Sharon Historical Commission
And
Sharon Historic District Commission
Meeting Minutes for
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Members in attendance: Robert S. Young (RY), Chairman; David A. Martin (DM), Vice Chairman; Shirley A. Schofield (SS), Brent Gundlah (BG), Gordon Hughes (GH), Susan Rich (SR)
38 North Main Street – owner, Laura Davis (LD)
RY – inquired about current status with drawings, design, and construction
LD (owner) – presented update from the boards original meeting of 2005 stating that at that meeting the plans presented were not complete (conceptual)
LD – hired another architect to complete plans
LD – stated that changes were reviewed by GH
GH – states that changes discussed with LD do not reflect the final changes in the current design.
General discussion: the current plans show dimensional changes, design changes and detailing not in keeping with the original proposed styling.
LD – stated that the changes in the dimension of the project were necessitated by the site work along North Main Street.
LD – she is attempting to do things “the right way”, match the style and character of the adjacent house (32 North Main Street)
LD – spoke with Joe Kent and GH attempting to explain the changes in scope. At this time, there are still questions as to when, why, and how these changes were approved without keeping the SHC informed.
The abutters (Kyed) raised concern over the style of the addition (more of a farm house look and not a federalist design)
DM – by rights the building inspector should have kept the commission appraised of the permit status.
The Kyeds recommended that changes and safe guards should be put in place to prevent something like this happening in the future.
LD – states buffering of the Kyed’s property has been done with landscaping
LD – states that the architect’s design was meant to blend with the original style of the house
RY – states that SHC would have Reese Schroder review the architectural style and provide a report on this review at the April meeting.
DM – motion to approve this
GH – seconded
Approved unanimously
Sharon Water Department
Eric Hooper, Town Engineer came before the commission requesting SHC approval to apply for CPC funds for the renovation of water station number one at Depot Street/MBTA station. He presented photos of the building’s present condition. This is one of only two buildings owned by the town built prior to 1896. Once funding has been approved further designs and scope of work will be developed and reviewed by the commission.
Recreation Committee/Community Center
Joe Roach, representing the Recreation Committee presented a proposal to the commission. In recognition for Dave Clifton’s years of service and dedication to the town of Sharon, a proposal is being made to rename the Sharon Recreation Center the David I. Clifton/Sharon Recreation Center.
RY – asked that a motion be made to write an article for the next Town meeting
GH – made a motion to support the Board of Selectmen in writing this article for Town meeting
BG seconded
Voted: 2 in favor; 2 opposed; 1 abstain
RY – voted to support (breaking the tied vote)
RY – will send to Board of Selectmen a written response to this article
Note: Although it was voted to support this article to go to Town meeting it should not be misconstrued as support for renaming the Sharon Recreation Center (David I Clifton Sharon Recreation Center)
Town By-Laws state that town properties/land/buildings would not be named for an individual. This commission stands behind this By-Law, however the commission states that it is willing to put an article in the next town meeting so that the voters of Sharon could decide to override the By-Law if so voted.
Unitarian Church
David Schoenfeld presented a proposed addition that would provide handicapped accessibility and new usable space to the rear of the church.
CPC funds have been sought and will assist in off setting the cost of this project.
David Schoenfeld stated this process began approximately three years ago, with a projected cost of between $600,000 to $1 million. A question was raised regarding parking and it was stated that there are no plans to expand parking towards the Gundlah property.
DM – as plans progress the commission would like to be kept apprised of the updates
Congregational Church
Jake McAvoy and Scott Despres presented a preliminary introduction to various upgrades the Church is planning i.e. windows, siding at the front of the sanctuary, handicapped accessibility. They are seeking the commission’s help in this process (ideas on how to do the right thing)
RY – provided information on possible books for research/ideas
Jake McAvoy states this is just the beginning; they have a long way to go
SHC Business
RY – asked that we develop a list of nominations for the April meeting to be voted on in May to fill current vacancies.
Motioned to adjourn: by DM
2nd: by SS
Meeting called to a close at 10:35 PM