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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-05-06 Historical Commission MinutesMinutes Reading Historical Commission May 6,1996 Meeting convened at 7:45 PM. Regular Members present: Virginia Adams, Ed Palmer, David O'Sullivan, Roberta Sullivan Associate members present: Colonel Wilbar Hoxie, Gladys Montgomery Jones, Louise Sandberg Minutes recorded by Gladys Montgomery Jones. Approval of Minutes: Virginia moved and Ed seconded that the minutes of April 15 and April 29 be accepted with a correction to 100 people attending the Patriot's pay Celebration in the latter. Approved 4-0-0. Treasurer's Report: Roberta reported bills of $10 from A&A Printing for the Patriot's Day program, $7.88 from Redstone Camera for processing rolls of film. Ed moved and David seconded motion to pay these. Approved 4-0-0. They will be paid from the main account in which there is a current balance of $295.46. The special account contains $87.25. Roberta pointed out an inaccuracy in the Bandstand letter, page 2, paragraph 2: the bandstand was moved off the Common in 1930; Gladys to make the correction. David reported that the presentation of the State Preservation Sehoo to Longwood Place for the Pearl Street School project will take place May 22; he will convey invitation to the Selectmen and Town Manager. Randy Collins of Gates, Leighton, Downtown Revitalization Consultants, presented and discussed plans with the Commission. Phase I is to work with traffic engineers to improve vehicular and pedestrian facilities. Phase II is site improvement for aesthetics and amenities with the goal of making the downtown an easier and more attractive place in which to shop. Town has hired an economic facilitator to help with Phase II. Current focus is Haven Street and upper Main Street between Lowell/Salem and Washington Streets. Among those items noted in the plans are conversion of Lowell Street to a southbound one-way; • narrowing of Pleasant Street crossing to be more pedestrian-friendly; conversion of Pleasan Street to westbound one-way; • an apron in front of APrinting and a closed curb cut in front of Anton's; • development of a lot behind Reading Auto; RHC/May 6, 1997 Minutes 2 • increased signage to improve traffic flow; • more parking on Haven and changes in Mass Bank lot and flow with possible new street between the Hot Spot and Mass Bank; • debate where to cycle traffic off Haven, through Linden or Sanborn. The Commission focused on issues with historic implications: Victorian-style street lights installed on Washington Street may not adequately reflect Reading's diversity from colonial to art deco and 1960's styles, but style should be consistent throughout town. Bandstand idea produces divided opinions among consultants; possible to configure apron of Town Hall like an amphitheater instead; Commission opposes bandstand on Common, favors changing type and setting of benches. Gladys reported that checks from the 350th Trust (in the amounts of $600 to produce two sets of prints from 50 glass-plate negatives and $1,000 for clerical support to input data for the Historical and Architectural Inventory) will arrive soon. The Damon House at 30-32 John Street will be reviewed by the Zoning Board of Appeals in June. Forms for reappointments of members to the Commission must be handed in by May 14. The Commission reviewed the plans for the May 7 Preservation Week program. David to do introduction, presentation of local preservation award to Longwood Place for the - Pearl Street School project, and presentations of certificates to homeowners whose properties have been placed on the Historical and Architectural Inventory. Virginia will give a 20 minute slide presentation about Nelson and Eleanor Bishop's contributions to the research and documentation of local history. Gladys and Louise will speak and conduct a workshop for homeowners about how to research documentary and physical evidence to understand the history of antique houses. Local history materials and resources for research will be exhibited. Refreshments planned; Mrs. Hoxie to contribute her delicious annual chocolate cake. Members to show up by 6:30 for the 7:30 program. NExT thCaTtw. G FaP- Ga«~aass~aa JuO6 14> t4gl Meeting adjourned at 9:45 PM.