Historical Commission

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK The City of Fitchburg Dec 05 2024 2:51 pm 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 October 31, 2024, at 5:00 P.M. Members Present: Keith Chenot, Don Ostrowski, Mary Self, and Andrew Lipasti Members Absent: Charles Sternaimolo, Ellen DiGeronimo Meeting Guests: None 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 5:01 PM and noted a quorum was present. 1. Welcome new member to the commission, Mary Self: The commission recognized new member Mary Self and wished her welcome to the Fitchburg Historical Commission. 2. Public comment period: None 3. Review and approve minutes of the September 26, 2024, meeting: Don made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Keith. During a roll call vote the motion was approved unanimously by members present. 4. Recap of September review of the proposed street and pedestrian layouts at Moran Square: Don noted this is a traffic flow problem and not really a FHC issue, except for the statue and trucks taking turns. Keith commented on the wide turns issue like Summer St. into Lunenburg St. and that there should be a post or bollard in the widened sidewalk plan. He also added that it was good that the engineering group asked us to comment on the redesign. Keith noted that Ellen had asked about signage for the Moran Square Historic District, and to include street sign graphics as from our recent brochure. We noted that there could be more informational signage by the statue at a pedestrian level. We will also work with the Historical Society for information on the Spanish-American War and Statue. It was noted that the traffic designers would like information by mid-December. Keith recommended reviewing the MACRIS information on this historic district. 5. Recap on process and draft Fitchburg proclamation supporting research and redesign of the Massachusetts Seal and Flag: Keith talked about the flag and seal redesign. He referred to the Sept. 26 meeting in which Jacquelyn Wehtje suggested we support the redesign. David Detmold has sent us a draft support letter. We could rework the draft and send it to the City Council, however this type of support is not really part of the work done by the FHC. We are a commission that promotes historical assets vs. supporting a flag change. The support should be from 1  individuals. Andy noted that we could do our own individual support letters and send them to our city councilors. Don added that we have already listened to Detmold’s proposal and it has become a part of our work. Keith noted the proposed resolution needs some rework. 6. Review process to study the creation of an additional historic district(s) (Prospect Hill, etc.): Don mentioned there is a large amount of construction on Prospect Hill and at Applewild School. It has been disruptive to the local property owners. Keith noted we could start conversations with the local owners. There are processes and guidelines for district creation work. He also referred us to the 1975 creation of the Monument Park local historic district, and to MACRIS and MACRIS Maps for resources. 7. Project to document and share Main Street building histories, historic districts, tax credit, and other restoration/reuse incentives: Andy noted no updates on this item. Keith mentioned we try a revised approach on this item by picking prime properties or historical assets in the city to document. He will share more information at a later time. 8. Update on Monument Park repairs: Keith noted he talked with the Community Development group regarding funding and getting repairs into the priority list, specifically the railings. We need to get design repairs and the payment for the design services listed. This would include bids from a cast iron company. Phase one on the repairs would include: documenting repairs for bids, getting estimates, pursuing matching grants, and then getting funding. He also noted the city budget is very tight on funding. 9. Update on historic building demolition delay: Don has sent us his latest demolition delay ordinance doc. He eliminated the use of fines from the doc as it is the Building Commissioner that would do any fines. He noted that Fitchburg is a historic city and yet we have no demolition delay. He has also emailed us information on the historic preservation program used in Macon, GA for reference. He noted that the doc is ready for another City Council review, and also that the ordinance would only affect a few buildings a year. Keith mentioned that Fitchburg has a new Building Commissioner. His name is Felix Zemel and he is listed as the Acting Building Commissioner. We should meet with him, discuss our ordinance, and possibly get his backing. Don will try to contact Felix. 10. Update on appreciation and preservation of historic stone walls and stone structures: Keith mentioned Ellen was involved in saving the stone building blocks from the old Sentinel Building. We need to make it known that these blocks are available for use vs. going to a landfill. Don added that Keith did a good project with one of his classes regarding the stones or building blocks. Keith noted this was a student study of the stones. We can prepare a communication regarding the stone to move this forward. This was agreed upon by all Commissioners. Don commented on the View Street stone wall and the topic of what is a historic stone wall. The View St. wall which is near Applewild School is still there. 11. New business: Andy asked about the Rail Trail signs we worked on and if the designs have been finalized and moving forward. Keith noted the signs, which will be used at the Fitchburg end of the trail, were designed by us and others this past summer. They are being reviewed and graphics worked on for bid documents. 2 12. Next meeting: 5:00 PM, Thursday, November 21, 2024. (tentative changed from last Thursday of the month due to holiday). Location not finalized. 13. Adjournment: Don made a motion to adjourn and it was seconded by Mary. The motion was approved unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 6:28 PM. Submitted by Andrew Lipasti, Secretary, Fitchburg Historical Commission 3