Historical Commission

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK The City of Fitchburg Nov 15 2024 11:04 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 September 26, 2024, at 5:00 P.M. Members Present: Keith Chenot, Don Ostrowski, Charles Sternaimolo, Ellen DiGeronimo, and Andrew Lipasti Members Absent: Meeting Guests: Liz Murphy, Mary Self, Katherine Jacobs and Tyler de Ruiter from Fuss & O’Neill, and Jacquelyn Wehtje Meeting Introduction: Andy Lipasti was named Acting Chair as our Commission Chair Keith Chenot was attending the meeting virtually through Zoom. Acting Chair Andy Lipasti called the meeting to order at 5:05 PM and noted a quorum was present. 1. Public comment period: Jacquelyn Wehtje made a comment to address the discussion of the current Massachusetts Seal and Flag. Andy noted that we will discuss the MA Seal and Flag item after a presentation on the proposed street layouts at Moran Square by our guests from Fuss & O’Neill. 2. Review and approve minutes of the July 25, 2024, meeting: Ellen made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Don. During a roll call vote the motion was approved unanimously by members present. 3. Review of proposed street layouts at Moran Square: There was a presentation of proposed new street layouts at Moran Square from Katherine Jacobs and Tyler de Ruiter from Fuss & O’Neill. Liz Murphy, Fitchburg’s Executive Director Community Development & Planning Department helped to lead the discussion with Katherine and Tyler. The presentation included several concept design renderings where the look of Moran Sq. could have a narrower intersection with safer traffic flow lanes, larger sidewalks with seating areas, better crosswalks, more landscaping, and a new location for the Spanish War Monument in front of the Moran Building. Don asked questions regarding the traffic flow, impact on truck traffic, and any new turns. Charles asked if the trees and plantings would be included. Liz mentioned the issue of flooding in Moran Sq. Keith commented on the green areas and Katherine mentioned the use of rain gardens. We asked about the Monument being moved including maintaining the height and orientation. It was noted we should reach out to the Historical Society to see if there are any location specifics regarding the monument. Ellen mentioned there should be signage noting: “Moran Square Historic District.” Keith also commented on adding signage and noted that Ellen had helped create this Historic District. 1 4. Recap on process of redesigning the Massachusetts Seal and Flag: Jacquelyn Wehtje started a discussion regarding the proposal to change the MA flag and seal as noted by our two guests on June 27, 2024, David Detmold and Jacquelyn Wehtje. She noted that on July 29th Governor Maura Healey had signed off on a budget amendment to change the state flag and seal of Massachusetts. Her signature sets in motion a 12-month process whereby the Governor will be tasked with appointing an advisory commission to complete the work of the former Special Commission on the Seal and Motto. Keith noted that he has not had a response from the Fitchburg Human Rights Commission regarding the flag and seal change. He added that our Commission could vote to support the flag and seal change and forward a letter of support to the City Council. Ellen mentioned that she would be happy to work on a statement to the City Council. Jacquelyn noted that we could start our statement with David Detmold’s resolution proposal. Keith added that we need to get a statement to Ellen and work with her on it. We can put this item on next month’s agenda. Reference the https://changethemassflag.com/ website. 5. Review process to study the creation of an additional historic district(s) (Prospect Hill, etc.): Don mentioned he has looked at the historical district creation process. Ellen and Keith have discussed what the Fitchburg Historical Commission could do to help the city include other historic districts, both local and national. 6. Change monthly meeting time from the 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on the last Thursday of the month: Keith noted this change would make our meetings more available to the public. The meetings will be held in the Legislative Building, start at 5:00pm, and be limited to 1 1/2 hours. Regarding items 7 – 13 below: Don noted that items 7-13 can be moved to the next meeting. Ellen made a motion that we table items 7-13 to the next meeting. It was seconded by Don. The motion was approved unanimously by members present. 7. Update on Resource Links to be posted on the commission’s website: 8. Historic Marker update: 9. Project to document and share Main Street building histories, historic districts, tax credit, and other restoration/reuse incentives: 10. Update on Monument Park repairs: 11. Update on historic building demolition delay: 12. Update on appreciation and preservation of historic stone walls and stone structures: 13. Commission membership vacancies update: 14. New business: None. 15. Next meeting: 5:00 PM, Thursday, October 31, 2024. 2 16. Adjournment: Andy made a motion to adjourn and it was seconded by Don. The motion was approved unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 6:31 PM. Submitted by Andrew Lipasti, Secretary, Fitchburg Historical Commission 3