Historical Commission

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Oct 03 2022 10:10 am Fitchburg Historical Commission Meeting Minutes for the November Fitchburg Historical Commission Hybrid Meeting on November 18, 2021, at 3:00 P.M. Members Present: Keith Chenot, Don Ostrowski, Sam Blair, Meagen Donoghue. Members Absent: Ellen DiGeronimo, Charles Sternaimolo. 1. Minutes of October 28, 2021, were tabled until the December meeting. 2. Update on endorsement of Fitchburg Trustees of Public Burial Grounds proposal to nominate several Fitchburg cemeteries as historic places: Mr. Chenot indicated that after further discussion with the Trustees who had spoken to the Massachusetts Historic Commission, they decided not to proceed with going to City Council at this time. Instead, they will be updating the historic forms to make the sites eligible. Mr. Chenot said he would take it off future agendas. 3. Main Street brick sidewalk paving replacement at Christ Church (Monument Park Local Historic District): Mr. Chenot indicated the City was seeking to make the site ADA Accessible and planning on re- streetscaping the area when Main Street becomes 2-way. This will include putting brick edging with concrete on the new sidewalks. The original full brick sidewalk will not be replaced due to it being too costly. 4. Proposed Fitchburg Historical Commission Rules and Regulations: Mr. Chenot explained that there are none currently and with the expansion of the Library and the eminent sale of the Old Court House procedures should be established. Discussion ensued about precedence and criteria to have as rulings, including the process of a Certificate of Appropriateness. Mr. Blair suggested having historic district regulations as an addendum to regular commission procedures. 5.. Demolition Delay Ordinance Draft: No updates on the document. 6. Stone Wall Ordinance: Mr. Chenot suggested that the FHC could get input from the Planning and Building Departments and the Chair of the Planning Board. Discussion on the proposed fine of $500.00. Dr. Ostrowski was asked to forward the draft document for their review and input. Mr. Chenot motioned to get input on the ordinance as is. Seconded by Ms. Donoghue. Motion carried 4-0. 7. Update on Simonds Saw and Steel, Interval Road sponsoring historic documentation of its architectural/industrial design: Mr. Chenot indicated he was waiting for Ms. DiGeronimo to speak to the Simonds family to gather interviews and other documentation. He is also looking for opportunities for funding the project. 8. Update on Historic Districts information brochure/map information guide, signage, web posting, and FSU faculty-led student project coordination ongoing for fall/spring 2021/2022: Mr. Chenot and Dr. Ostrowski met with JJ Silva at FSU who is working with a student who is designing the brochure which will include: • H.M. Francis Overlay • Monument Park • Crocker Field • Moran Square • Academy District Mr. Chenot stated he was waiting for NewVue Communities to assist. He also indicated he will be requesting the Office of Planning and Community Development for funding of the brochure. 9. Filling vacancy on Commission: Mr. Chenot suggested Peter Capodagli who has a love for downtown, owns the Boulder Art Gallery and is a wealth of information for all that is historical in Fitchburg. Ms. Donoghue suggested Realtor Tracy Sladen. 10. New Business: None at this time 11. Next Meeting: December 16, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. in-person and Zoom at City Hall, location TBD. Submitted by Meagen Donoghue