1 25 2023 Historical Commission

Great, thank you. Good evening, everyone, and thank you for joining us tonight for the virtual hearing of the Fall River Historical Commission. Uh the hearing, the hearing is being recorded and produced via Zoom. Uh it is January, I'm sorry, Wednesday, January twenty-fifth, 2 thousand twenty3, and it is 601 PM.

Pursuant to the open meeting law, any person may make an audio or video recording of this public meeting or may transmit the meeting through any medium. Attendees are therefore advised that such recordings or transmissions are being made whether perceived or unperceived by those present and are deemed acknowledged and permissible. Um I will do a roll call now for the board. Um Joyce Rodericks. Present. Uh

Elizabeth DeBloc. Rick Men's presen t via Zoom. And Jason Bouchard Naraki, president via Zoom. Uh we are missing Connie Sol tonight and we have two vacant seats. Okay.

And item number three of so we since it's the beginning of the year, or, our first meeting for the year, we do have to do a annual election of officers for twenty twenty-three, it is indicated in the ordinance, 38 dash 3-five, item F, the Historical Commission Show, and release, elect a chairman, a vice chairman, and a secretary, and file such notice, and file notice of such election with the office of the

city clerk.

I nominate Jason Bouchard Naraki as chairperson. I'll second that motion. Okay, I have a motion by Rick and a second by Joyce to nominate myself, Jason Bouchard, and Rocky for chair. Um going to do a roll call vote. Joyce Rodericks. Um I vote for the for that motion. Okay, Elizabeth DeBloc. Yes. Rick Mancini? Yes. And Jason Bouchard Naraki, yes. I think I can vote for myself. Okay, so next we have the vice chair.

I nominate Rick Mancini to be the vice chair. I accept I'll second that motion. Okay.

Smith Motion by my myself, Jason Bouchard Naraki and a second by Joyce Rodricks for Rick as vice chair. Uh I'm Royal Calvote, Joyce. I vote for that motion. Elizabeth DeBach? Yes. And Rick Mancini?

Yes. And Jason Burchard and Rocky, yes. Okay. Um and next we have to elect a secretary. I nominate Elizabeth DeBloc as secretary. And I second that motion. I'll second that motion. Okay. Uh I got to it first. Uh Joyce. So, alright.

So, I have a motion by Rick and second by myself for electing Elizabeth as secretary for the 2023 calendar year. Um I'm going to do a roll call vote, Joyce. Yes. Elizabeth? Yes. Uh Rick Yes, and Jason Bouchard and Iraqi, yes. Okay, so we are set for that. I will let the city clerk's office know. Um Alright, so item number four A, review and approve the minutes from December 29th 2022. I sent

those around. I reviewed the minutes and I make a motion that will be approved the minutes of the last meeting, December 29th of 2022.

And I'll I'll second that motion to approve the minutes.

Um you know, roll-call vote to approve the minutes from December 29th 2022. Uh Joyce?

Yes. Elizabeth? Yeah Rick? Yes.

And Jason Bouchard and Rocky?

Yes. Okay. Do we have any citizens citizens inputs tonight? No, I have no inputs.

Thank you. Alright, so we did receive some correspondence.

Item six A, we have a request for continued letters of support regarding the Massachusetts Historical Commission Taxed Credit Applications by Ryan LLC. Um on number of properties and we do have Emily Diminajani, did I pronounce that right? I'm sorry. Uh Dominiani. Dominiani.

Okay. Thank you very much. Uh so, Emily is here from Ryan LLC to discuss the fallen properties. So, we, the first one on the list was the Adam's House at eleven sixty-eight Highland Avenue. And I did send all the backup information around As we go down the list, Emily, do you mind, we'll have to take a vote on the continued letters, but if there's any updates for each property, Sure. Um there there isn't

really an update on the Adams House. At this time. Alright, I think. Oops. Yeah, I was just, what does that mean, Emily?

There are no updates on the property. Uh it's I mean it's mostly done and it's just trying to receive additional funding before they finalize the project which I believe this may be the last round they're applying for funds for.

Alright. What is what is mostly done mean?

There, it's, I mean, all the tenants are in, Similar to to last round. Um all the tenants are in. There was just one area, the fitness center that hadn't been finished. In what area was that? The fitness area.

Okay? And that's still going to work in progress. Yeah.

So, this, so the project, the project is largely completed, and this is just the final installment of the, the tax credits of their seeking. Yes.

Okay.

Emily, what what's your position with the Adam's House we are the historic consultants. So you have nothing to do with the construction or building. You do historic right? Give me an explanation of your duties. So, our office wrote the National Register Nomination for the property and we filed the part one and two applications, state and federal. And we will file the final part three application which shows the

finished work. Alright. I, if I remember correctly, it might have been in December, a November meeting, I think we spoke to you where we suggested strongly that someone from these maybe an architect or the the a building contractor or owners were present to tell us about the buildings. Uh You know, I I just I don't know. When I when I hear Adam's house is almost done, you're you're only in the historic,

you you write the grants. Um we'd like to know what the building's status of the buildings are or or properties are so that we can have a a flavor for yes should the next round of funding be approved though, should it not? Um do am I correct in that statement that we talked to you last meeting? Booth. Yeah we had to discuss that. I didn't know that you wanted me specifically to reach out to

the architects so in the future, for the next meeting, I can definitely make sure that happens. The reason I'm here is that we filed a state. We filed a state applications every every, sorry, not every quarter, three times a year.

Um, since we facilitate that process, I'm the person who make sure we have all the components in one of those components is the support letter from Commission And so they and the some of the projects they they they do, I don't want to say drag out, but they, especially if construction's not in process yet but they still need the letters of support in order to, once that package is done, They can

when the project is done, they can get their tax credits afterwards. Yeah, because the program is so competitive and each project is only allocated a small amount of money every round. It really takes quite a long time to reach the maximum 20% that they're eligible for.

Which is why some projects are structured in a way that prolongs them in order to get the funding because it is important to making the project financially viable. Okay.

So, in the case of the Adam's house, the construction's done, the tenants are in, it's just, this last package, the final, the final round for this particular project is, is needed, so, it's just a letter of support from us to finalize that project. Yeah.

At Um does that? No, the project, the project's not finalized, because if the, once we file the part three, they can no longer apply for money from the state. And this letter supports for part three. It's for the state application.

Okay. So, it's technically part of more of the part two. Okay.

But would the project not have to wouldn't the project have to be completed if you're going to file for the last last payment or last I guess the payment. When you have to have a completed project? Yeah, we'll we'll have to have a completed project for when we submit which will be after April, when we received the next round of awards.

Okay.

But but I I guess I'm totally, I'm totally confused.

The project is nearing completion but it's not completed. What I'm hearing.

But you want a letter of support so that you can finalize the funds. but yet the project won't be completed till probably April. Why are you here tonight? Looking for a letter of support for the final payment. It's not for this letter of support is for the state allocation process. So three times a year the Massachusetts Historical Commission allows developers to apply for a limited pool of

money from the state. So, they roll out the allocations three times a year Every year. So, every deadline, one of the, we have different pieces we need to submit with the application.

There's signed cover forms, showing that you're in compliance with the Department of Unemployment, a budget, a letter support from Preservation Massachusetts and then, we receive local support letters from every Historical Commission for every project that we have. As a and it's a requirement. So, if we if we don't get a local support letter from a commission, the project won't get money.

Understand Yes, I I understand what you're saying.

Okay. I guess I'm just not I guess I'm not really project is done but it's not completed, but this, so, but is this the final round of money? Is that what you're saying? Is, is that what you're looking for? No.

You're looking for the final round or is it just the standard percentage that you're going for today?

So I this will be the last time that the Adam's house is applying for state funding. And they don't receive the funds until the project is 100% completed. Yeah, and then we've got a certificate. Right. From the state. So, once, so once all the costs, Rick, once all the costs of the project are certified and they have their, their three parts submitted, then, that's when they receive funding back from the tax

credits. So, I mean, that's going to be the case with all these, especially those that have not started, you know, looking down the line, some of the projects have not even started yet. So, they're just securing our place almost like in line, I guess, for the credits because it is competitive. Um so is that does that help answer any any questions that you have Rick on that? Yeah I I I hear what

you're saying. I, I guess, I guess I'm still kind of hung up on having someone from the organization represent themselves here in at these committee meetings. This is something we established.

Right. A while back and and I and I noticed that Emily wasn't done again. This this go around. Uh and yes, Adam's house looks good. I I it seems to be 100% rented from people that I've heard from in in the say that there's no vacancies.

So, you know, and and I have I have actually two people in there that I know very well and and they like it. It's done.

It's well, well, well done. It pleased. So, I I I guess inside I have to say to myself, alright, it is complete. We should just approve it. Uh I'm just a little concerned when we because not all of these listed here are going to fall in that category. Uh and it's and and what we've sort of established a while back that people who presenting should be here to present. Right? Uh either send their architect or their

engineer or their their contractor or the individual property owner themselves.

Someone in that area should be present when when these presentations are made. Uh it's if it's you know, it's important to get this money and and it should be important enough that a presentation is made to this board that's comprehensive. You know, not not loosely conveyed. Okay.

Well, in the future, if you can just outline exactly what you want from us, then, we'll definitely make it happen for you. Yeah, and so, we initially, when, the owners of the Adam's house came before the Historical Commission, I don't, I can't remember what that was. We, you know, we did review the project, and we do, we did know that they were going to be going after historic tax credit, so I think

I, I guess we should expect when we have these requests that we should see you, somebody from whether it's Ryan LLC, or another preservation consultant, that we should expect to see them, from that organization because they're the ones needing the letter of support. It's not the owner, it's not the engineer, it's the preservation consultants that are facilitating the administration of the tax

credit. So, we should expect to see them, you know, more than more than once. We'll see them, you know, every funding around basically, three times a year, or how, however long as the project's going.

Okay, do we have any? No further questions on the items, okay. Do we have any other questions, Joyce or Liz for a letter of support from?

A support a motion to support the letter of support Second little motion. Alright.

So I have a motion by Joyce and a second by Liz. Uh roll call vote Joyce. Yes. Um Elizabeth.

Rick. I'm I'm I'm torn between voting present or yes but I'm I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt on this Emily and I'll vote yes. And Jason Bouchard and Rockki, yes and that's for a letter of support on the Adams House for their tax credits. Um the next item is the ILGWU building at 38 to 48 third Street.

An update for this one is just that construction is underway.

They are essentially done with the exterior, just a few final items there. Some of the a couple of the windows, and then, you know, painting and final touch ups there. The interior is being framed.

They're working on plumbing and electrical. And it's targeting to be done May 1st to June first. Okay. Um first attendance moving in May. And the owner also offered a anyone ever wants to go toward that building. You are welcome.

Okay. Thank you. How would we do that? How do we go about getting a tour? Who would we have to contact Emily? You can either contact me and I can put you in touch with Tony Corderos, the owner. or if you have his information, I'm sure, you can reach out to him directly. Okay, is that, is that the method that he wishes us to use to call him directly?

Um he didn't specify that but.

I think I have his his email address so we can, whoever from the commission's interested in looking and getting into our, we can coordinate that. Mm-hmm.

Okay, good. Thank you. Welcome.

Are there any questions on, thank you, Emily, for that one, any questions on the IELGWU building?

Now I have none. This again is not a final payment. This is just another just one of the steps towards, you know one of a number of requests for funding for this building. It's nowhere near the completion.

Okay. Mhm. Different situation.

Do we have for a letter support. Okay, I'll make a motion to to support the letter of support that the ILGW building. Doctor Trace. Also give the motion. Alright.

Alright, I have a motion by Joyce and a second by Liz on item six A dash two. Um for letter support for the ILGWU building. Uh roll call vote, Joyce. Yes. Elizabeth? Yes.

Yes. And Jason, yes. Okay. Um the next is item six A dash three, the Lincoln School.

Okay. So, this building actually has met, it's maximum state allocation for its current performa. So, we do not need to reapply and I, we don't need a letter of support from you at this time. Um I know that you've been curious about the ownership and nothing has been, nothing has final yet on that. Okay. Um So, I hope in the future, if this project continues, we will, you know, I know you want more information

about it, so we can get you what do you need on that? But there's no letter of support required for this this one, okay. Not a time, no. So, their steps have been taken, so once, so I'm assuming that once the construction, eventually begins and the project is completed, then, you have all the pieces needed that they can get the credits. And, and there's no ownership coming on this property, is that correct?

Yeah, there, there is new ownership, it hasn't transferred officially yet.

Okay. Okay, and it's, it's encouraging because it's kind of sat idle for, far too long, so thank you. So, alright, we don't need to vote on that, the next is six A dash four, the Notre Dame Rectory.

Uh, 529 Avenue this one I did I talked to the owner of this one today, as well, and they're just moving along with, now they're trying to work through the, mechanical, drawings, which is just a next piece before construction can start. I saw that they did receive approval from the zoning board at their most recent hearing with conditions. I'm not sure what the conditions were but to convert the building into

apartments. I think there's a waiver on parking which we don't we don't review but the building they did receive approval from the zoning board.

So at least that's things are emotion.

Yeah, nope. I have no questions. Okay. Any other questions on that particular property? Okay.

Connecticut a motion for a letter of support We'll make a motion to provide the letter of support. I'll second that motion. I have a motion by Liz and a second by Joyce. Joyce?

Yes. Elizabeth? Yes. Rick? Yes.

And Jason, yes, for a letter support on the Notre Dame Rectory. Um next is the six A dash five Stanford spinning at two oh six Globe Mills Avenue.

This project, we just applied for the first time last round.

We received, as, is pretty standard, we received a long list of comments that we're addressing now. We applied for both the state and federal credits at the same time. So, MHC reviewed the federal application and forwarded that to NPS. So, both reviews are underway. We are working with the owner and architect to make any changes necessary. Great and and PS is the National Park Service. Correct. Perfect.

Okay. Um just last time I had I received an email from someone that was looking to do a land lease so I think that might be off the table at this point. Um and the owners proceeding with the conversion to I think residential. Yes, that just to address that, that was part of a a power company that reached out to them about leasing the land and as part of their due diligence, they reached out.

Because it was right after we had voted for we had reviewed the plans and the tax credits and so forth and then they were talking about possibly knocking the building down. So obviously that it was a red flag for us but I'm glad to know that that's not happening.

Are there any questions on Stamford spinning?

No, there's really no progress going on at all there. It's just, just looking for, for funding at this point.

Well I guess you could say that there's no construction hasn't started so there's no progress in that way, but the drawings are being, you know, more fully developed, and. Sure. Things like wind, window shop drawings, or in the works. So, there's definitely, there's a lot of, there's a lot going on, it's just not, the construction piece hasn't started. Okay. As as a historic commercial, we we

sure certainly like to look at a few of the things on the outside of the building in particular. Uh IE windows, things of that nature. We're going to have an opportunity to see those drawings that are going to be supplied to us.

Yeah, I can, we can send you a copy of anything like that if you want. I, I, I would, I would entertain that, yes. When do they anticipate a construction starting on that?

Is it too early in the in the I know. I mean, they're anxious to get it going but there's probably still I mean, optimistically, the end of the year, but probably not until next year. Okay.

It's really it's good that the billing is as originally proposed. I I I believe that Jason is correct. It was talk about knocking that down and demolition. And now it's going to be saved and it's going to be reused. That that is excellent. That's that's that's perfect. That's really nice.

Heart warming to hear that. Um I would just like to look at if possible the outside of the you know just a single drawing would be fine. Showing the outside of the building and and the the proposed window design just so we can have an idea of what it's going to end up looking I would be a shame to block up all the windows and put a little household window in there so. I know that's not

going to happen but I I'd certainly like to to see what is happening. That would be great. Thank you, Emily. Sure.

Are you going to send that to Kerry in our historic department in the city hall. Is that where you send that or you're going to send it to Jason or? It probably be easiest to send it to Jason.

Yeah, that's okay. Yeah, when the plants are ready, love to have a copy of that. We can share that with the board and then I'm I'm sure we'll be seeing you again for the next round on on that particular property. Yup. With a with assistance from building owners or architects or engineers, correct? Yes, thank you.

Alright, any other questions on San Francisco Spitting? Sanford Spinning. No. Uh can I get a motion for a letter of support?

I'll make up a motion to support the Sanford's bedding mills. I'll second that motion.

Alright. Motion by Rick and a second by Joyce. Um roll call vote. Joyce. Yes. Elizabeth.

Yes. Rick. Yes. And Jason yes for letter support on the Stanford Spinning. Okay and last but not least is the Union Belt Company factory at 66 Troy Street. This is item six A dash six.

So again this project, it's still in progress, but we decided to pull the state application for this round. So, again, we don't need a letter of support. Okay. It was, both of these because we didn't receive information from the state until the day of and the a couple days before the deadline. It was kind of a last-minute decision but we're moving forward with the National Park Service application.

Simply because we'll hear back sooner than if we have to wait 3 months. For the next state round. So, we're trying to get through and get feedback quicker. Okay. Alright, so no, no letters needed on this one.

Is that I'm trying to remember the, it's part of the, the complex that's right behind, the Benjamin and Nathan building, the course block, I think that we, yes, okay.

I think that is it. So, Great.

Thank you very much. I'll send those letters of support over to you. Um by the end of the week. So, we will have that.

Great. Um one question for you.

Do you have signage guidelines or requirements with your commission? Um we have depending on the, on the building, we do have, we have restrictions or guidelines with buildings in the 40 C district, the local historic district that we have. Um none of these buildings are in that. Uh when it comes to the National Register. Um, I don't I'll have to take a look but I don't think we have, any guidelines

on signage, the city, we did our, our commission just recently approved, design, design guidelines, for use across the city, that it's more of a, a tool to use, in particular for buildings in the 4DC, but certainly building owners and homeowners that are not in the forty C can certainly use that tool. Um, we don't have the final copy yet, that's still in process. Um, but unless the building has a

what is it? Unless the building has a preservation restriction on it. Um I know we've reviewed a few few buildings that do have that and these these structures don't have heat restrictions on them. Okay, thanks. Um I'll I'll look into that then for the future. Okay, thank you. Okay. Excellent.

Emily, thank you so much for joining me tonight. Thank you.

Thank you, Emily. Thank you much. Bye. Bye. Um the next item that we have is item 6 B.

Uh we have a request for letters of support from the Fall River Department of Community Utilities. Um for a community preservation act funding application on two projects. The North will top upon Seawall. Conditions assessment and the Adirondack Farm Acquisition. Uh we have Mike Labossier from the Community Utilities Department and is Paul here as well?

Thank you so much. No problem.

Okay. Um regarding the both of you are so well versed on on both of these both to know what to Seawall assessment and and being on the CPC, I'm also able to read all of those documents and and I understand what you're doing. Um why don't you give the rest of the board if you don't mind a little breakdown. Stop from the bottom or the top and and work down and let us know what you're

doing because it's it's impressive. Uh the Adirondack Farm Acquisition is impressive.

And I I think the ponds, seawalls getting repaired is another god sent for us historically for this city. So, if you guys could really explain what's going on and get some details if you like. Make us appreciate what you're doing. Yeah, well, thank you very much. I really do appreciate those kind words. Uh just for the board, myself and Paul Furlin. I'm the administrator of Community Utilities for Fall River. Uh I

oversee both water and sewer for the city of Fall River. Uh Mike Labossia who's here as well is also a forester. Uh working underneath the water department. Uh he maintains and manages over four forty-5 hundred acres of protected land on the other side of Fall River. Uh that most people don't know about. Uh that's in conjunction with waves from Freetown Dockmouth Westport that make up the southeast to

best viral reserve area. Um so just to start off with the Adirondack Farm, the Adirondack Farm is a historical farm that is located off Blossom Road. Uh what we have planning to do with that. Originally, what the bioreserve over 20 years ago.

Uh there was a an idea to have a bioreserve discovery center or a educational center.

Somewhere where school people would be able to go to learn about the environment and the watershed, the watershed protection that we do. As well as be able to use it as a most welcoming center a educational fit area that people could come on weekends or afternoons to be able to learn about what we have within the bio reserve.

That's what our plan is for Adirondack. Um so overall we would like to inquire this property Uh it's just over nine acres of land. Uh there's currently a farmhouse, a barn, and then a couple of other out structures of the property. Uh it's goes and borders the north wind up apart as well. It's a little bit short of the Northwood Cup of Power but power company owns a land right right along the pond and it

brought us that and goes all the way down to the North Paupa. Uh it's one of one of the the last privately owned pieces that come that close to the North Patuppa Pond. Uh so what we'd like to do with some of our pot is is to develop this into that educational center so that we'd be able to have the community be able to use this. Uh so again our application is into CPC and we

need the the budget support. Uh we have had it in the past. And we've been hoping that you be looking to do it in the future.

I think Mike can probably talk a little bit about the different partners that we have out there. Uh and what we expect to to do with the with the property. Well thank you Paul. Thank you and thank you Commission. Um it's really exciting project in the fact that it's the last working farm in Fall River. It's a historic farm that goes back to at least 1850 and we have really good documentation on that. Um part

of the documentation comes from a a rural historic rural cemetery that exists on the property that we recently finished working with PAL. Um public archaeological labs to file. I think it's a form E with the Mass Historical Commission. So there there is a few heads there's a few visible headstones be as many as 13 people entered the SS. But that's a that's a very small piece of the whole puzzle. Um

it's it's it's it's not just historic and named. It's just lots of landscape, cultural landscape features that that really gives a visitor a sense of the authentic sort of 19th century feel of this part of Fall River which was really agriculture. Despite despite the industrial happenings in the city. Um this was in some ways the food basket for for the city during those you know during those years of

industrial busyness. So, you know, stonewalls, the stone walls are still intact, the farmhouse is it's an old farmhouse. It's got a lot of authentic bones to it. It's our intention to really you know, honor that history you know, from from the outside, it'll will certainly you know, keep it in in in the period. Look.

On the inside, the idea is to create some classroom space, some community gathering space, some exhibit space, and and some kind of a visitors initial contact area where people who are coming out to buy a reserve, whether they be, you know, local residents or you know, visitors from afar which we're getting more and more of that from, you know, as far as Cape, Boston, Providence, when you have so many thousands of

acres open to public use. Uh we're really attracting a lot of visitors. So, this will be that place. This will be a place where you know, we'll be able to use it for school. Uh you know, you know, school programs, adult education, we partnerships lined up with Diamond, Culinary Farm to Table kind of flavor as well as BCC's got a sustainable agricultural program. We've been talking to them. So, it can be it's

going to have a lot of different purposes. Seven Acres is strictly conservation land.

It'll be protected with the conservation restriction. Um the other couple acres will have to do with the you know, the the infrastructure, the the center itself, parking, things like that. Um but it's the family that owns it right now have owned it and taken care of it for 40 years. They've got a sense of stewardship. They they're they're ready to pass the baton and they were very compelled at our vision for the

property and I think we're going to really create something that's going to that's going to really have enduring value for the city.

Great. Thank you. Thanks for that description.

So, just what one thing I want to say, I know it's about under the commissions, but just to let the Commission know and anybody else that's, that's out there listening. Currently, a funding plan involves multiple different sources, CPC being one of those sources. Uh, we also have brought in Bristol County Aqua Funds that have been approved for use at the site. Uh, we've also applied and and granted a land grant, L

A N D grant from the state.

There also has been a state airbuck that has been allocated towards this project that was submitted by Rep Carol Faola.

Uh it's supported by the rest of the the reps. So. Well, I don't want to jump the gun but I would make a motion that we write a letter of support for the Adirondack pharma acquisition. I'll stick in that motion. I have a motion of second by Joyce. Uh roll call vote. Joyce. Yes. Elizabeth?

Yes. Rick. Yes. And Jason. Yes.

Uh and that's for a letter support for the Adirondack Farm Acquisition. Um we're jumping around. That was the second item on the list. Uh the first item on that was the what's up upon seawall conditions to report? Alright. Sorry I went to that one at first. That's okay. That would be. Uh so, yeah, the Northwood Cup of Ponds and Seawalls. These are seawalls that are strategic points around the pond. Uh they

were constructed in the late 18 hundreds, early 1900s for protection in the pond. Uh these are areas that may see increased wave action or other erosion issues. Uh one of the reasons that they were really built was protection of the of the water supply to the north were top of the pod. Uh but it they also had a great historic feature to to those particular areas. Uh these walls could be viewed on the side of one

ninety-five. Um on the north wetump and pond. Uh we also have them down next to eighteen seventy-three pump station at the bottom of Bedford Street.

Uh but they're also up by the Causeway. There's a couple of different sections up by what we call the Causeway which is actually Wilston Road as you come from Ricky Back Road and headed in towards the reservation or the buyer reserve. Um Mike I think he gave probably a little bit of history on the walls and kind of what we're looking to play to do with the funding from CPC. Yeah thank you Paul.

Um really that's we you know when we inherit, we, I, I guess, on our shift here with with the department, we've kind of inherited these walls. They didn't come with an owner's manual. So, but I think the best we can speculate. I know a couple of photographs that we've used in the report in another you know, uses have come from the Frederick Law Homestead Historical site. Uh I know that the I know that you

know there's there's certainly you know a handful of Olmstead features in the city. Um these I don't necessarily you know they claim that that he he necessarily designed these but I know the firm did look at it.

We've seen some correspondence and and they did look at it.

They did advise the water whatever was the commission at the time or what's up or Reservoir Commission as to you know, how they might go about you know, you know, building these walls. Um so, but I mean, when you look at them, especially the ones close down to Bedford Street. They're they're really well well built, well-designed, there's you know, just beautiful quarried capstones. There's some

stairways. There's just a lot of they went to some great lengths to to to show some civic pride. Not just to build walls to, you know, just to to protect the land and fight the tides. Um there is a there is a a rotating wall on the causeway that leads to interlocking which isn't very readily seen but it and then, of course, the one most people are familiar with is the ones that I can see

along Williston Road and that's that's probably the longest one and they've lasted over 100 years but they get beat. I mean, when you see the North, you know, the nor'easters come through. Um you know, they get beat from one side and then, you know, sometimes we we get the predominant southwesterlies and they get beaten another way. Um I've been on the causeway when the when when I feel like I'm at the Breakers

in Newport with waves coming over the edge. So, the energy that's really been, you know, smacking at em and undermining and this and that. Um we've gotta we've gotta really get an an architect and an engineer and they had to study you know, realistically assess what's what's the what's the current condition what what kind of we can make to to do some repairs and prepare for the next 1hundred years. Particularly

with the attention to you know, climate change and you know, increasing severity of storms.

Um we can't do this fast enough. So, we appreciate your support for Adirondack as well as for this one. I I think it just happens that our department has their hands on a lot of important legacy landscapes for the city and I'm really happy that we can take the opportunity to try to fortify and and you know, you know, make improvements and and and keep them lasting. Thank you, Mike and and Paul. Uh yeah

and echoing the the importance of the legacy projects we have you know, almost a consulted not just for parks and civic spaces. They also provided engineering assistance or technical support for things like the retaining wall and after Olmsted died in the early nineteen hundreds, his sons took over and took over the the the practice and that's when we got North Park. Um which was after after Frederick

Homestead's death and even the expansion of what was South Park. Now Kennedy Park. Um and if for the board if you haven't gone onto the Olmstead's historic site under under the webpage. They have all their resources. Most of them scanned and digitized and it's really fascinating to see the their files on projects in Fall River. Um but no this is very important project and so with that, I'll let the board, any

other questions that we have on? Yeah, Mike. Obviously, these walls are granite. Do you know how they were quarried where they might have come from if it was Beatty or what granite yards in Fall River produce the granite So, the easy answer is, no, I don't.

However, I, I, I can make an educated guess at something.

The eighteen seventy-three Waterworks Building that Paul referred to. Um their specs was to find the granite right where you were. Uh you know, right on the site and there's loads of evidence of surface quarrying at the bottom of Bedford Street on both sides of Bedford Street, you know, in the vicinity of the of the waterwork. So, it wouldn't surprise me if you know, that might have contributed toward

the source. Um I know there are, you know, many other sites for granted in the city but I we don't have any record of of of that specifically. Uh other thought too is don't forget there was a quarry in a Sonnet which people call the Sonnet Ledge. Um and I don't know I've I've speculated and I'm looking at some old maps like when when was this when was the Wilson Road Causeway built? And did it

possibly have anything to do with accessing the assignment ledge to bring granted in from from there into the So, maybe that's another grant in the future to figure that all out but for now, we're going to just try to address the walls.

That's a good question. You know, it's very strange to talk about that. I I grew up on the end of New Boston Road, Naridian Street. Right. And on the south side of, I grew up on the south side of New Boston Road in that development. That was the old orchard, an apple orchard. Uh well, I'm going back a number of years. Now, I'm going back to the late early 50s. But there was a

ledge there that the farmer Manuel Noom owned. And he actually owned from the cemetery originally. Uh the Oak Grove Cemetery right down to the pond. He owned a strip. And the the highway came in and took some of that and cemetery took a bit. And you know it was all broken up. But the point I'm getting at is it was a large large ledge right there.

That I was still a young man and that ledge had not been completely filled in. Nooms was filling it in over the years but that could be another area where that quarry stone came from. You know, it would it would be right near the interlock and I mean, this, you're talking, you know, what are you talking? Uh 1000 feet, 1, 500 feet from the interlocking. So, it it it it's another area that research if

we could. We can't but it would be nice if there was documentation. Well, maybe we'll seek Bill Gossello on it.

He's he's done some good research on the quarry locations. Okay.

And any other questions for the what type of North Watt upon Seawall? No, but I'll make a motion that we approve a letter of support to get the architectural and and design work done for that particular wall. And I'll second that motion. Alright, I have a motion by Rick and a second by Joyce. Uh roll call vote, Joyce. Yes. Elizabeth? Yes.

Rick? Yes. And Jason Yes for the letter support for the Seawall Conditions Astudment.

Um I will have these letters to you also by the end of the week. So, thank you very much for taking the time to meet with us tonight. Very exciting.

Great question. Greater explanation. Thank you. Yes, thank you so much. Thank you.

Have a good day next item that we have, well, it's actually for letter support regarding a tax credit application for Saga Millmore, a mill number 3, item 60, unfortunately, they cannot make it tonight. So, this will likely be added to February's agenda. Um so yeah. That would be moved.

Let's see.

Item 7 Opus. I was, I just like to comment on that.

I was impressed with the hundred and ninety-six page document. Oh my god. They were supplied to us. That my goodness. Uh well, I I actually I was I got so wrapped up in it. Uh I could tell you I I got on and my wife says, where you going? I said, I'm going to go upstairs this. I want to read up on a document. You know, two hours later, she pops up and

she said, what are you doing? I had to quit. I had to spend two hours researching and going through. It was it's it's really amazing document. The amount of work. It's a big mill. It is. I think that is the largest that building I believe is the largest single mill structure in the city. I believe. I'm almost positive but so yeah but it's it is a very big building so. The detail in the in the proposal

and the detail in the scope of work and how it's to be accomplished. That particular engineering design firm is did a great job historically to maintain the integrity of that that no. Yeah. We'll we'll have to we'll we'll be able to discuss it as a board next assume next month when next month. Um so yeah I don't they're not going for from what I understand they're not going for the first round which was,

it's due, it was due. Um, they're going for the next the next opening, which will be, I think in April. So, they're, they're ahead head of the head of the cure of good. Yes, so So, Old Bit Business items seven A. This is just an update on the open meeting law training by the members of the Historical Commission. Uh this is in regards to the open meeting, law of complaint, complaints from November 17th

of 2022 and December 15th of 2022. Um I so I have done my training and I believe I got Liz and Joyce. I got your.

Right. Rick, did you do your training yet? I I did. I did the training on Tuesday evening. Okay. So I have not gotten my report back from the government yet but it they said it'll be on Wednesday or Thursday supposed to. If not, I'll call Friday. Okay, perfect and I I'll check in with with Connie. I don't know. I don't think I haven't received anything from her but I'll check with her. Um so, I did

send over some additional dates if people can couldn't get it done. They, it looks like they're only doing it twice a month. Um one in the middle of the day, one in the evening. Um but as long as we've all gotten it, I believe Connie probably has already gotten it. So, I'll double check with her. Okay.

Perfect. Item 7 B update on the update on the final copies of the design guidelines. So, I reached out to Dominique Hawkins to find out what was going on with that and there's just a little Snap Fu I guess paint with the the final payment from government center from the treasurer's office. Um so, I reached out to Ian can't remember his last name. I'm sorry. Uh with the treasurer's department. Um and just to

follow up to see where we were at with that. So, it does look like that all payment has been submitted Whether or not the checks have been actually cut, or the final check has been cut, I'm not 100% sure, but Dominique said that she, it's, it's ready to go. She, so once, once that she has her final payment, she will hit the send button and get that over to us.

So, I know Jim, Jim Sewell has been actively trying to get that Yeah. Fast because we we approved that, what, two, three months ago, I guess, so, yeah.

It's been in a stove pipe now for what, 2 years? Not a long time, a very long time. So, yeah, we'll have that. I hope, I hope that's rectified within the next month, so we'll be able to have a final copy by the next meeting. So, that's what I have on that. And then open discussion Um I did have I an inquiry yesterday from gentleman who is working for TPG which I believe is TPC.

It's the company. Um so there and it it's it's rather interesting. So, we have on buildings across the city. If they're on the registry, they have a six-month demolition delay. Um and I think just just to, you know, across the Ts and. the I's. Um the building department will any demol permit that comes in. Um they usually contact me and I will cross reference the registry to make sure it's not and if it's

not on there, I will submit a letter, just indicating that it's not on the registry. Um and so this particular property, it was the the former Rite Aid on the corner of William Canning Boulevard and Tucker, I think it is. It's it's not old. It's maybe what built in the nineties. I don't know. Um but I I thought that was rather you know that I don't think they have the other copy of the the

list in front of them and they're not cross cross referencing the list but you know that was an easy yes. That can that can be you know torn down. Um you know there's no there's no restrictions on it.

But I just thought that I had to laugh when I

the request because it's standard So, I don't have anything else really to discuss.

Any open discussions on anything? Um the you know as as we're all assigned a a to be a representative of some board just to make sure things are not I guess not needed in the historic section of the city or or historically compromising you know and anything. Uh but the park board has not had anything in their last

actually the last two meetings.

So that's been good.

Uh so that's great. Um for this month and February. There were four meetings. So it's a very active board. Uh it's it's very thorough in questioning and things of that nature. So they they really they really make sure that the moneys are being well spent. I was very impressed with with the way it was operated and again I thank you fellow commissioners for appointing me in

me to take this this particular position. Thank you. It's our pleasure. Thank you, Rick for for representing the Historical Commission. It is such a very good program. You know, unfortunately, it's not used to its full

you know, a benefit, I guess, but you know, it's, it's such a great asset to have in Fall River, especially when we have a lot of, you know, buildings that have gone through, you know, a series of, you know, just, I don't want to say neglect but the deferred maintenance. Um and you know, as the structures get older, you know, good great example is the the gates over at Oak Grove Cemetery. That was such a

fantastic project and and then the the gatehouse to the old barrier north burial ground.

That's. Yup. That's such a fantastic. It looks great

I wish the building was being used but, you know, at least, it's set up, they can. That's true. You know, it's really nice also is that preservation restrictions. I mean, it, any money is allocated to any of these properties or any of these endeavors and that in itself just locks it in to maintaining the historic culture and nature. So, that that's very impressive in itself. And how important it is

to have those restrictions we've learned out the hard way, especially, you know, knowing what buildings have them and what buildings don't have them.

Um but you know, it's it's you need that. Uh

because especially with some properties, they might just change hands so frequently that, you know, like a mill building, it kind of gets lost in the shuffle but it prevents incense in a design from occurring on buildings that have stood. For centuries. Um and

and and then I might add that the Historic Commission there was a gentleman Al Leemer. Most people are familiar with Al Lima in the city. Uh a very honorable person who did a lot of good volunteer work and a lot of good things for the city. Uh including Mia Lima Trail over there. Uh and he was looking for some funding. We went through the Historic Commission. I I actually made the presentation. Uh to CP

awarded the amount of money.

Unfortunately, Al got ill and passed away and it's been sitting there for a year, a year and a half. After 2 years, that money goes back to CPC and is not used and what it was used for is to do form B's of the steep brook area and all of the land I guess call it east of the water upon that

and this is almost 60% of Fall River is is from the center of the North Port Upper Pond and running east that that 60% of of the line is is there. So for itself, as we know, the city is is the only roughly 40% but anyway, there are no form B's which very briefly what it means and I'm doing this more for the general public not for us because we're we're informed but what it does

Is it establishes history for that particular property? And and it they go back as far as possible. And what you get is a complete written history of that particular property. Uh along with the the exact location. Uh the photographs.

Old photographs. They can be found and developed. And the latest photograph. So you get a really good composition of what the property is and what it

was and if if you if you look back and you and you look at the steep brook which is the original Fall River. That's when it was a little town.

Before it was a town and it was still associated with the Sona.

Uh first city hall was down there. Uh and it is actually got the oldest building in the city. It's is on North Main Street in that area. So there is no history written down over the the form B's that were developed a number of years ago. Very very old and and and antiquated. And I don't think it captured the whole area. So I guess what I'm getting to is I've I made some inquiries and

I've spoken to a number of people. Uh I I won't go into all those details at this point. But I'd like to take that particular task and run with it. And again I've spoken to a number of people and and within a month I should be able to get back to this board and give you a more updated discussion on what's occurring but I hate to see that project go to waste. Uh it's something

that Alima really wanted and it it could be his last hurrah here for the city. And and there were a number of people that are all willing to participate and get this thing rolling. So I'll keep you abreast at the the next meeting. I'll have more information. But I've spoken to pretty much everyone that would be involved. And we've gotten a couple organizations that are interested or will would be

probably put on the bid list and the bidding the RFPs would be handled by the planning department in the city of Fall River. That's awesome. You know, that's that's it looks like we'll give it another month and and we'll have more more info, more accurate info.

And that's that's good for us especially as for our current boards so we can see how that process rolls out because we, you know, ultimately, if we Want to have formed these updated in other neighborhoods or if we want to consider expanding either a national registered district or even creating another local historic district will have to have the form Bs done. Um and Massachusetts Historical

Commission has updated the forms in in a way that they they ask for more comprehensive research. Um the forms that were done in the eighties and there's a survey done through the Mass Historical Commission They weren't, they weren't detailed enough. They were very basic level of info. Um and you know, now, especially with, you know, for example, registry deeds, it's a nearly 100% digitized. So, records like

that are more accessible. Um, and you can get a more comprehensive look at the history and evolution of a building or its site, you know, there's tons more research being done now. So, this is, this is a great project, at least it'll show us, you know, if we do any future work, how that will roll out, and especially for steeper too, it is, as you mentioned, it is the, the oldest section of the

city. So, I mean, the research is more involved because you're going back, you know, decades more. Terribly old, but it's, you know, it's going back further, further back, so.

Right, exactly. Yeah, thank you, Rick for taking on this, this project, so. Okay. Any other, anything else for open discussion at all? Yeah.

Alright. So, our next hearing is scheduled to be Tuesday, February 22nd of 20 23 at 6 PM.

Um, so, I will keep you updated. I believe we will probably virtual that meetings.

So, once I have the the information right? Not the 2-2nd.

Correct. 22nd. I'm sorry. I thought it was the, oh, no, no, no, it would be Tuesday first, Tuesday the twenty-first. Our meetings are every third Tuesday of the month. Yeah, sorry. I was doubting myself.

Um, okay. So, we will likely be virtual that, but once I'll have the information, I'll pass that along. Um, so may I get a motion to adjourn the hearing tonight at 711 PM. Make a motion to adjourn. Meeting I'll second that motion. Thank you.

Thank you. I have a motion from Liz and Elizabeth and a second by Joyce. Uh roll call vote Joyce. Yes. Elizabeth? Yes.

Rick? Yes. And Jason Bouchard Naraki. Yes. Uh to adjourn the hearing. It's so. Thank you so much for Good meeting tonight.

So, thank you very much. Thank you. Have a good night.

Congratulations on Elizabeth on your appointment and Jason on yours. Thank you and you too, Ricky. Thank you. Yes. Have a good night. Much. Stay out of the rain. Yeah.