The leaves are falling, the air is cooling and it’s late fall. The November meeting of the Historical Commission looks to have a lot of little updates for various projects. Some are done, others wrapping up, some just getting started and lots more in progress. Here’s some of the highlights of our agenda, which can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

110 Brooks Street – Revised Design
The Commission’s demolition delay subcommittee worked with the owners to prepare revised plans that seek to mitigate the partial demolition of the significant and preferably preserved residential dwelling. Their design can be seen by

Section 106 Review – 20 Harvard Street
The Commission will review the addition of cell towers to the top of this existing building.

Preservation Ordinance Discussion
The Commission recently became aware of an ordinance in Reading that allows for some flexibility in granting variances when historic preservation is on the table. The Commission will review the existing language and see if it would be worthwhile to bring this to the attention of the Zoning and Community Development Boards. Together with the Department of Planning, Development, and Sustainability, we could collaborate to bring another tool to the table that will save our historic resources.

Regular Updates and Minutes
We will finish the meeting with a series of regular updates that include various projects. Be sure to tune in to learn more about all the happenings!