The commission’s decision to approve the demolition and subsequent new design on Grand Street was a focal point of the meeting. The existing residential structure, deemed non-contributing, included sections dating back to 1956, with additions from the 1970s and a rear portion from 2007. The owner initially planned to incorporate part of the existing structure into a new design but faced zoning issues necessitating a revised plan for complete demolition. The architect assured the commission that the original demolition criteria remained valid and emphasized the new design’s compliance with local architectural styles and FEMA height regulations.

During the presentation, the architect outlined plans to build a new house that would adhere to flood zone requirements, maintaining a height of 32 feet 9 inches above the flood level, well within the 40-foot maximum. Materials chosen for the new construction included diamond-shaped asphaltic roof tiles and smooth Hardy plank siding, chosen for their aesthetic alignment with traditional Bungalow styles. The commission reviewed these changes thoroughly.

In addition to structural changes, the architectural team addressed elements such as window placement, railing designs, and foundational materials. The commission had previously expressed concerns about the design’s coherence with the surrounding neighborhood, which were addressed during the meeting. A motion was passed to approve the final design, contingent on specific conditions regarding materials and structural details.

Another major topic discussed was the boundary adjustments for the historic district. The commission considered the procedural steps necessary for implementing these changes, with members recalling previous conversations about scaling back the district while maintaining the historical recognition of individual properties. Concerns about spot zoning were acknowledged, but the practice of recognizing historic sites outside the district was deemed acceptable. The finalized map of the historic district was ready, yet consensus on the adoption process, including public hearings, had not been reached. The importance of a streamlined process that involved the Planning Commission, administration, and Council was emphasized, with suggestions to notify affected property owners before public hearings.

On a related note, the commission addressed the need for additional historic surveys. It was highlighted that many properties, including those in the Village Green area, have outdated reports dating back to 1993. The process for conducting these surveys typically involves state historic preservation office grants, enabling the city to hire qualified consultants. Though the current fiscal budget had already been decided, there was recognition of the necessity to prioritize these surveys for the upcoming fiscal year.

The meeting also included the election of new commission officers. John Becker was nominated and unanimously elected as the new chair, with Jim Testa elected as vice-chair. Chris Gillin-Schwartz was reaffirmed as the legal advisor and solicitor, praised for his effective representation and creative solutions during meetings.

In another application, the commission deliberated over changes to a retail property in the historic district. The owner sought approval to replace the siding and entry door at The Cheese Store. The proposed changes included replacing Dutch lap wood siding with wood clabber to maintain consistency across the building’s exterior. The commission supported this logical approach, given the poor condition of the existing siding. However, the request to install a new French wood door with a plain transom in place of the existing entry door prompted discussions about maintaining historical accuracy versus modern functionality. The commission decided to table the door and transom portion of the application, pending further research into their historical authenticity.