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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-07-07 Old Center Historic District Commission Minutes DRAFT Old Center Historic District Committee meeting minutes July 7, 2022 Meeting was called to order at 6:38 Motion made by Martha Larson Second by Ryan Schruender Roll Call in attendance Roger Larson Mike Lenihan Harry Azarion Ryan Schruender Leslie Frazier Martha Larson Laurie Craney Kathy Szyska Harry opened the meeting and introduced Laura Bibler of Inthe gardens LLC to discuss the changes coming to the second burial ground on Academy Road Ryan Disclosed he is on the board of Trustees for the Ridgewood cemetery Presentation for the renovation of the second burial ground was started with the history of the subject property Laura B. gave the landscape design objectives They engaged Hager-Richter to do ground penetration radar to map out the the current grave sites Kathleen Szyska asked about the parking Laura stated the cars on the plan are just to show scale Harry asked for clarification about the property and whether it is one property or two It was stated the North Parish church conveyed the entire property to Ridgewood cemetery and it is not known if it is one lot or two Laura B. discussed the entrance gate. Harry stated the importance of the entrance gate being complimentary to the different styles on the street Laura B discussed different styles of fences and gates at various locations Laura B. Discussed the walk way, trash cans, steps and benches throughout the property Laura B discussed the use of signage at the entrance of the property Harry mentioned for sign there are three level the OCHDC, the ZBA and the building department. The ultimate goals isto rehab the property to be historically accurate, to improve accessibility and broaden the property. Laura completed her presentation and asked for questions Harry asked if the neighbors would be in favor of this to Brad Waksman Brad stated the directabutters are aware he is not sure of their opinion one way or the other. Harry stated his support of the project and he liked the way it was going so far.He also mentioned hammering out the details of the project Kathy had a question about when the project formally comes in front of us will we take it as a whole or in parts Harry stated it would be only the items that are in our jurisdiction with the hope they would be open to working with us for the whole project. Mike Linihan stated he was amazed at the size and scope of the project and agrees something needs to be done.What would help him is the visuals from the street and maybe the new items superimposed to show ground level scale. Harry agreed with showing the ground level scale of the projectto be able to envision the new cemetery. An audience member mentioned there are a lot of nice aspects of the property that will hopefully be shown well. Laura agreed and understood the ground level view. Roger Lawsonis very excited about the projectand agree the elevation drawings would help to envision.He is excited this will bring the towns people to see the history Leslie Frazier asked about what year the serpentine walls were used.Laura mentioned mid Harry asked about the serpentine wall being from plants instead of a brick wall.Laura mentioned plants being very high maintenance and trying to keep the maintenance down. Leslie asked about ground cover in front of the walls.Laura said it would most likely be perennials. She also stated again that their goal is low maintenance.Leslie stated her concern is the wall would be too formal.She would be looking to soften the look of the wall and entry area. second burying ground has always been.The design is a bit much. likes some of the elements but thinks the serpentine wall to much.S design goes with the spirit of the property. Martha stated she does not object to the property as much. She talked about the burial ground used to be overgrown and the new improvements will bring the property back to the attention it deserves. Laura said a lot of what she thinks is already stated.She think the cemetery needs to be shown and educate the towns people especially the younger generation.She mentioned some of the features are tough to see and agreed an elevation plan would help.She mentioned there are a lot of new and different materials that she worries it could be too much. the idea but hesitant of the change. Ryan stated his support of the project and that we have a long way to gobut I think we can all come up with a plan that wil show this property the way that it should be shown, Harry stated he looks forward to the process and that changes are challenging that is part of the process.He wants people to be comfortable with the vision.There are some things that can be contemporary but also historic Mike talked about the vision from the street may be blocked out by some of the landscaping may block out some of the architectural features. Harry talked about next steps and maybe doing a site visit. Laura asked about staking out some of the elements. Harry agreed that may help with line of sight. Everyone agreed a site visit would be a good next step. Harry stated the schedule will be worked out for the site visit, The second agenda item Motion made by mike linihan to open the application for academy road opposite #84. Second by Martha Larson. The Trustees presented talking about the fence and it has been neglected and some kids have been knocking over the fence. They mentioned to remove the fence and plant it with loom and seed.Volunteers would remove the fence over a days period and get rid of all materials.Can be done immediately or over the month of July of August Harry opened it up for discussion Mike asked about the maintenance and mowing of the meadow.It was stated the path is mowed weekly and the meadow mowed once a year.Mike wants to make sure the meadow stays looking the way it is. Martha asked about the possibility of adding a stone wall atsome point.The trustees said that maybe some day in the future but there is not plan right now. Motion made by Martha Larson to remove the wood fence opposite 84 Academy road.Roger Larson seconded All members voted in favor. Motion made to open the discussion for public hearing for the application for AT&T for a small cell waitresses facility Mike Minihan made the motion Leslie Frazier seconded the motion. Edward Paren an attorney representing AT&T. Edward apologized for not showing up at last nights machine shop village meeting Harry told Edward they had to cancel that application and AT&T will need to reapply. Edward just found out about the meeting today and apologized for not having a presentation ready. Edward asked for a continuation to come back better prepared Edward gave a quick review.Stated there are a number of these cell towers around town.Towns usually prefer the wood utility poles.In historic areas they try to do it on the metal poles but it does not look good.They chose the one wooden utility pole on the road to add the tower too. Edward talked about the technical specs in regards to what goes into the tower. Harry asked about how this pole was identified and why this pole is still in existence.This pole is right near oneof the most historical items in the north parish church. It is Harrys understanding the are replacing the pole with something that is bigger and taller.Harry stated his concern with going 36 ou 37 feet.Harry asked about looking outside the district for a better location.Harry mentioned about a pole in Amesbury and showed an example to Mr. Paren.Harry mentioned if this does end up in the district masking is very important. Edward mentioned AT&T wants to work with the town to find a solution that works for everyone.AT&T always works with the town in other areas. Edward understand there are a number of concerns and we will need to find something that works for everyone.He can bring it back to the engineers to find something that works. Kathy asked if there is a location that would not be seen by anyone.Edward stated if the land is not in the public way then they cannot use that land.Brad wakeman mentioned the land behind the church is not owned by the town but is allowed use by the town. Harry stated the select board meeting is August 15 in regards to this item and we may need to move that discussion to allow time with this discussion to be done right. Harry mentioned look at Johnson street or Milk st which is outside of the district that could be better sites.Edward stated the town looks to be on existing poles.Edward also stated these towers are only good for 1500-2000 feet. Edward stated he will take care of the extension with the town. All parties agreed to do a continuation at a date to be determined in the next couple of weeks. It was agreed to do July 28th at 6:30 pending the space being available Motion made for a continuance made by Mike Linihan and seconded by Leslie Frazier.All voted in favor. Motion made to adjoin made by Roger Larson and seconded by Leslie Frazier.Meeting adjoined at 8:45PM on July 7, 2022.