12 15 2022 Historical Commission

Okay.

Great. Good evening, everyone.

Uh and thank you for joining us for the virtual hearing of the Fall River Historical Commission. Um it is now 602 PM. Uh on Tuesday, I'm sorry, Thursday, December 15th, 2 thousand 22. Um pursuant to the open enrollment 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 perceived by those present and are deemed acknowledged and permissible.

Right. Um may I get a roll call please?

tiny soul present Joyce Rodricks, president Richard Mancini, present via Zoom.

Melissa Block, present. And Jason Burchardner, Rocky. Uh, president. Alright. Um, so the first item that we have, three A, to review and approve the minutes from October eighteenth.

I send those around in the email with the list of the other attachments. I'll I'll approve the minutes as written.

I'll second that.

have a motion in the second for the minutes of October eighteenth. All in favor. Hi.

Hi.

Item 3 B, to review and approve the minutes from November 15th.

I'll approve, I'll approve, oops, I'm sorry. That's okay.

I'll make a motion to approve those minutes. And I'll second that motion. Alright, I have a motion in a second, all in favor to approve the minutes from November 15th. Hi. Hi.

Thank you. Um let's see. Uh do we have any one for citizen input for items that are not on the agenda or those who I'm sorry those who are not presenting as part of the agenda. Um No. Um item five A, oneoh 9 Howe Street, which is the Charlton Mill. Uh we have Ken Faola here to present Yes. Thank you. So thank you Jason and season's greetings and happy holidays to all the

members. like to first thank you for the opportunity to present to you tonight. Um I'm here to present on behalf of the Charlton Mill which is located on Howe Street here in Fall River. I'm sure many of you are aware this is a mill that's on the the National Historic Register. Um constructed in 1910. It was the last granite mill constructed in Fall River. Um it was you know a Charlton Mill at that

time and it was a manufacturing mill in the south end the city of Bunnings the pond in that area. Um and now we have an opportunity to look at the repurposing of this property for residential use. Um I've actually been working on and off on this project for a number of years. Um primarily with the former owners. Um that were looking to try to reposition this mill. The you know the challenge of this

property is that it's has a significant contamination. Um and that the prior owners were trying to deal with. They didn't have the waywithal to you know remediate the contamination and as a result we're looking to sell the mill off. We have a buyer who's stepped forward to actually purchase the mill. Uh the buyer's name is Steven Draper.

I believe Jason Iinoff is on the phone here as well to answer some questions that may be forthcoming. From the from the committee itself. But essentially, what we're looking to do is to get permission from the Historical Society to demolish a couple of components, three components of the mill, but maintaining the primary structure of the mill.

Um, the developer is looking to and I think Jason may have forwarded you my email that I've sent to him earlier, where we've actually identified those areas of contamination. Excuse me, those areas of proposed demolition and those areas are, you know, very small in nature in comparison to the entire site. We're looking to demolish a connector between the engine room the the boiler room to the

mill itself which is just you know, an overhead thoroughfare between the two properties. We would be maintaining the chimney that's located on the site. We would be demolishing the boiler room and also a separate stand-alone property to mill itself. Um we think that this proposal helps to keep the main mill intact. Um there will be an AUL and activities use limitation associated with the property

that will, you know, prohibits, you know, some development of the site itself but the overall site itself is Ravel Lodge. I believe it's 22 acres or so. Uh in size, five acres of which maybe contained within Cook Pond and undevelopable. But we will be able move forward and do some development of the mill property, the parking lot for some mockery residential in the form of townhouses and also

looking to convert the mill itself down the road into more mockery housing probably trying to accommodate anywhere between 60 to 100 units. Um the current owner does have a PNS with a subsequent buyer that would be moving forward To develop the property in the corners with, you know, mockery housing as I previously stated. Um and they would like to get the permission of the Historical Commission to take the small

portions of the property down to to accommodate the proposed development. You know, if you don't, you know me. So, I've been at this stuff like you guys have been for a long period of time. Yeah, I'm always looking to try to reposition these meals for productive uses. This meal here in you know, the beautiful mill, it lays right at the the, you know, the the, the, the, the forefront of cooked ponds

itself, you know, we can use some additional mockery housing in the south end, the property is just currently configured, just not, does not lend itself to that purpose, the boiler room has some environmental problems, that outer building, you know, is just, you know, doesn't help the overall development scheme, and I hate to say but if we, you know, this is not putting a gun to anybody's head. This is not,

should not be taken as a threat or anything like, but if we fail to move forward in this direction and be granted some accommodation with regard to the approval of the proposed demolition, you the, the boy of the room, the little connector, and this outlying building. Yo, we, the developer will, the owner will probably just wait the six months and demolish the entire, demolish the entire

site. So, for my perspective, I don't like to see these buildings demolished. I like to see em used, repurposed for different types of uses and to me, you know, what's being requested here, I'm hoping is acceptable to the Historic Commission as a, you know, as a sort of a compromise. We do a little demolition but we still are able to maintain the overall integrity of the main building Um, and can preserve

the chimney, and preserve the historic character of this main building. And allow for the to repurpose that building and also move forward with some development of some additional development on the site for mockery housing in the south end. Um so that's pretty much where we are at this point. Um like I said it's we don't want to demolish the entire thing.

We'd like to repurpose it. and we'd like to, you know, get the cooperation and the the blessing of the historic commission to allow us to move in this direction as opposed to facing demolition of the entire structure in 6 months. Which is not something that I think thing I would like to see or I would hope that the Historic Commission would not like to see because we have a opportunity here to preserve

what we have here for, you know for integrity state sake and also to accommodate some much needed mockery development of the South End. So I'll be happy to answer any questions that people may have. Great and thank you very much Ken and I can for that. Um I I think right are there is for conversion to residential is the buyer going to utilize either CPA funds or at least go after CPA funds or tax credits

because it it should be it is on the national register. Uh so and she and she knows so the problem the challenge is when you demolish any part of a port, any part, any portion of the building that's on the register. And you try to secure tax credits both in a federal estate. You know not something that they that they look kindly upon. So, in this instance here, they may try to apply

those tax credits. The deal is not contingent upon tax credits, historic tax credits.

Hm. But they may be looking for is, you know, some housing development improvement program, tax credits. Similar to what we've used in other projects in the city. If there's an eligibility for state and historic tax credits, I'm certain that they will try to pursue pursue those. but it's not, you know, it's not a a do or die situation of whether or not they get those historic tax credits. It's more

like gravy as opposed to the actual incentive that makes it work. Okay.

Ken there is, there have been other projects that have included chimneys. My question is, the structural integrity of that chimney. Is it in good shape? Yes. So, that was the first question that I asked because usually as you're correct, usually, when we people are looking at these types of projects, the first thing they want to do is take down the chimney and that was the first question I asked. I

asked and they assured me that the chimney would not be coming down. that would be maintained.

That's actually a a very good thing. It makes me more positive for this this project actually. It'd be nice if we could save the boiler room also but I can understand the contamination is probably very very heavy there. Yeah. What kind of contaminations primarily are on that property, Ken, do you know? Uh Jason, do you want to address that? Are you on the phone? Yes, we're here. Okay. Hi. Oh Steve

Graper, the owner of. Steve Draper's also. Steve is. Jason and Steve Draper both on the phone here so they'll answer that question. Alright, thank you.

You're great. You know more.

You can explain it better than I can. So, there was an oil spill back in the early two thousands, I believe, in the under the boiler building into the amended the abutment the main building.

back in, what's the, what kind of chemical was it? Do you remember? It was just fuel oil?

It's, it's, it was bunker oil.

Bunker oil. Yeah, just heavy, just heavy oil. Yeah, and the root, the, yeah, those are, those were the tanks were underground tanks and they leaked. And, what is it? A, there is an AUL in place. A well on that on. The, the roof of that building is deteriorated to the point where the roof is is has ACM material on and assess asbestos containing material on it. And the only way to abate that is

in a non-traditional work plan.

And that's to knock that roof down. Uh we can't get on there to replace the roof. So plus the the potential buyers of the property. They don't want that building there. So it makes sense just to take it down. It does it doesn't serve any purpose. Plus that stack has cell phones have a cell phone towers on it which there is a a lease on those that that stack has to stay there. Mhm. But the

the boiler room doesn't serve any functional purpose at this point. Right Yeah, this is and I and I took a look at the property. So, I I understand.

Okay, fine. That was, I was just curious as to what the contamination was and it and those oil tanks leaking out.

You know, that's that's quite common Um and and bunker oil is just a heavy forty. Probably a number four or number five oil.

Yeah. Ken, if I made, Yeah. So, my name is Tim Cusson. I'm the future with Parallel Products.

I'm the future developer of the of the property but just to be clear, the bunker oil is the easiest part of the contamination. Exactly. There's dissolved solvents. Um in the property, and that's there's been a RTU with the state of Massachusetts EP that requires a cleanup. That is the cleanup issue that is costly and timely. Um to take and that presents more of a challenge than the bunker oil spill and

that is the costly and time consuming component of the property that needs to be cleaned up. So, is there a a large die house associated with that property? No, this was, it's actually in the main building. This it was trichlorinate trying to get the chemical thing. We're going to screw it up. Um TC, T HCCI.

Yeah. One of those and there was a treatment plan in place approved by the DEP for years and years that was happening.

Uh unfortunately that with the permission of the DP that treatment plan was paused. Um and we are proposing. We will propose to we've already had some discussions with the EP new treatment process to eventually get the the property cleaned up which may take three to five years. Okay. That that's that's always so I've been working with this property for years. Yes. And nobody's really wanted to, you know, the

the unfortunately, the previous owners didn't have the waywithal to undertake the cost of the necessary remediation to really bring this property up to something that could be developable and that's been the whole challenge here. And as a result, that property has just sat vacant for a number of years. Yes. And that's been, yeah, that's been, you know, challenging to us because it's such a beautiful site. Right on

Cook and you know the the the repositioning I think is is good for everybody. Yeah. And as developers, we've taken on other projects, similar projects in the city of New Bedford. We just recently redeveloped 160 acre Polaroid campus in the north end of New Bedford. We're in the process of redeveloping the old sunbeam bread facility in New Bedford which, you know, has hazardous contamination that we're in the

process of cleaning up. So, we're we're not unfamiliar with the the pitfalls and or the time end or the the cost of of such cleanups. Okay, okay.

Well Uh that's about all the, that's the only questions I've I've gotten, you know, during the constructions, a whole other item, but I'm glad you're so optimistic. This is, this is a good thing. Yeah. I have no issues, Jason. Okay, anyone else from the board have any other questions on, on this at all? So, they're looking for, basically, approval from us to waive the six months to demolish the boiler house and

the secondary structure that's pictured in the the image that I had sent around, yeah, and that, and that little connective. A little connector resulted, yes. Okay. Well, if you like, I'll I'll put that in a motion. we waived the 6 month restriction and allow those those construction projects to take place. Okay, I'll second that motion. Okay. So, I have a motion and a second to waive the 6 months. Uh all in favor?

Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Excellent. Um wonderful. So, we will, I will, I will draft a letter and send that right over to you. Um so, that will be use when you go to apply your demolition permits so that way it's the six months but this is it's an exciting project. Um I I you know you're utilizing the the historic mill structure and adding some more buildings onto the property for the the townhouse. That's

exciting. Uh because Fall River has a runoff problem as it is.

So but no that's great. We and keeping the smoke stack that's key. Can't have a historic mill building without having that's a that's a plus. Keeping smoke stacks with no complexes are real plus. That's what it looks like mill, you know? Yeah, yeah. So, that's good. Thank you so much. Thank you very much. Thank you guys and once again, merry Christmas, happy holidays. Happy holidays. Same to you. Thank you all very

much. Really appreciate your time. Go enjoy your party.

Thank you. Have a good day. You too.

Okay. Ronnie, you're back.

Actually, I'm on Jim's computer and I'm I'm trying to gather my thoughts. I apologize but I'm here. Welcome back. Um so, the next item is 5 B. Um this is regarding 761 Highland Avenue.

Um so, it there's actually no notice that was received. Um I happen to be driving by the the property. Um just last week.

This is a property that was it's being developed redeveloped by developers last name is Taitro and so that's the Highland Manor nursing home. Um being converted into from a nursing home to nine units. Um the zoning board of appeals granted with conditions. The conversion of the property. Um the garage was under a one of the conditions.

The garage had to come down. Um I had notified and the planning department regarding that or or I think it's planning or zoning regarding the garage that the garage was indicated on the building inventory with the national register. Um so even though it is it is just a garage that any demolition permit any demolition because it's an on the national register has to come before us.

Um the garage was already taken down. Um and I did bring that up with Glenn Hathaway. Um he was under the impression that the permit was actually never issued. So, this is a ongoing debacle, I guess, with trying to figure out what happened and why the garage was demolished without the board being notified. Um But, I mean, the project is ongoing and there, they've already started work on the house. Um, but, you know,

as I indicated to Glenn, you know, it would likely, we would have likely approved the, can't say that behalf of the board but for a garage, on the other hand, there's a procedure that we have to follow, that the city has to follow anyone trying to do any any type of work with the Historical Commission demolishing a house, even an outbuilding. If it's on the national register as part of the building, the building

inventory, then, there's a, you know, series of procedures that have to occur. Um so, with that, moving on to the next item. Um under correspondents sixA, the 327 Center Street. Um this is Saint John the Baptist Church. Uh they're looking for a letter of support for their CPA grant funding application.

And we have Um it's my name's Ihor Slobiki. I'm a trustee of Saint John the Baptist Church.

So hello everybody. Uh thank you for having me. Um if you have any questions feel free to ask. If you want I can give you a quick history of the church.

Um the the the Paris that began in 1905 and in 1914, they bought the land on the corner of on on Center Street and South Beach Street and built it and the the church was built in 1914 and so it's been in use since then. Um as for the we're applying for a grant. We like to we want to get the the the painting done on the on the on the wooden trim on the church

which includes the trim on the windows and the doors. and also get a repair for and I guess it's repointing of the brick.

Uh the brick stairs in a in a front. Um and it's point, we also want to not replace but repair of the stained glass window that's in front of the churches. It's it's deteriorated pretty badly. Um so, most most of this is really it's really to forceful any kind of further deterioration of of the wooden of the wooden parts of the church. Um we as as far as the building itself,

we in the I think in the last two or 3 years, we replaced the roof on there and we recently upgraded the electrical service that goes into the building itself. So, we're we're trying to we're trying to do our part as well to to fix things in and keep things working there. Um I hope that you had a chance to look at the application that has a little more details as of

some photos of the two but the the church building looks like and a more a little more detail of of what we want to do in there. Thank you very much. Do we have any questions from the board regarding this?

Yeah.

That's the the is there was there sprinkle work to be done in that building also? Uh no.

Okay. No. All the work that we're asking to do now is is exterior because it it's it'll it's going to fonder historic preservation of I guess part of the grant and it's really just a all exterior work. Okay. Um we're we're not planning to make any changes to the building itself. Um really it's really just you know, painting and and and fixing, you know, like the the bricks have to get repointed. Some of them are

loose and have to get reset back in and then it's really just painting a lot a lot of the wooden trim which is in a lot of places. It's appealing pretty badly. Also, on the stained glass windows, have to put some putty in. Um so, it's kind of it's really just almost like masons. Yeah, if you will.

Alright, the being taken care of also. Is there work to be done on that? On the what? The the couper, is that? Admin?

Yes, we're we're going to we're also going to we're going to repaint that and there are some wooden slots that are missing the either we think they just fell inside the buildings inside the Coupla itself. So, we're going to rehab those replaced as well. So, that's going to be you know basically brought back and we're going to ask for the the inside that probably to see if they can put a wire miss and just in case

there are birds or any kind of insects getting in to keep them out. Um I think there's a I remember correctly this is this. There was somewhere I mentioned here but it's a very a coarse mesh and so what I'm probably put something finer in there. Okay that's good. Um on on the wood trim if there's any that has to be replaced. Is that going to be replaced? Like in kind or with a composite of

sorts? Um from what I saw we there's nothing that there's nothing that has that's going to have to be replaced.

Um it's really going to the wood itself is actually in very good shape. Um so I don't see anything that's going to get replaced. Um I think it's just going to be scraped down and then you know primed and and repainted. Okay. Good. Good.

Excellent. That that's pretty much sedition. Only questions I had there. Again I I I went by the building. I saw that. I I see what was you know I can see where you need some. You need help. Yes, Thank you. And this is, so, this is just strictly for the items that you have indicated. I noticed on the, the letter, there's further determination or at least eligibility down the line. I'm assuming for the potentially

replacing or removing the vinyl siding. That's just something that we may consider for for dental line. It's actually not vinyl. It's it's aluminum. It's aluminum siding. Okay. Um we I think we were originally at the original meaning we weren't quite sure we said vinyl but it we checked and it's it's aluminum siding. Okay. Okay.

So, because it's technically older I guess it's pre vinyl if you will. Yeah. Um so so it is aluminum. Hm. Okay. Um because I know the CPC would that they would likely fund for removal and replace or at least removal of that to restore the exterior. Um I without seeing or doing any research on the building, you know, likely was would collapse at one point or potentially even shingles because shingles

were, you know, widely used around across the city. Um that's that's something that they would certainly work with work with you on. So, but I have no other no other questions. This is, this is very cool. Well, I'll make a motion that we give a letter support. It's definitely a great I'm really happy with what you you're planning to do.

and I'm excited and hope that you know it remains around for another hundreds of years.

Thank you. So thank you for your work and I hope it gets done. Thank you. Looks like in the motion. Alright. So, I have a motion and a second to approval letter of support for the for 3 three twenty-seven Central Street. Uh all in favor? I. I. I. Excellent. Um I will be drafting a letter. I will send that to you an email via email and that should be it. If you have any questions

though, you know, please, by all means, reach out and happy to answer. Okay. Thank you very much for for having me at the meeting and allow me to serve with you a very happy holidays.

Okay and same to you. Thank you. Your whole yeah your whole group over there. Thank you.

Thanks. Yep. And good. Good goodbye for now. Thank you.

Good. Okay. Um so, item 6 B. Um so, this is from Ryan LLC. Um they're looking for letters of support or continued letters of support for the following projects. This is for the next round of tax credit that's due in January. Um the representative from Ryan was supposed to attend tonight. I don't think she's here. Uh her name is Erica. Um I mentioned to her that we did have questions regarding Lincoln

School because that one is we did not approve that one the last time at the last round. Um because there are some questions on the ownership. Um I am understanding that the closing should be happening any day so it's not listed. It's not being it's not obviously through David Hebert the former owner it'll be under different a different owner who is proceeding with plans to redevelop it into

but we don't have Erica here from Ryan to discuss Um so, remind me, in the past, we have, even for the continued letters, if there's been no changes, we should have somebody to present. Correct.

Okay. Yes. And and I think at the last meeting, Erica presented and she was really, very, very, very vague. Yeah.

And we did stress is that we get someone knowledgeable with the project to present so that we have a viable method of of analyzing what what's happening Um so there's there's a number of you know most of these properties are going to be a few basically a few questions but give us an update I would think. Okay. As to what the current status is. And and it will be sanctioned. But we do need someone with knowledge.

You know that yes, you know whatever it might be. I'm just picking something out of the air here, but Adam's house is, is probably 99% complete. Well, someone familiar with the Adam's house and its operation could say, yes, it's 100% rented, and 99% of exes completed. You know, and then at least then we have reasonable assumptions of what's going on. Hm. Yeah. So My opinion. No, no, that makes

sense because I like I I did tell her that we had questions the last time Um in particular, Lincoln School, I have question questions on Sanford Spinning Mill because we were contacted about a land lease and not utilizing the structure for they weren't looking at rehabbing anymore. They were looking at demolishing the mill. Um and then Notre Dame Rectory on Eastern Avenue. Uh I believe that project has

stalled. Um from what I I am understanding, I don't know what I have no confirmation on that. so that would be, this is why we needed somebody here to present. So, I will, I'll reach out to her and let her know that we couldn't discuss. So, we will likely table these items. Um yeah, okay.

I'll make a motion that we table these six items under item B. to the next meeting or until someone can present If there's an issue with January, maybe a quick meeting, Zoom meeting or. Yeah. Go over them if it's if it's urgent. But I I'm my motion is to table. I'll second the motion.

I have emotion and a second to table items six B, those six items, all in favor? Aye. Aye.

Okay.

Alright, next under correspondents, six C, Downtown Fall River Historic District expansion. Um I sent over a map to you and there's with a letter from Robley Preservation. Um so, Andrew Robley was hired from the Bristol County Economic Development corporation that's with Ken Fiola site he was in town last week to go over the sites on South Main Street and around downtown and I met with I met with them with mister

Fiola, mister Wobley, and Sarah Page from the Redevelopment Authority. Um to to just walk down South Main Street to see which properties are being looked at. So, it it looks like the entire expanse span of South Main Street from government center right down to about William Street where the clipper restaurant is. That funny little intersection. Um that that whole stretch will be inventoried and then proposed

for a the expansion of the downtown Fall River Uh National Register District. Um the from what I was told the state from the State Commission, the State Historical Commission, the the gentleman in charge of the National Register Program. His name is Ben Haley. Um he indicate that currently the district is just mostly North Main Street. Some properties on Bedford and purchase. Um but in order to expand it across the

highway we will likely need to list government center as a contributing structure on the national register. Um you know.

So this will this will be a a a lively discussion but it is it's not quite 50 years old yet although it is indicative of its era. Um it's a late era brutalist building mister Robley was referring to it as a a former formalist building which I'd I'd never heard that term before but so but it's indicative of the era, urban renewal, and had lasting impacts downtown. Um it's also very unique in that I don't

think there are many centers of the city and city halls placed over a highway. I think we're an interstate. So you know that in itself is unique in its nature. Which would help qualify it. Yes. Um so it's there's a a number of a number of key points on it. Um so but that honestly is the the one block that will link the two different sides of of downtown.

Um and historically, that's how it was prior to the highway coming in. You had old city hall and you had the post office in Market Square and that was really the heart of downtown linking the two different areas. So, he will be reaching out to us. Um there will be a series of public meetings that will be held with building owners. Um any other stakeholders in charge or at least involved with this

project. Um this it did feel like it came out of nowhere but I understand once having that district expanded, that allows the properties to tap into historic tax credits, and South Main Street could use a little, I'm sure, can use a little a push in terms of revitalizing some of the, the buildings that are still vacant. Um, so, we did walk through, actually, it was very interesting. We walked through the, the Capitol

Theater. I had never been in there before, in the whole, far back, and very, very cool. Um, just see, the shell of what was in one of the theaters downtown. Um so it's exciting.

Um but he's fast tracking it.

So it sounds like he will be likely back to do more photos, more research, and then he will he will want to meet with us.

So he'll have to join one of our meetings. Um so it's exciting. Good. Good. Yeah. Um see the next item six E is a for 363 Highland Avenue. It's at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Um so the the BBI antenna upgrades. Um did you see that packet that I had sent around?

Um because it's in the it's not really the historic district but because it's I think they're they need to get our any comments that we have on the project, they are required to do that, so I didn't have any questions on it, did anyone have any questions on? No, no.

Application. But the the beauty of most of these antennas now is that the, the getting smaller in appearance, which, which is a good thing. Yeah.

Yeah. So, to upgrade is, is, again, on the positive side.

Yes. Okay, I will let her know that we have no comments. Item six E, 528 High Street. I was contacted by the homeowner, of the the new homeowner of 528 High Street. Um Ruben Oliveira.

He is proceeding with the restoration of the house that had caught fire in the 40 CC district. Um interestingly enough, I did receive an Email from his architect or engineer this afternoon. So, I know they want to button up the roof ASAP. So, we will likely have to have a special meeting to get them in. As part of the ordinance, the for the 40 C district, there is an exclusion when if there's a any property

that was damaged by fire, they if they're just replacing, not replacing, rebuilding in kind, and no major changes actually do do not need to meet with the historic with the Historical Commission. Only if there's any major changes. Um the new plans that or the plans that were just submitted to me a few hours ago they are making a slight change to the roof. Um so they'll address that to us.

Um currently it's it's a hip roof with the projecting gables but there's a flat area. Um they actually want to bring that up and make a pitch. Um so they'll present to us. We'll have to go around and find a date that they can meet with us on a special meeting. But that is a change that we would likely have to reveal. I I looked at the drawings and I looked at the structural

design. Um and it it looks very good. Uh in my opinion. Again.

Uh the the actual peak that's being extended. Uh actually looks very very nice. It looks it blends in. Yeah. Right. No.

It blend and. And the facade, the outside is not being changed at all. Uh all the windows are being kept in their original positions and things.

So, I I think yes, a quick, a quick, maybe Zoom meeting with the architect group. I'll see what they have what they have in plan. Uh what they have in mind or at least I guess some dates and I'll check in with all of you to see what we can do and what the what the availability is to get a meeting. Um so but yeah, they, it doesn't sound like they're, they're doing anything to else

to the exterior, they're keeping the, the first floor is clappered, the second floor is shingles, they're keeping that.

In fact, I believe they are, replacing the shingles with wood shingles that they already have, so they, there's no dramatic changes to any of the facades, just that they will be extending the, the hip route or the flat portion of the roof up to form a peak. Um, but so so that's really all I have, and it sounds like it's going to be a two-year project, I think, I think you said, about two-year

project. So, he, he stayed at a year and a half to 2 years.

Yeah. It's quite the undertaking, but in at the house is staying up, and that's, that's fantastic. I mean, that's really what, that's what counts. Um, alright, so, moving on, for seven A under old business, design guidelines, update. Um, I had reached out to Dominique, just to find out about the final copy, the official copy.

Um there seems to be a payment Snafu with the city Um she has not been fully paid yet. Um so, I did send an Email to it was a general Email to the purchasing department to figure out or at least ask some questions and see if maybe they are the ones that I go through because I believe everything was submitted to Sandy Dennis and was sent over to city hall but now there's a delay in getting

the payment from city hall. Um so, my next step is to send an email to Mr. Aiken, he's the, the mayor's chief officer regarding here's the the city administrator, sorry, regarding the status and see if we can get some more answers or faster answers to find out why the payments being held up but so, they're done. They, we just, we can't get them until the city pays her. Um, which is unfortunate. but, so that's the

only update I have on, that I hope to have more answers soon.

Um, but I'll send another email out to see, or, make a, a phone call, figure out what's going on with that. a 7 B, 289 Pleasant Street. This is the smoke stack at the Union Mill that we had met about. Uh the smoke stack is down. Um it was taken down last week. Um I had so I had sent an email to Jen Doherty who was at our meeting last month and she was the one

who brought up that there is a preservation restriction on it.

Um so, she didn't have any the holder of the of the restriction. Um I had sent an email out to find out who the holder was on that and any other property in the city that has restriction at least with the mass Historical Commission.

Um so the holder of that was an organization called Preservation Massachusetts.

It's a non-profit based out of Plymouth. Um interestingly enough they only have five properties across the state that have restrictions. Three of them are in Fall River. Um and they pertain to the Union and the Durfee Mill Complex. Um So, I did reach out to them to find out what the process was.

Just, just to educate myself on every organization is different, how they handle it.

So, she was reaching out, the director, her, her name is Erin Kelly. She was reaching out to Glenn Hathaway because mister Hathaway had seeing the need that the stack had to come down had issued a demolition permit around us. Um which he has the right to do. However, he was not aware of the restriction.

Um so, the stack came down before any type of halter for that can can occur. I did indicate to preservation Massachusetts that the the stack had some cracks. There are some structural concerns but the restrictions themselves with the registry deeds, it's 20 pages just on that property alone. Um and one of the items does pertain to maintenance and that stack was, you know, there's so many cracks in it

that it you know, there's a lot Questions. Um was was it not maintained and so we will we will know more about this I'm sure but I did ask for a list of the properties across the city and the holders of which and that's something else that was on the agenda that had added. Um but so that's all that we have. I drove by it the other day and the stack was already down. Unfortunately.

That's another you know this is this occurs all to Austin. Mm.

Uh with this city and the historic Commission. Uh it it it's it's every couple of months we've got something major that occurs with total disregard to the historic value the significance, decisions are made that that chimney, if you looked at it and to make a comment that it was We didn't even get an engineering firm to look at that chimney and come up with a report. So, And Aaron Again, again, not notifying us

that it's coming down And that, and then there were restrictions placed on this.

This ought to, this ought to be followed through. Completely, and not allowed to just fall in the cracks like so many other things the city has allowed to have fallen, you know, through, by the wayside. When this historic commission is working so hard to maintain integrity, maintain structural ambiance of the city Uh it's it's it's awfully discouraging. It is and this is something that we had

discussed with Mayor Cogan and Seth Aiken, his the administrator. Um that the the systems that they have in the city hall, there's no flagging, I guess. If you go to poll to poll building permit, you know, we have sheets of paper there with addresses. That's not, there's there there it's other ways. The systems should be in place that if you file a building permit, you know, it, each property has its own entry

card or at least in the database. There should be a flagging system that says, it is in the 40 C district. It is on the national register. So, there's a six-month demolition delay. Um there's a preservation deed restriction on it. Um things like that.

That's, you know, that's very, that should be very easy to do.

Um and it's it seemed like mister Aiken with at the mayor's office indicated that that can be done. It's just a matter of getting on. you know it's you know it's upsetting right now is that we informed and and and the state historic person. I spoke directly to her stating that there's a preservation restriction on that property. And they just can't take that stack down unabated. I think that's

actually why it was done. I'm really frustrated with the whole thing because she was informed. She knew. And she wanted it down. And we had told her the process. We wanted an engineer to go in there. And that's why it came down. And and that was in a month ago.

Less than a month we had our last meeting. And then when I was speaking with Aaron Kelly she said she had spoken to what's her name? Shannon Corey.

Um she said that miss miss Cory has been there for did she say 20 years or so or maybe even longer than that? Um Preservation Massachusetts has gone to the property To they have oh Africa their titles are but they have a representative from the organization that handles the easements or at least any properties on the east on the east side of Mass versus west side. Um so they they they've gone to the

property. They've met with her before. They knew that there was a restriction on the property. Um and yeah it's really it's it's unfortunate.

Um. Well, have they been getting tax credits all this time and yet not maintaining it? out. Do they get tax credits for the rehab into for PremaCare? I don't know. I, I, that I, I. I'm not sure. You know what? I don't think so. I don't ever remember that coming forward. Okay.

so. However, no sitting and watching the way they operate, I wouldn't be surprised if they did something behind our back.

Those restrictions are very detailed. They were created in 1984 when the property changed hands. Um it goes right down to the iron fence around the property has to be maintained.

I don't I can't picture an iron fence. Um. It is. There's an iron fence on a bed on a Pleasant Street. Okay. Yeah. Um they're down to the floorboards. It it's very detailed. Um so so after our meeting about about a month ago or less actually I think it might even be less. I don't know. But when she when they went to go pull this emergency demo permit. And Glenn went

ahead and get gave it. They had no discussion that they had a meeting with the Historic Commission. There was nothing brought up. Glenn brought so Glenn called me and I said that we stopped because there was a restriction on it and I think he had just issued it either that day or the day before. and so, I believe, from what he told me that he, you know, he wouldn't have issued it If he

had known that there was a restriction on it. Oh. But.

Well, if it was an emergency, why wouldn't he, why wouldn't he have issued it? So, it show, it tells me that there really wasn't this emergency other than they wanted to get it down because she, the Mass Historic Commission had now chimed in as well as the local Yes Because when I reached out to Preservation Massachusetts to find out their procedure on it.

Um Erin had emailed me back and said that that they had just received some additional information on the Union Mill property regarding the smoke stack. I don't know what that was but it sounds like they were well aware that the demolition was you know there was something happening. Um so I did ask her what the repercussions are. Um and she said they what the board decides depending on the

severity of it. you know, this, she said that, that's what they've been working on, at least with the smoke stack, they've, that's what they've been working on at least in the past couple of weeks, because this came, came out of nowhere to them, had they been notified months in advance, then, we would have had a different outcome. But, she's just as frustrated as, as we are, with how this. And we get a copy of

the restrictions for that property, is there any way we can get? I can Let me see if I can download it. Um there might be like a small fee or something but I can download it off the registry of deeds. Um they're all listed. Um I don't have I only have the book and page for that one. I don't have the books and pages for the other ones. Um but I can at

least send that over to you.

It's all online. It's on Fall River Deeds. com. Um and they were only created I think in 1984, so they're searchable.

So.

Yeah. And and maybe it's time for another meeting with the Mr. Adkins and the mayor.

Yep. Um because that's it's not just that. It's also the the garage at seven sixty-1 Highland that I'm a little frustrated on because it granted it is a small garage but it's in the National Register District. The property you know I know it was It is it is one massive parking lot right now. Have you seen it? I went by the what I understood from what understand the neighbors are not happy. It's

it's an it's actually a very it's very insulting to the neighborhood. The amount of destruction that they've done between the trees and the garage. Um it's a lot more destructive than what they indicated they were going to do. Right. They the the they're even closing up one side of the Horseshoe Drive in the front which that too I you know I I would imagine that was there since the house was

constructive. I have no idea but I mean, now they have to fill in a granite wall in the front of the house. So, what are they going to fill it with?

Um but we don't have, that's not the forty C, unfortunately.

Um it would be fantastic if we could get the 40C extended down that that stretch of Highland but that's that's a project for down the line. Um I know they have to landscape around the whole perimeter of the parking lot that they're putting in the back. I think they specified even the the shrubbery. I think it's arborvitaes or something that they have to use but so you can't so you don't see the

the parking lot. But they did take they took a lot down. but, yeah, there's, it's, these little, there's a procedure for things, and for whatever reason, we get skipped.

Again, I just think we should, Jason, probably, you know, we had the one meeting. Yep. Few weeks ago, I, I think it's, if we could just have a monthly meeting to just stay on top of that and see what's being done, and we can bring these things up on a regular occasion, something's got to change. This is getting so so. Mm-hmm. It's exasperating and that's enough.

I'm I'm done. Okay. Also, the timing is really important now that the train station is supposed to opening. I think we're going to see a surge of development and we have to be careful that things don't get built too quickly and that we're keeping track of our historic resource is. Mm hmm.

Right, because I wouldn't be, I wouldn't be surprised if there's more, you know, more demolition requests coming up.

There's been, there have been, I, I'm surprised with how many that I get sent emails about.

Most of them are not on the registry, but, even small little houses are getting torn down to make way for newer, you know, newer big ones, but So, So, with that in mind, the next item under new business, eight A, so because Kristen Kristin had resigned from the Historical Commission, she was the appointee from the Historical Commission to serve on the Community Preservation Commission or Committee. Um so,

we need to appoint someone to from our board to serve on the CPC. Um do I have any nominations? I'd like to make nomination. I'd like to nominate Rick Mancini. Okay. To represent us on the CPC. All sick in that nomination. Okay, so we have a nomination and a second to nominate Rick to the Community Preservation Committee. All in favor. Hi.

Hi. You alright? What's up?

I'll accept the nomination.

Thank you very much. Thank you.

Congratulations. Make us proud.

I will. Good? Alright. So, let me just And thank you for the nomination and the approval and and the and the majority, not the majority, unanimous vote.

Thank you so much. You're welcome. Pleasure. The next item 8 B. Um so this is regarding what I was talking about earlier. Uh the property is in Fall River with preservation deed restrictions.

This is supplied from the the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Um so it's as you may notice if I can find my list here we go. Um the property is most of them are I do apologize. I thought I had the names of the properties on here. Um they are mostly with the Union Mill and Durfee Mill complex. Let me just minimize my screen real quick. Um and I will pull up the the list that

chopped off. I do apologize about that. Um

Um so item number one is Kennedy Park. And that the holder of any preservation deed restriction is with the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Um number 2 is the Durfee Mills. And that the holder of that restriction is architectural conservation trust. That was a former program with Preservation Massachusetts. So that is actually now managed by Preservation Massachusetts. Um So, that's the Durfee Mill. Uh

number three is Union Mills.

And so same thing, it's architectural conservation trust. Now, preservation of Massachusetts. Number four, that is the Fall River Water Works pumping station on Bedford Street. And that's with the Mass Historical Commission.

Um number five, FLR. nine 2four is Wardle Farm, Tan Pond Brook site. Um that's with the Mass Historical Commission. Let's see. Number six is the Bank Street Armory. Again, with Mass Historical Commission. Number seven, is the USS Massachusetts at Battleship Cove. That's through Mass Historical. Uh number eight, let's see, two, five, three. Number eight is the Fall River Public Library.

And number nine 400. That is

There's a lot on here. Um oh that is the academy building on South Main Street. Um so that's where the city, the restrictions with the city of Fall River. Um So, that's what they have on file at least with the with the state. Now, there, the list is longer with properties that have received CPC funding 'cuz there should be easements on those as well but that's, I don't, I don't have a list of those properties

yet but I can, I will work on that. Are there any questions with? With that at all? So, I think that's something that we should bring up with the mayor.

A list of all the properties that have restrictions and easements when things start to, if there's a change ownership, you know, there has to be a way of flagging these things in city hall because it just seems like there's they're not cross referencing at anything at all.

Um but So that's all I have on that. Are there any questions?

Not to make it overly simplified. But don't you think that that flagging should could easily be done in the computer list of properties? Oh absolutely. Um I mean it's it's not like we're doing this manually going from office to office. There's a database already that could easily be flagged. Right and once I have one thing I'm I'm still trying to get from Kristin is the registry of significant

structures list. Um when I have that I will make a separate column to put any properties that have restrictions on them.

Um we could go as far as to include the book and page with the registry deeds where they can find that information. Um but no that there should be a database. Um at city hall. And there's be a way of checking each property with a, you know, a prompt that comes up that says, you know, this is in the forty C, this is, this has a restriction, etcetera.

Right, exactly. It, it. Yeah.

It's flagged and when someone logs onto it or clicks onto it, a page comes up and says, this is a property and the following restrictions or the following steps have to take place.

Exactly. So, hopefully, we, you know, we can figure that out and it'll be great with the if the city is, they will be redoing the city's website. So, if there's a way, you know, if there's they can click on it and it brings you to the Historical Commission's page.

Exactly, exactly. So, you know, they, they can contact us. So, yeah. Okay. I'll bring it up.

It's a computer. I think it's a computer problem. It's not something that we have to keep banging heads on, you know?

It's just something that can be done with people that are already in place that know the database. Right. Okay. No, I agree. That's all that I have.

Is there anything for open discussion? Oh, yes, I'll send that over to you, Lisa. Is there anything for open discussion at all? Okay. Um so, with that, our next scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, January 17th, 2023. Um we may have one before that for 520 High Street and if we can get Erica back from Ryan and maybe some other people from Ryan that are affiliated with each project. Um to answer some

questions so they can at least make their their next round. Um we can try to get that all Going. Um a motion to adjourn the meeting at 708 PM. I'll make a motion to adjourn. Okay, I'll second that motion. Motion and a second to adjourn. Um all in favor. I. Hi. Alright. May everyone have a happy holiday.

Uh enjoy yourselves. Enjoy the family. That goes for you too, Alex. Have a good holiday.

Thank you very much everyone.

Happy holidays. Happy holidays.

Have a good night. Good night.

It's been a productive year too. Oh yes. Thank you Jason.