Historical Commission

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK The City of Fitchburg Jan 30 2024 11:35 am Massachusetts F i t c h b ur g Hi s t o r i c a l C om m i s s i o n 718 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420 http://www.ci.fitchburg.ma.us/327/Historical-Commission Meeting Minutes for the Fitchburg Historical Commission Hybrid Meeting December 14, 2023, at 4:00 P.M. Members Present: Keith Chenot, Don Ostrowski, and Andrew Lipasti Members Absent: Charles Sternaimolo, Ellen DiGeronimo Meeting Guests: None Chair Keith Chenot called the meeting to order at 4:01pm and noted a quorum was present. 1. Public comment period: None 2. Review and approve minutes of the October 23, 2023, meeting: Don made a motion to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded by Keith. The motion was approved unanimously by members present. 3. Review and approve minutes of the October 26, 2023, meeting: Don made a motion to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded by Keith. The motion was approved unanimously by members present. 4. Update of Monument Park repairs: Keith noted both of our October meetings were about Monument Park (MP) updates and repairs. He added that James Bunnell has sent out the park bench sponsorship flyer which he had made changes and updates to. In the flyer it was noted to bring good quality benches back to MP. There are locations for eight benches with two engraved plaques per bench. James and the Park Commissioners agreed on a more affordable bench. Regarding the fence repairs Keith has emailed Nick Erickson, DPW Commissioner, checking if Spencer Preservation Architectural firm can help. He also noted that we would like to monitor the repairs. Don noted he saw a maintenance crew mowing at MP and used a ramp to get the mowers over the entry steps. The steps need to be reset as they have been moved out of position. Also we hope to get the “No Dogs” signs removed as has been voted by the Parks Commissioners. Andy asked about the DCR group and the new tree plantings for MP. Keith hopes James will give us an update on the trees. Keith noted that we do the design review on the park. 5. Update on historic building demolition delay: Don mentioned he has contacted the Leominster Historical Commission (LHC) and got a copy of their demolition delay document. He has been comparing the Leominster doc with our proposed demolition delay doc for 1  Fitchburg. Leominster has noted no problems or issues with their demolition delay process. As part of their process the Leominster building inspectors will check with the Leominster Historical Commission to see if a building is listed as a historical one. Leominster has a list of historical buildings to reference. Procedures are set up to work with the LHC during the six month delay they use. It was noted that the Leominster building inspection supervisor can still accept or deny a demolition without delay approval. Don has also checked with Lunenburg to check if they use a demolition delay, and he is looking to check if the state of Massachusetts uses any type of delay. We could start a historical buildings list by referring to the MACRIS building list for Fitchburg. Keith noted that we could amend our demolition delay draft to add our MACRIS list to it, to add more specifics to it, and make it more understandable to the general public. Don noted that he has updated our demolition delay doc after doing a review of Leominster’s delay doc. Keith added that we may want to check out other cities delay processes, and what resources may be needed to get a Fitchburg delay doc completed including money and staff. Andy asked about the Fitchburg MACRIS list and what process is needed for us to update some of the building surveys on the list. Keith noted this would be a new business item. 6. Update on appreciation and preservation of historic stone walls and structures: Don is working on this item. 7. Coordination of signage for the Twin Cities Rail Trail: Keith mentioned there was an online meeting on Monday, January 8, 2024 about the Rail Trail signage including the three signs to be used at the Fitchburg end of the trail. We reviewed the proposed signs and noted they could use some edits and updates. Susan Navarre shared images of the trail from the First St. area and noted some signs are already installed. She has photos of the new signs in the First Street park area. Keith will review the signs for Fitchburg info. Andy noted wanting to check out the trail area around First and Railroad Streets. 8. Update on Historic Districts information brochure/map information guide, signage, web posting: Keith noted we have looked at the latest draft of the brochure and that copies are going to the city leaders and Historical Commission. Fitchburg State University has helped with the graphics. 9. Historic Marker update: Keith has spoken with the sign painter and they noted painting issues on the markers are being worked out. Keith noted we have two more marker applications, a c. 1850 brick farmhouse in West Fitchburg, and a Prospect St. house on the corner with Mechanic St. 10. Project to document and share Main Street building histories, historic districts, tax credit, and other restoration/reuse incentives: Ellen is working on this item. 11. Commission membership vacancies update: Don has asked a potential member to attend one of our meetings. We are looking for a candidate with Legal or Real Estate backgrounds, or anyone with interest in the Historical Commission. 12. FHC website additions: Links to architectural styles, NPS Preservation Briefs, etc.: Keith has talked about this item. He noted trying to get the H.M. Francis brochure online, to scan it, and to get more copies. 13. Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF) grant program application deadline March 15: Keith mentioned the March 15 deadline for matching grants through the Massachusetts Historical Commission. 2 14. New business: Keith noted the old County Courthouse has been turned over to the city and that this building is in the National Historic District. The MA State Historical has added historical restriction and binding guidance on the property. Our Historical Commission has Local Historic District review. He also noted that Charles has taken professional photos of the courthouse. Keith mentioned MACRIS maps places a dot for each surveyed building. We should look into places that haven’t been surveyed yet. We could ask Jennifer from MA Historical Commission to join one of our meetings for thoughts and ideas. Don noted the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance is responsible for the kiosk of Fitchburg information on lower Main St. He is looking to invite a FCA contact to a meeting. Andy noted that Jessie Olson is the FCA Director. 15. Next meeting: Historical Commission Meeting: January 25, 2024, 3:00 PM, City Hall Room 101A and Zoom hybrid. 16. Adjournment: Don made a motion to adjourn and it was seconded by Andy. The motion was approved unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 5:55 PM. Submitted by Andrew Lipasti, Secretary, Fitchburg Historical Commission 3