The most pressing topic was the rehabilitation of historic buildings, specifically the BMC Dery Trust building, the Coughlin School, and several other structures needing extensive restoration. The commission approved letters of support for these projects. The BMC Dery Trust building, located at 80 to 84 North Main Street, is set to undergo significant restoration to transform the property into housing. This project seeks funding through the Community Preservation Act (CPA) and aims to replace its windows with replicas adhering to the Secretary of the Interior’s standards. The estimated cost for this portion alone surpasses $500,000.

Similarly, the Coughlin School on Pleasant Street, a Romanesque Revival structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places, also received the commission’s backing. The building’s current owner, St. John’s Holy Ghost Association, outlined plans for HVAC improvements to ensure the school’s historical integrity remains intact. The commission acknowledged the necessity of these updates, supporting the request for CPA funding to facilitate the ongoing preservation work.

The commission also considered the rehabilitation of the Greeny building at 1270-1288 Pleasant Street and the Pado Narag Cash apartment building at 1616-1622 Pleasant Street. Both projects aim to maintain historical integrity while addressing contemporary housing needs. The Greeny building proposal includes converting existing spaces into residential units, with plans to restore the building’s storefronts. The Pado Narag Cash building, which has suffered significant damage, requires urgent roof and brickwork repairs. The plan includes doubling the number of apartments and installing an elevator to meet building code requirements, with an emphasis on market-rate units.

Another focal point was the commission’s support for expanding the Form B documentation for the Highland local historic district. The Fall River Preservation Society presented a project to update and expand historical records across the city, which last saw updates in the 1980s. This effort aims to engage the community in preserving Fall River’s history and fostering local pride. A letter of support for the CPA grant funding necessary for this documentation expansion was unanimously approved.

Community engagement was further highlighted in discussions about the adoption and maintenance of a park on Highland Avenue. The park, initially cleaned and planted by the Preservation Society, requires ongoing maintenance to enhance its appeal as a gateway to the Highlands National Register District. The commission explored potential adoption by local nonprofits, emphasizing the need for sustained care to preserve its aesthetic and historical value.

The commission also approved a nomination for the property on Alden Street, known as the Aspar Santos School, following receipt of a signed acceptance letter.

An update on the Steep Brook area’s ongoing project included plans for a presentation at Roger Williams University. The project has made progress in collaboration with local departments, despite challenges due to unavailable historical records. Efforts to expand the Highlands local historic district are also advancing, with preparations underway to notify property owners of newly included properties. The commission is transitioning from paper-based to digital surveys to streamline homeowner feedback.