Historical Commission and Historical District Commission

Meeting Minutes

April 13, 2011

 

Attending:         David Martin, Chairman

                        Shirley Schofield

Susan Rich

                        Gordon Hughes

Bruce Rosenbaum       

                                               

Visitors:           

 

Meeting Start time: 7:30 PM

 

 

New Business:

 

1.)                185 Edge Hill Road

 

·        No formal request for demolition of this property by proposed purchaser of this site has been made as of today

·        SHC members visited the site on April 9th to view the condition of the two structures on this site

·        B. Rosenbaum motioned that the two (2) structures situated on this site be allowed for demolition due to the severe amount of decay present and that they pose a life safety issue to anyone that may enter them.

Also that the Sharon Historical Society have the opportunity to retain the sign located above the entry door of the main house, some misc. hardware, the newel post and the fireplace mantel. Also John Ford has requested a few items from this property.

 

S. Schofield seconded this motion, All in favor

 

 

 

2.)        Trustees of the Reservation, Kendall Property

 

·        Regional Operations Manager Peter Pieciaro was on hand to discuss the status of the Gagnon barn

·        D. Martin provided a brief overview of the conversations between Gare Reid and the Commission regarding the demolition of the house and barn on the site.

·        The original demo permit was for the house only

·        The barn was to be removed and relocated to the Kendall site

·        Peter said that they have done a cost analysis of rebuilding the barn and that currently they are not in a position to spend this amount of money.

·        They would like to rebuild and mentioned that they could possibly use the barn at other sites.

·        Currently the timbers are being stored under cover; however they are outside and subject to infestation of carpenter ants. G. Hughes suggested that it be move into a dry storage area to prevent decay.

·        Peter stated that they are in the process of clearing out the storage building on the Kendall site and that they could possibly move the barn timbers indoors.

·        As more info becomes available they will keep us informed.

 

 

2.)                Antique Fire Engine

 

·        D. Martin brought up the subject of the original ladder truck that the town owned. It is now restored and located in Canada.

·        J. McGrath (SPD) was speaking to D. martin regarding this truck and felt that the town should pursue obtaining this piece of town history.

·        The truck is currently for sale and the owner would like to see it come back to Sharon.

·        Logistically a number of things need to be worked out, financing, transportation and storage.

·        More to come

 

 

3.)             Unitarian Church

 

·        Ellen Schoenfeld and Jack Armstrong were present to discuss the proposed landscaping and signage that the church would like to do around the property.

·        The proposed plans are in good taste and will enhance the appearance of the property.

·        S. Rich made a motion to accept the plans as presented

·        B. Rosenbaum seconded the motion, All in Favor

·        S. Schofield asked about the granite elevation marker that was located at the corner of the property, Jack said that they would check to see if it was still on site.

 

3.)                182 East Street

 

·        D. Martin stated that he had spoken with J. Kent (Bldg. Inspector) regarding this property and that upon demolition of a portion of this building the owner discovered that the decay was much more severe that anticipated.

·        The property owner wants to now demolish the entire house and construct a new home on the site of similar style.

·        D. Martin will contact the owner to schedule a site visit

 

 

Old Business

 

1.)              Last Property Inventory

 

·        S. Rich brought up that we should work to get this information out to the property owners.

 

2.)             New Historic Districts

 

·        Continued discussion regarding the possibility of creating a new district as well as the possible expansion   of the existing districts.

·        S. Rich to touch base with TTL to see if they can provide support in this endeavor.

·        Funding needs to be determined

 

 

2.)              Grave Stones

 

·        D. Martin provided an update on the old grave stones that were found near the dump on Mountain Street.

·        They are currently located at the DPW

·        Planning to look around the site where they were found with J. McGrath, B. Rosenbaum also interested.

·        The goal is to get them back to their original locations prior to Memorial Day

 

                                                                                                                                                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                       

MOTION:       Bruce Rosenbaum motioned to adjourn meeting

SECOND:       Susan Rich

VOTE:             Unanimous                                                       End of Meeting: 9:35 PM