HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-09-13 Historical Commission Minutes
NORTH ANDOVER HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes from September 13, 2016
PRESENT: K. Szyska, C. J. Gangi, J. Williams, N.Pelletier, J.Wefers, C. Majahad, A.
Ericson
NOT PRESENT: Pat Long
I. 271 STEVENS STREET - Louise Borke and Gerald Brecker attended the meeting and
presented to the Commission their plans to purchase the property at 271 Stevens St.
North Andover. The existing structure on this property is over 100 years old. Mr. Brecker
explained to the Commission that they hoped to improve and add on to the existing
structure and build a second home in the adjoining lot.
A. In order to build the second house a zoning variance is necessary. After his
explanation Mr. Brecker asked the Commission to write to the Zoning Board indicating
approval of the requested variance. He stressed that his development plans would save
the existing structure from demolition.
B. After discussion the Commission voted unanimously to support the request for a
zoning variance and to so notify the zoning board.
II. OLD CENTER - Kathy, as liaison to the Old Center Historical District, brought the
Commission up-to-date . The solar panels will be placed on the new addition roof (not
on the church steeple) . The church is now using a different location (a railing) to display
banners.
!!!. OLD BURYING GROUND = Kathy reported that she had learned the amount
remaining in the OBG CPA account and that amount will be sufficient to repair the
remaining stone mentioned by the Fannins. The Commission will request a contract
extension from the Town so that this work may be completed.
A. Jim Wefers showed photos of possible gates that are available (from Al McGregor's
business) that could be used for the entrance to the OBG. He will investigate purchase
and installation costs for a gate. There was some discussion of having the gate open
outward.
B. Commission members were asked to come to the October meeting with ideas about
a celebration of the OBG Preservation Project scheduled for next spring.
IV. DEMOLITION DELAY PROCESS - Donald Belanger is the new Building
Inspector. In the near future Kathy will arrange a meeting with him and Commission
members to clarify the Demolition Delay Process (steps-dates-timeline etc). It was
suggested that we could invite him to a Commission meeting.
V. VERIZON - Carol Majahad shared a letter the Historical Society recently received
identifying sites in the Old Center area where they plan to attach towers to existing
telephone poles. Carol said she would notify Verizon that any official feedback on this
proposal should come from the Historical Commission.
OTHER BUSINESS
A. MACHINE SHOP VILLAGE - Jan Williams reported on planned alterations to the
house on Water Street next to the "Old Jail" building. The owners want to make it into a
two- family but plan to retain the appearance of the original railings.
B. BERRY STREET - Kathy reported that the Commission has been invited to visit the
new office and clubhouse building designed as a replica of the original farm house in an
attempt to retain some of the historic landscape of the part of North Andover.
THE NEXT MEETING OF THE NORTH ANDOVER HISTORICAL COMMISSION IS
SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016, AT 7PM AT THE SENIOR
CENTER.