Historical Commission

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Feb 13 2023 9:02 am Fitchburg Historical Commission Meeting Minutes for the Fitchburg Historical Commission Hybrid Meeting on December 15, 2022, at 3:00 P.M. Members Present: Keith Chenot, Don Ostrowski, Sam Blair, Ellen DiGeronimo, Charles Sternaimolo, and Andrew Lipasti Members Absent: Meagen Donoghue Meeting Guests: Caveney Architectural Collaborative, Inc. and Iver Mills Residences Project Team Chairman Keith Chenot called the meeting to order at 3:05pm and noted a quorum was present. 1. Public comment period: None 2. Review and approve minutes of the November 17, 2022, meeting: Ellen moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by Don. The motion was approved unanimously by members present. 3. Review and approve minutes of the November 29, 2022, meeting and public hearing: Keith noted seven corrections to the minutes. Ellen moved to approve the minutes as amended. Seconded by Sam. The motion was approved unanimously by members present. 4. Review Iver Johnson (Heywood Manufacturing) Mill project renovation to verify building code flood hazard area historic building exemption: We discussed the Iver Mills Residences project with the Caveney Architectural Team and the Project Team. They are renovating three Iver Johnson mills at 87-91 River Street to become apartments and will be maintaining the historical aspects of the buildings. We had previously been given a letter and drawings about this project. They presented some new, updated drawings. One of the main points is for them to obtain an exemption to modify the buildings in a flood plain. They are seeking a National Park Service Historic Preservation Certification, and to have the buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. With the Historic Certification the project could proceed with renovation of these buildings within a flood plain. Regarding the renovation of the buildings we talked with them regarding the use of exterior materials, brick facades, and synthetic slate roofing. They are also creating a common area and a common entrance between buildings two and three. We asked them about using a matching brick finish and a matching historic-looking windows and doorway to the entrance area. Keith requested they put a brief building history in the lobby or common area with information and photos of Heywood Manufacturing and Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works. A Motion was presented by Don to send a letter of approval from the Historical Commission verifying the intent of the historic renovation as it relates to an exemption from flood hazard requirements. The letter would go to the Fitchburg Building Commissioner, the Planning Board, and Mike O’Hara. Ellen seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously by members present. 1 5. Update of Monument Park: Keith noted we are looking at restoration repairs and updates for Monument Park. They include:  Recommendation for park bench replacement  Cast iron fencing repair and restoration  Repair of the stone steps in the entry to the park  Repair of the base stones on the Monument He noted Mayor DiNatale is backing replacement of the park benches. We would be requesting eight new benches with a middle arm rest, two benches in each of the four corners of the park. We should submit a formal request for the city to obtain the benches. Don expressed concern about the park not being used, and that people can get a prohibited feeling about visiting the park unless the repairs and updates are done. Keith noted we need to do a new inventory of the cast iron fencing repairs as there are many places with missing, broken, or rusted fencing. We can then work with the Parks Dept. and the DPW. Keith will follow-up on this request. Andy commented on the granite block steps being shifted and out of place on the front entryway to the park. The stone blocks will need to be reset into place. Keith and Charles also noted the base blocks on the monument are out of place and will need to be reset. This repair may require extra help and being careful with the monument and sculptures. 6. Update on proposed Demolition Delay ordinance study: Don mentioned he has a draft done on the Demolition Delay ordinance and has sent out two docs about it. He noted Fitchburg is a city that can use this delay on our historic buildings as they are a part of the city’s identity and charm, and that other historic communities have this ordinance. Keith noted that he is getting input from other groups on the two ordinances, and that Leominster has a delay ordinance. He added that we should work on these two ordinances as a fact finding process. 7. Update on proposed Stone Wall Preservation Ordinance study: Andy noted that he and Don are working on an article and a presentation on the Stone Wall Preservation Ordinance for the Historical Society Newsletter. They are also working on a presentation of the Demolition Delay and Stone Wall Preservation Ordinances to present at the next Board Meeting of the Fitchburg Historical Society. Susan Navarre of the Fitchburg Historical Society has approved a presentation on Wednesday, January 18 at 5:30pm. 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 and 2022/2023: 2  Keith noted this is an ongoing item and he has contacted the graphic designer and will meet with her soon. This includes the Local Historic District and other Districts. 9. Wallace Building entry stones reuse – “temporarily” stored in FRA space: This is an ongoing item. The Wallace Building stones are stored in one of the old GE Plant Buildings on Boulder Drive. This includes the entryway stone that has the R. and W. initials on it for Rodney Wallace. There may be a place for this special building stone at the Wallace Library. 10. Historic Marker – new sign maker update: Keith noted he has a communication out to the new sign maker chosen from the NJ location and is waiting on a reply. 11. Possible project to document and share Main Street building histories, historic districts, tax credit, and other restoration/reuse incentives: Ellen is working on a set of plans regarding the districts. Keith has a draft copy of the Upper Common District which includes Newton Place to School Street. Ellen and Keith commented that the Art Museum needs to be included in a district, like the Academy Street district. 12. New business: Keith noted he got a call from a Rail Trail Designer regarding the Fitchburg end of the trail. They are looking to work on the signage at the trail end. 13. Next meetings: Public Hearing Continuation regarding the Fitchburg Public Library: December 21, 2022, 3 PM, Legislative Building and Zoom hybrid. Historical Commission Meeting: January 26, 2023, 3 PM, City Hall Room 101A and Zoom hybrid. 14. Adjournment: Ellen made a motion to adjourn and it was seconded by Don. The motion was approved unanimously by members present and the meeting was adjourned at 5:27pm. Submitted by Andrew Lipasti, Secretary, Fitchburg Historical Commission 3