The meeting’s primary focus was on the application for a historical demolition permit for a deteriorating barn on Main Road. John Paul, the property owner, presented his case, emphasizing the barn’s poor condition and the infeasibility of restoration efforts. He plans to replace the barn with a timber frame structure designed to resemble a historical barn, featuring board and bat siding and shingled fronts. “We’ve given it an honest look at trying to save it and it’s just not worth it, unfortunately,” Paul remarked, highlighting the barn’s significant rot and mold issues.

Several commission members, including William Kendall, inspected the barn and confirmed the extent of its deterioration. The discussion revealed an intention to reuse stones from the barn’s foundation in other projects to maintain a connection to the property’s history. The application for the demolition permit did not require a public hearing and was approved unanimously after a motion was seconded.

Another notable topic was the application for a new shed on Main Road within the historic district, requiring a public hearing. Richard Mard, the applicant, proposed constructing a 12 by 16-foot shed designed to match an existing one but with a different orientation to preserve cedar trees and respect the septic system’s leaching field. Mard explained that the new shed would blend into the landscape better and maintain visual coherence with the existing structures. The commission discussed the materials and placement, emphasizing that the new shed would not detract from the historic character of the area. Following a public hearing with no objections, the application was approved unanimously.

The commission also reviewed substantial proposed improvements to Howland Hall at the Westport Point United Methodist Church. An architect presented plans to enhance accessibility, including a small addition to facilitate an internal staircase and a chair lift. These changes aimed to create a more usable community space while preserving the building’s aesthetic integrity. The commission discussed the design’s potential to serve the community better and address the current challenges posed by the building’s layout, especially for those with mobility issues.

There were concerns about the width of a proposed ramp, which measured 30 inches between railings, falling short of the required 36 inches. The architectural access board might accept this slight deficiency due to the overall accessibility improvements planned. The financial aspects of the project were also discussed, with no definitive cost estimate provided yet. The project was viewed positively, with agreement that it would resolve existing accessibility issues and enhance public access to the facility.

A preliminary review of a property on Main Road was another significant topic. The proposal involved removing one original fireplace and reconstructing or removing a second fireplace in an addition on the south side of the house. The discussion included details about the fireplaces’ impact on the room’s light and functionality. The commission showed a strong inclination to modify the structure to improve lighting while maintaining the architectural integrity of the building.

Additionally, the meeting addressed procedural concerns, particularly regarding application withdrawals and the handling of a collapsed building behind the harbor master’s office. A member emphasized the need for written confirmations for application withdrawals to avoid misunderstandings. The collapsed building, which belonged to Eve Leech, sparked discussions about the town’s options for dealing with the situation, including the possibility of condemning the structure and managing demolition costs. Concerns about “demolition by neglect” were raised.

The meeting concluded with a member announcing a dedication ceremony for the new Mariners Lost at Sea monument scheduled for September 8th. The commission members acknowledged the importance of clearly documenting decisions and adhering to procedural norms, especially in instances when applicants fail to attend scheduled hearings without prior notice. The public session ended with a motion to enter an executive session to discuss previous meeting minutes.