[MassHistPres] Reading historic house threatened

[Mark Landry]

I got this email from a friend in Reading about a house on Summer Street in Reading. Summer Street has a wonderful collection of large, stately, mostly late-19th century homes, many with carriage houses or barns.  If anyone has any thoughts on how to save this house, please share.


"This is the house right across the street from me, please see attached photo.

A little background info. The owner has tried to sell the adjacent lot to her home but the town would not allow her because she did not have enough frontage.This is a large property, actually three separate lots. I don't know all the details but she was in a protracted legal battle with the town for a long time  and lost. She currently has a signed P and S with a private non profit, Criterion Child, Inc. , to build a social services, "educational" facility which would be exempt from zoning under the Dover amendment, supposedly.

This was a private deal and the house was never put on the open market. Criterion Child plans to demolish the home and the barn and put up a 10,000 sq foot, one level structure, 2400 sq foot playground , and parking for 20 cars.

There was a public historical meeting where the bylaw to delay demolition for six months was imposed. 

The neighbors and town are currently organizing to see if there is anyway we can prevent the destruction of this home and the permanent impact it will have on our neighborhood, town and history.

I would appreciate any thoughts you might have on this."

Thanks,

Mark



Mark Landry   
Landmark Services Inc.   
326 Washington Street Annex
Wellesley MA 02481
508-533-8393  
www.landmarkservices.com


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