The topic that garnered considerable attention was the update on the Bank Street Armory transfer. The commission is working with the committee of ordinances to refine the ordinance’s wording, and a 30-day period has been established for drafting the transfer agreement.

In the realm of historic preservation funding, Ryan LLC and Heritage Consulting Group presented updates on tax credit applications for several properties, including Sanford Spinning Mills, Union Belt, Notre Dame Rectory, Wyoming Mills, Flint Mills, and the Dery Block. The commission learned that construction had not yet begun on several properties and that there were delays with the National Park Service’s review process for the Dery Block. The commission discussed the necessity of awaiting responses from the National Park Service and Massachusetts Historical Commission before proceeding with approving letters of support for the tax credit applications.

First Bristol Corporation also sought a continued letter of support for a historic tax credit application for St. Katherine’s Convent Dominican Academy on Park Street. The commission decided to wait for additional information before moving forward due to ongoing communication about the application process with the relevant authorities.

The commission considered two requests for certificates of appropriateness that would affect the historic character of properties on High Street and High Street. The property on High Street was granted approval to replace deteriorated clapboard and the roof on the garage. Meanwhile, the commission postponed a decision on the request from 710 High Street to replace all windows with vinyl double-hung windows. The commission highlighted the importance of maintaining the historic appearance of the home and suggested that the Preservation Society for River could assist in repairing the existing windows. A motion was passed to physically inspect the windows before making a final decision.

Additionally, the commission approved requests to replace wood shingles on the historic George Ballard house on Rock Street and on the south facade dormers on Prospect Street. The unanimous decisions followed clarifications about materials and timelines for the proposed work.

The meeting also touched upon the importance of the certified local government application, which is currently under review by the National Park Service. The commission expressed optimism about its acceptance, which would enhance local preservation efforts. Furthermore, the commission is preparing for the upcoming Steep Brook Form B presentation and is finalizing plans for Preservation Month in May, which may include a lecture series and social media promotion.

In preparation for expanding the Highland’s local historic district, the commission completed a mailing list and reviewed a survey letter to be sent to the mayor’s office and Corporation Council. There was a conscious effort to approach the distribution of surveys with caution to ensure homeowners outside of the 40c area are not inadvertently included.