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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-04 Historical Commission MinutesREADING HISTORICAL COMNUSSION MINUTES 4 February 1997 This meeting occur following the closing of the Public Meeting. No agenda was followed The Chairman asked the Commission to consider the application of an award for the Pearl Street School project. Motion: E.Palmer; sec R. Sullivan RHC support an award for the Pearl Street school project. Passed A program will commence to replace all of the windows in Town Hall. It will be a multi year program. Police Station report: An option has been added to add on to the existing Police station to the wall of the former Fire station. Treasury: Submitted bills for photos and University Products Authorized purchase of photo storage boxes. Town Planner, Jonathan Edwards paid a visit to RHC. His opinion that signatures presented by David Barrett was legal. READING HISTORICAL COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING 4 February. 1997 Members Present: Edward Palmer Gladys Jones William Hoxie Louise Sandburg Roberta Sullivan David O'Sullivan John McCauley Alan Ulrich The purpose of this Public Meeting was to act upon a permit to demolish a structure at 32 John Street, Reading which comes under the demolition delay act. Meeting Opened: 7:38 PM Chairman David O'Sullivan introduced the members of the Commission to the audience. ' He then explained the purpose of this*meeting along with the history of the Damon house. A letter from Chester I.Edmond, P.E.,L,C,S.,P.L.S. on stationary of Commonwealth Engineering Associates, Walpole Ma. In conclusion it states"---------It is our professional opinion that it would be cost prohibitive to repair this house(Damon) to bring it up to code. In its present form, it is our conclusion that the integrity of this building has been compromised and is uninhabitable." Another letter from Virginia M. Adams, a member of the Commission, in part states;" It will now be important for the Commission to educate the applicant and the public at large to understand why this property should be adjudged "Preferably Preserved". John McCauley opposed the continuance of the meeting because no documentation of ownership or authorization of an agent had been presented to the Commission. David Barrett, the applicant, came to the meeting at 8:25 PM. He presented as his authority a statement of proposed agreement to buy with signature of owner. He then presented his proposal of demolition and rebuild of a 4 apartment complex. Verbal statements and discussion from the audience continued most of the meeting until 9:40 PM when the public meeting was stopped to be continued on 18 February 1997