beta Engineering
Minutes recorded by Gladys Montgomery Jones
Randy and Richard presented plans for the streetscape around the Town Common for the RHC's'
information. Meeting state requirements for absolute minimum road width would require taking
more footage from the Common on the Main Street side between 129 and Woburn Streets. Total
taking would be 3.6' on east side, but may be able to gain 3.7' from the west side; they are trying
for net loss/gain of zero. The reason have to meet state minimum is that project is state funded;
Town could assume responsibility for that section of road but expense would be $100,000-
$200,000. No official endorsement needed at this time, but will be seeking support in the future.
The aim is to get the report to Mass Highway by January; funding expected six months after that,
then to concept stage, then to comment and revision; opportunity for input. Members did not
want the Town to lose the opportunity for funding but had strong reservations about further
encroachment on the Common. David moved and Gladys seconded that the Commission submit
a letter to that effect; passed 5-0-0.
Minutes of the previous meeting approved 5-0-0.
Treasurer's Report: Expenses: bills for $91 to pay for 288 Grove Street hearing notice in the
Chronicle and Historic Massachusetts membership dues of $35. Balance in regular account =
$438.74. Gladys moved and David seconded to pay bills; passed 5-0-0. Eleanor Dalrymple
submitted bill of $499 for work on Inventory to be paid from grant from 350th Trust.
Old Business: need to go to Library to check on security of original postcards in collection.
Board of Assessors Preservation Tax Benefits tabled.
Letter to Selectmen on Bandstand siting; Mass Historical has no jurisdiction if no state money
involved.
Archives: with current work; seeing progress toward full utility of materials; may be possible to
get a senior citizen to finish project. Roberta to follow up.
Alan said he will not seek appointment to the Millennium Committee because of other
obligations.
Historic Properties:
• Mill Street Bridge - restoration with granite
0 30-32 John Street - no word on status
Walnut Street - declared a scenic road
0 Christian Science Church - requesting state funds for portico restoration
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• Town Common: Bandstand idea voted down on Common and Town Hall land
• 607 Main Street - David and Virginia met with Phil Vaccaro, Peter Hechenbleikner, Dan
Ensminger on November 25. David reported that Phil said he had tried to work with the RHC
and it had not changed its position, that the RHC had more power than the Board of
Selectmen and that the Board should consider whether they had the right people on the RHC.
David reported that he had related the process and that, based upon conversations with Phil in
RHC meetings, the RHC believed that he would come back with a plan amended to reflect the
RHC's recommendation. Phil requested that he be released to pursue demolition without any
conditions. David said there appears to be no point in carrying the demolition review period
to the full six months, since the owner was opposed to any of the RHC's recommendations
and was unsatisfied with the earlier release on the condition that the profile of the existing
circa-1840 building be replicated in the new building. Without an early release, the
demolition review period would run until January 10. David moved and Virginia seconded
that 607 Main Street be released from the demolition review period with no conditions;
passed 3-2-0. Members wondered whether the Town Planner would require a set of
engineered plans of the old building, and, if not, whether the RHC could apply for 350th
Trust funds to have measured drawings done and whether the owner would allow someone in
to do them.
• 288 Grove Street: Foster-Emerson House at the Meadow Brook Club under demolition
review until April 27. David Goodemote, head of farmhouse committee, talked with Jonathan
and Gladys, and agreed to pursue the idea of breaking off the southernmost Grove street
section of Club property to place the house on; the Town flagged wetlands on the property.
Preliminary cost estimate is $100,0004125,000. Gladys to follow up and ask for letter
setting forth price and conditions and status of contract with dismantler. Gladys reported
conversation with Les Fossil, another dismantler, who said he has two potential buyers in
Maine; she said while Maine is not desirable, it does take some of the pressure off. Virginia
to talk with Peter DiGenero, developer of Sunset Rock for an alternative site. RHC to plan a
site tour of the house with people attracted by Chronicle article. Other ideas for publicity
Northwest Weekly, direct mail. Effort to organize a walk-through for December 17.
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Next meeting set for December 1997.
Meeting adjourned 10:50 PM.