Historic District Commission

City of Taunton MASSACHUSETTS Established 1639 Historic District Commission Charles Thayer City Hall Robert Dickerman 15 Summer Street Michele Monteiro Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 Joseph Norte Steve Rogers Bruce Thomas _________________________ Samantha Mills, Secretary MINUTES – FEBRUARY 17, 2022 A regular meeting of the Historic District Commission was held on Thursday, February 17, 2022. Present were Steve Rogers, Joseph Norte, Robert Dickerman and Dr. Charles Thayer. Meeting called to order at 7:01 p.m. New Business/New Matters Minutes- Motion made by Commissioner Charles Thayer, seconded by Commissioner Robert Dickerman and unanimously passed to approve the minutes from the August 26, 2021, June 24, 2021, April 29, 2021, and October 21, 2021. Motion is then made to move out of order to general business in order to appoint Pro tem chair and vice chair. The board discussed the number of members currently on the board which is 5, and 4 are in attendance resulting in a quorum. Commissioner Thayer motions to elect Joe Norte as Chair. Commissioner Rogers seconds that and the decision is unanimously passed. Commissioner Thayer motions to appoint a co-chair. Commissioner Norte nominates Commissioner Rogers as co-chair, Commissioner Thayer moves Mr. Rogers and that decision is unanimously passed. 71 Summer Street- Proposal is to replace and repair the front porch and steps on the current Taunton Housing Authority’s 4 family home at 71 Summer St. Architect Gregory Siroonian and Greg Caswell presented their proposal for the porch that is in disrepair, brick and masonry columns sinking, wood is rotted, roof is in bad shape. Essentially they will be replacing everything and bring up to code, they will be using synthetic materials, pvc trim to be painted, synthetic composite decking, with compliant handrails. Will be painted to match. Ceiling will be a vinyl soffit. Commissioner Joseph Norte suggested a beaded vented soffit, which Mr. Caswell agreed to under the condition of availability. Commissioner Thayer requested that attention be brought to preserving the details and shapes of the columns etc. Commissioner Thayer moves to approve this renovation, Commissioner Robert Dickerman seconds the motion. Board unanimously approves the project. 242 Winthrop Street- Mr. Jim Howland represented. Mr. Howland works for OECD, This is a HUD funded program, go through the part 58 fundamental review. State received same proposal and issued a “no adverse effect” letter. Entire building will be stripped of lead paint, they will be bringing in abatement companies. The property will be restored to its original appearance including the scroll work and finials and ornamental front balusters on the porch. There are four set of leaded stained glass windows, all four are broken. They propose to removing the lead paint, repairing the stained glass and putting them back in place. Property still has historical markers on the front, and will remain. No modern materials will be used because the goal is to restore the original appearance and those materials were not used then. Base bid will be wood clapboard, unless Harvey board becomes available and in the budget. All the work will go out to bid, homeowner will select the contractors, Mr. Howland and the OECD will serve as project manager. Mr. Howland requested a letter from the commission similar to the letter from the state In support of the proposal. Commissioner Thayer moves that we write a letter of support in favor of the project. Commissioner Norte seconds the motion. The decision to approve the proposal is unanimously passed by the board. 8 Williams Street- Mr. Jim Howland presents proposal for repair of the old “gardener’s home” of the Baily’s Estate. Proposal includes reconstructing front porch that has been removed, it will be restored to the original condition included the round style Italian columns with three rings at the top and bottom. Strip and re-roof using wood clapboard, alternate with hardy board if available. Discussion about Mass Historic’s request indicating that the proposed window configuration must be one over one or two over two; they have sent a letter to challenge that they are allowed to use six over six. Commissioner Thayer agrees with the challenge and supports the six over six configuration, moves to we write a letter of support in favor of the project. Commissioner Norte seconds the motion. The decision to approve the proposal is unanimously passed by the board. A motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Norte and seconded by Commissioner Thayer and unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 p.m. Samantha Mills Secretary to the Commission