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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-11 Historical Commission Minutes NORTH ANDOVER HISTORICAL COMMISSION April 11, 2016 PRESENT: Kathleen, Szyska, Pat Long, Anne Ericson. C.J. Gangi, Jan Williams, Jim Wefers, Carol Majahad Absent-Nick Pelletier NEW BUSINESS I. NORTH PARISH CHURCH- In 2008, after a CPA grant was awarded to the North Parish Church for preservation work The North Andover Historical Commission became the holder for the Town of a thirty-five year Preservation Restriction Agreement between the Town and the Church. Mr. Harry Voorhees appeared before the Commission to request that the Commission allow the North Parish Church to install solar panels on the church steeple. Mr. Voorhees stated that the panels would be "as architecturally inoffensive as possible". He mentioned that two historic churches in Andover have installed solar panels. After Mr. Voorhees' presentation the Commission discussed the request.During the discussion Kathy Szyska, Chairman, read a section of the Historical Preservation Restriction including the paragraph on page 2 of the Restriction which states"Whereas these preservation restrictions set forth below in this Agreement are intended to ensure the preservation of those characteristics which contribute to the architectural and historical integrity of the exterior of the Premises, and the characteristics which contribute to the architectural and historical integrity of the Premises, include, but are not limited to, the artifacts,features,materials,appearance, and workmanship of the exterior of the Premises." A motion was made and seconded to approve the lifting of restrictions to allow the installation of solar panels on the North Parish Church. The motion was defeated by unanimous vote. In compliance with the terms of the Restriction the Commission will send a letter to Keith Wentzel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of North Parish Church informing him of this vote. II. CPA GRANT PROPOSALS FOR 2016- CJ. Gangi listed the proposals to be considered by Town Meeting in May. 1.#100,000 for Affordable Housing 2.$480,000 towards improvements and repairs on Bingham Way 3.$325,000 towards Open Space (Leonard Farm) 4. $400,000 to repair the Stevens Library Roof 5.$148,000 for the barn of the Parson Barnard House 6.$100,000 towards school playgrounds 7.$550,000 towards historical preservation work at Ridgewood Cemetery OLD BUSINESS III.BUILDING DEPARTMENT Jan Williams reported on Demolition requests during the past month. The Commission viewed and signed off on the house on Sutton Hill. Gerry Brown will stay on as building Inspector until his replacement is hired. Kathy spoke with Jean Enright about recent problems dealing with Demolition Delay information. In the near future the Commission will meet with that office to go over deadlines, procedures, and communication related to Demolition Delay. IV. THE BRADSTREET SCHOOL SITE -There was a discussion about the current problems on this site. V. THE BERRY STREET DEVELOPMENT - Kathy suggested that Commission members drive by the site and observed the farmhouse "replica" built to serve as office and clubhouse. THE NEXT MEETING OF THE NORTH ANDOVER HISTORICAL COMMISSION WILL BE ON MONDAY, MAY 9, 2016, AT 7PM AT THE SENIOR CENTER.