Historical Commission

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Dec 20 2022 11:08 am Fitchburg Historical Commission Meeting Minutes for the Fitchburg Historical Commission Hybrid Meeting on November 17, 2022, at 3:00 P.M. Members Present: Keith Chenot, Don Ostrowski, Sam Blair, Ellen DiGeronimo, Meagen Donoghue, Charles Sternaimolo, and Andrew Lipasti Members Absent: None Meeting Guests: None 1. Public comment period: None 2. Review and approve minutes of the October 27, 2022, meeting: Keith noted two corrections to the minutes. Ellen moved to approve the minutes as amended. Seconded by Don. The motion was Approved by six members. There was one Abstaining vote. 3. Status of Monument Park Local Historic District projects: Fay Club: Keith reviewed the current status of repair and restoration work being done at the Fay Club. Old Time Restoration is working on fixing water entry points through the windows, flashing, and the roof. They have put new seals around the windows and repainted them. There is restoration work being done on the side entry. There is much masonry pointing work to be done. Fitchburg Public Library: The Library Design Team project manager filed an Application for Certificate of Appropriateness for the library renovation project. Ellen made a motion that we accept the Application and hold a Public Hearing regarding the project. Don seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously by members present. A hearing date was set for Tuesday, November 29 at 3:00pm with the meeting being held at the Legislative Building at 700 Main St. The hearing will include a presentation by the Library Design Team following by a time of Comments and Concerns from the Commission and any interested parties. Keith noted on Tuesday, November 22 at 2:00pm a Commission meeting will be held at the Library for a tour of Library buildings and a review of the current design plans. Keith reviewed some of the library design drawings, the demolition, and some new features. Sam commented on the design that an external facade feature was not in the new design. 4. Update on proposed Demolition Delay ordinance study: Don noted he has a draft done on the ordinance. He also noted that in the ordinance there is no delay on buildings without historical value. Meagen noted that a demolition delay would have a vote as well. Andy mentioned speaking with Susan Navarre of the Fitchburg Historical Society and asking her if the Commission could do a presentation to the Historical Society Board of the two ordinances under discussion. She approved a presentation on Wednesday, January 18 at 5:30pm. Don and Andy agreed to work on this presentation. 1 5. Update on proposed Stone Wall Preservation Ordinance study: Don and Andy are working on an article on the Stone Wall Preservation Ordinance for the Historical Society Newsletter. Meagen noted other communities have these two ordinances. Keith showed some photos of stone walls including finished walls, retaining walls, and a granite block retaining wall along High Street. He noted these walls are unique to Fitchburg. 6. Update on Simonds Saw and Steel, Intervale Rd. sponsoring historic documentation of its architectural/industrial design: Ellen noted she has not heard back yet from a Simonds family member regarding any historic documentation. Ellen will work further on this item. 7. 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 and 2022/2023: Keith noted this item is close to a final design on a brochure. It was noted to keep this item on the agenda. 8. Wallace Building entry stones reuse – “temporarily” stored in FRA space: Meagen mentioned that the group including Ellen, Andy, Sharon Bernard, and herself viewed the Wallace Building stones that are stored in one of the old GE Plant Buildings. We did get to see the entryway stone that has the R. and W. initials on it for Rodney Wallace. The stones may need to get moved if a company buys the building. 9. Historic Marker – new sign maker update: Keith noted no updates to report on the new sign maker chosen from a NJ location. He also noted that no new sign applications have been entered. 10. Possible project to document and share Main Street building histories, historic districts, tax credit, and other restoration/reuse incentives: Ellen has requested new maps from the Engineering Department to help with documenting the six historic districts. She has also asked Charles to take a photo of one of the buildings in a historic district. An item to continue would be working on adding a Prospect Hill District. 11. New business: Keith noted there was a recent fire at 533 Main Street, the old YMCA Building, which is in the Monument Park Local Historic District. Meagen has talked with the building owner and he looks to keep the building as is and just do necessary repairs. Keith said the building is a H. M. Francis design and showed some old photos of the building. He noted that we should support this building and find ways to preserve it such as contacting the Mayor, Community Development, and the owner. Meagen added that she will contact the owner and ask him to come to our next meeting. Charles mentioned the Monument Park railings need some repair and replacing, and questioned if the moldings for the railings are at the Senior Center. Keith noted the railings and balusters are getting rusty at the bottoms of the pieces especially the ones along Main Street and Wallace Ave. 2  We may need to work with the DPW Parks Department Head for assistance. Charles also noted the base of the monument needs attention and possible repairs. 12. Next meetings: Commission meeting, December 15, 2022, at 3:00pm in City Hall Room 101A and Zoom hybrid (change from last Thursday of the month). Library Tour Meeting, November 22, 2022 at 2:00pm at the Fitchburg Public Library. Public Hearing, November 29, 2022 at 3:00pm in the Legislative Building. Don made a motion to adjourn and it was seconded by Ellen. The motion was approved unanimously by members present and the meeting was adjourned at 4:23pm. Submitted by Andrew Lipasti, Secretary, Fitchburg Historical Commission 3