Historical Commission

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Oct 03 2022 10:08 am Fitchburg Historical Commission Fitchburg Historical Commission Virtual Meeting Minutes Thursday, December 16, 2021 @ 3:00 P.M. Members Present: Keith Chenot, Don Ostrowski, Meagen Donoghue, and Charles Sternaimolo (3:43 pm) Guests: Ryan Josti, Norm Gariepy, Aldo Mazzaferro, Rich Darche, John Caveney, and Doug Kelleher Agenda taken out of order. 1. Iver Johnson Mills flood plain historic exemption: Mr. Chenot explained that because a project may be in a flood plain and the property is comprised of historic structures, the requirement for approval is determined by the Historical Commission. Mr. Darche of the IVJ Group, along with partners Mr. Mazzaferro, Matt Darche (not present), and John Caveney presented the project known as the Iver Mills Residences. The project will consist of 61 residential units comprised of 1–2-bedroom market-rate units. IVJ Group architect, Doug Kelleher expressed the group was seeking exemption because of the buildings’ historic status. Mr. Kelleher added that new aluminum windows, composite roof have been approved by the Massachusetts Historic Commission (MHC). They also intend to repoint the brickwork. Mr. Kelleher also explained the layout of the three buildings including entrances, indicating that the back two buildings will be connected via a similar scale and pattern entrance. Mr. Mazzaferro indicated they plan on maintaining the historical character by exposing various decorative aspects. Mr. Chenot suggested incorporating historical features of the Heywood Furniture company, which built and used the buildings prior to Iver Johnson. Mr. Chenot also asked about the smokestack. The IVJ Group indicated it had already been taken down. Mr. Chenot asked about the small building to the right, with the Mansard roof as well as Building 4. Mr. Mazzaferro indicated both buildings were not part of the property. Mr. Chenot asked about the brickwork. Mr. Darche stated they interviewed two construction companies who both had extensive preservation skills. Mr. Chenot suggested conditioning the final approval on specifications that all of the exterior preservation and renovation work follow the guidelines presented in the National Park Service Preservation Briefs. Mr. Darche indicated they discussed the slate roof with the National Park Service and as a result will use a combination of real and simulated slate. Mr. Chenot motioned to approve the exemption. Seconded by Dr. Ostrowski. Vote is unanimous, 4-0. Mr. Chenot will send a letter to the Building Commission and to Mr. Caveney explaining the Historical Commission’s vote. Dr. Ostrowski asked the group if there was interest in the Kelly Wood Products building. Mr. Darche indicated the Kelly group is interested but there are environmental concerns. Mr. Darche indicated it would make for great access to the Nashua River and for added greenspace for the residential complex. Mr. Sternaimolo suggested the Historic Marker Program for the property. Mr. Chenot asked of the timeline. Mr. Darche indicated fourteen months in total.  2. MART 1427R Water Street project historic site determination: Mr. Ryan Josti from MART discussed as part of a due diligence process from the FTA and MassDOT he has to obtain approval from the Historical Commission. The project calls for regrading, repaving and landscaping a parking lot in the rear of the property. He indicated the property had no historic structures on it, adding the oldest building is from 1980. Mr. Chenot motioned that the Historical Commission finds the property does not display any historical significance or disturbances. Seconded by Ms. Donoghue. Vote is unanimous, 5-0. 3. Review and approve minutes of the October 28, 2021 meeting. Tabled until next meeting. 4. Review and approved minutes of the November 18, 2021 meeting. Mr. Chenot motioned to approve the minutes from November 18, 2021 as amended. Seconded by Ms. Donoghue. Vote Unanimous, 5-0. 5. Proposed Fitchburg Historical Commission Rules and Regulations: Mr. Chenot indicated the Commission does not have a proper map recorded at the Registry of Deeds. A map is needed to show MHC to meet the requirements of a local historic district. Mr. Chenot suggested putting off until the City hires a new City Clerk. 6. Updated on Demolition Delay Ordinance Draft: Ms. Donoghue expressed she does not have the time to work on the ordinance. Dr. Ostrowski offered to take over. Mr. Chenot indicated he could assist. 7. Update on proposed Stone Wall Preservation Ordinance Draft: Dr. Ostrowski sent out a draft of the ordinance and got an immediate response from the Building Commissioner. The Commissioner raised a question about enforcement. Dr. Ostrowski indicated the ordinance is to provide guidelines for conscientious property owners. He added the City has concerns about stone walls facing the streets. Dr. Ostrowski explained what constitutes a stone wall: field stone walls as field and property boundaries and stone structures and retaining walls from the Rollstone Quarry, which are heritage specific to Fitchburg. The other is the patina. He added that the Director of Planning and Community Development was concerned about an inventory of stone walls throughout the city. Mr. Chenot suggested stating more reasons for having the ordinance in the introduction. 8. Update on Simonds Saw and Steel, Intervale Road sponsoring historic documentation of its architectural/industrial design: No change. 9. 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 indicated that he, Ms. DiGeronimo, and Dr. Ostrowski met with those at the University earlier this week and a twelve-panel fold-out brochure is going to be created. Mr. Chenot is also working with Marc Dohan of NewVue for the description and boundaries for the B.F. Brown project proposed district. The project will lead into another semester in order to incorporate QR codes.  10. Filling the vacancy on the Commission: Mr. Chenot heard from Mr. Peter Capodali and Ms. Donoghue reached out to realtor Ms. Tracy Sladen. Both will check back at the beginning of the year. 11. January FHC annual election of Chair and Secretary/Clerk. Mr. Chenot asked the group to make considerations for these positions. 12. MHC 2022 Workshops: Mr. Chenot stated there are workshops throughout the spring and all on Zoom and are free. Each can be accessed by registering for the program live or watch a later recording. 13. Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF) Round 28: Was briefly discussed by Mr. Chenot. 14. New Business: Ms. Donoghue spoke of the Urban Renewal Plan public meeting on January 5, 2022. Mr. Chenot asked of other projects including Moran Square and the corner of Day and Main. Mr. Sternaimolo asked about the development of the plumbing building. Mr. Chenot opined there is a lot of housing happening in Fitchburg. Mr. Sternaimolo suggested adding the old courthouse to the State’s Most Endangered program. Mr. Chenot suggested the Commission speak with the Director of Planning and Community Development first to see where they are in the sale of the property. Mr. Sternaimolo asked about the Monument Square railings. Mr. Chenot has contacted Mr. Nate LaRose from City’s Parks and Recreation Department about working jointly on the repair work. He will follow up with Mr. LaRose in January and add to the agenda for next month. Submitted by Meagen Donoghue