Sharon Historical Commission
And
Sharon Historic District Commission
Meeting Minutes for
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Members in attendance: Chairman: David A. Martin (DM), Vice Chair: Brent Gundlah (BG), Shirley A. Schofield (SS), Gordon Hughes (GH), Susan Rich (SR)
Meeting began at 7:30 pm
New Business
1.) 111 Pond Street
· David Fixler and Rob Carver were present to provide an update on the fate of this property.
· Discussion revolved around the letters and conversations going back to Sept. 05
· At that time the concern was over the cost to maintain the property and how it would be funded. It is not financially feasible for the Temple to continue paying to keep the house on the land.
· As of this date there has been no change in status. No one has come forward with a feasible idea or group that would take over its upkeep.
· Their focus is to apply for a demolition permit.
· The feeling is that they still want to work with SHC to find a good use for the house. Exhaust all options. Keep a good line of communication open.
· Their concern is the 1 year demolition delay by law, that it has already started and that we should not institute it.
· Concerns over access by youths, damage, injury, etc.
· Some interest has been mentioned by other groups.
· Unfortunatley they do not have any plans for this building in the future or the site, but they are not interested in selling.
· D.M. brought up the fact that the Sharon Housing Authority was still interested for possible rehab by Habbitat for Humanity
· D.F. and R.C. both stated that they are both in favor of getting other groups out to view the site, however they do not want this process to linger.
· D.M. will contact Jane Desberg to set up a site meeting
· Discussions will continue.
2.) Congregational Church
· Phil Buhler was present to discuss the plan to replace windows in the Parrish Hall section of the building, both the upper and lower floor.
· Their plan is to replace with similar windows to those used a few years ago in other areas.
11/14/07 cont.
· G.H. asked which type or mfg. they were looking at. P.B. said Precision Window, Andersen or Pella.
· S.R. asked about restoration of the existing units, suggested contacting MHC for information of groups that would do this type of work.
· The church is anxious to move forward inorder to avoid the bad weather and to help their energy consumption this winter.
· SHC asked that samples or cut sheets be provided for approval, prior to final approval.
3.) St. Johns Church
· Jerry Morrow and Laura Nelson were present to ask about the replacement of the sign at the corner of High Street adjacent to the Library. This sign is very old, on an old street sign post and is difficult to see.
· Their hope to replace it with one of similar size on a new post.
· The question is whose property is it on?
· D.M. suggested that they contact the Building Inspector to get his opinion on this matter. They should send him a letter.
· A motion was made to allow a new sign to be erected in the Historic District by B.G., it was seconded by S.R. and Approved.
Old Business
4.) Saphire Manor
· The date of December 11, 2007 was set to present the 2007 Preservation Award at the B.O.S. meeting at 7:00 pm
5.) Inventory Grant
· D.M., S.S., S.R. all met with the consultant at MHA to kick off the project.
· S.R. has done a brief write up about the scope of work done to date and what is expected.
· D.M. mentioned the idea of putting information regarding the survey on cable TV
6.) SHC Guildlines
· An on going discussion is to create a guildlines booklet that will help the residents of Sharon understand what the bylaws represent as well as what 40C means, etc.
· Reece has requested approval that he assemble this document.
· G.H. made a motion to have Reece proceed, S.S. seconded the motion and it was Approved.
Motion to Adjourn by B. Gundlah,
2nd by D. Martin
Closed at 9:30 pm