A moment was taken to honor Jim Su, a figure in local preservation efforts. Su was instrumental in resurrecting the Fall River Preservation Society in 2005, advocating for the establishment of the Highland’s local historic district, and founding the community preservation committee in 2012, which led to over $13 million in grants for various causes. His contributions were highlighted as key to the city’s historical preservation initiatives.

One notable issues discussed was the request for a letter of support from Fall River Community Utilities for a Community Preservation Act grant to fund repairs to the Narrows Gate House of the Waterworks complex. Michael Boss, representing the city’s waterworks reservation, detailed the historical significance of the gatehouse, rebuilt after a fire in 1908. The proposed repairs, estimated at $250,000, would focus on exterior elements such as copper gutters and roof work. The commission agreed to draft a letter of support for the grant application.

Another topic involved a request from Brian Corley of Tetro Real Estate for a letter of support concerning a property on Belmont Street. Corley proposed demolishing an outdated barn within a National Register District to construct a three-unit residential building. While this barn is not under the strict regulations of the Highland’s local historic district, any demolition request would be subject to a six-month delay. The commission noted the need for further documentation and design plans to be submitted to the zoning board, emphasizing the importance of the new construction aligning with the historical context of the area.

The commission also discussed a property on Bedford Street, involving a letter of support for funding through the Community Preservation Act for the repair of Waterworks Repair Shed Number 12. Mike Loss from the water department described the shed’s historical significance, although it is labeled as a non-contributing structure in the National Historic Register. The commission approved the letter of support, recognizing the shed’s role in the historical narrative of the area.

The historical designation of the Perry Family Homestead was brought forward by Alicia and Monique Mitchell, descendants of Dr. William Pat Panka Perry. They requested that their family homestead be formally named the Perry Family Homestead, citing their long-standing connection to the land and uninterrupted occupancy since the 17th century. The commission acknowledged the family’s detailed historical context, which included a previous seizure of the land under eminent domain and its subsequent return in 1911.

A notable correction was made regarding the nomination of the Martha and Margaret Peters house, built in 1905, to the Fall River Register of Significant Structures. The address was clarified as 256 Maple Street. The commission discussed the house’s historical significance and debated its architectural style, ultimately voting unanimously to accept the nomination.

Updates were provided on the Bank Street Armory, with members meeting Alex Silva from the Preservation Society to outline rehabilitation plans communicated to the mayor and city council. Additionally, the commission reviewed an amendment to the demolition delay ordinance, now labeled ordinance 2024-25, establishing a 12-month waiting period before issuing demolition permits for city-owned properties. This amendment received approval from both the city council and the mayor.

The commission also addressed an amendment related to its membership, stemming from the certified local government application process. A conflict with the National Park Service required that the mayor appoint all commission members, a change confirmed without objection by the city council. Reappointment of current members will be necessary pending the amendment’s second reading at the next city council meeting.

The discussion on expanding the Highlands local historic district revealed positive community feedback, with 32 out of 49 surveys returned favoring the expansion. A preservation consultant will be hired to assist in the process, with $50,000 requested for this endeavor. The commission is developing a web survey to gather additional input from the community.