The meeting commenced with a review of three applications for hearing under Chapter 158, starting with 17 Dusty Miller Lane. The property, built in 1946 and represented by homeowners Alisa Urban and Edwin Lopez, sought to extend their home by adding approximately 800 to 900 square feet. The commission had previously determined in 2021 that the property was not historically significant. The current discussion aimed to reaffirm this decision and decide on the imposition of a demolition delay.

Members of the commission, having reviewed the property thoroughly in the past and noted its unchanged condition, expressed agreement with the previous evaluation. Concerns were raised about construction activity observed on the site, which was clarified as cleanup rather than new construction. A motion was made and seconded to reaffirm the earlier finding that the building was not historically significant. The roll call vote resulted in unanimous approval, with the commission thanking the homeowners for their patience.

Next, the commission examined an application for a property on Crosby Lane, presented by Thomas Moore from Thomas Moore Design Company. The existing house, a neglected bungalow built in 1935 and owned by Rebecca Fuller, was in poor condition. The commission unanimously agreed that the structure had lost its historical relevance and did not warrant a demolition delay.

The focus then shifted to 83 Old Mill Road, represented by Tom Blakeley for the estate of Kath Lee. The property had previously been deemed not historically significant, and Blakeley presented a revised design for the house. While the new design’s gray exterior was noted, the commission emphasized that design elements were outside their jurisdiction. Concerns were raised about the proposed house’s scale and its impact on the neighborhood’s character, which predominantly featured smaller, one-story cottages from the 1940s.

Despite differing opinions on the visibility and impact of the new construction, the commission’s authority was limited to historical significance. A motion was made to find that the buildings on Old Mill Road were not historically significant, passing unanimously.

Following these votes, the commission addressed the broader issue of “demolition by neglect.” They noted ongoing conversations with the new planner, Christen O’Grady, about potential actions to mitigate this problem. The meeting extended beyond its anticipated timeframe to accommodate these discussions and clarify the status of properties under review.

The commission also discussed various initiatives and ongoing projects related to historical preservation. They mentioned plans to meet with Christine Christina to discuss upcoming work, referencing information from Edger Town, Newport, and Sandwich. Additionally, they awaited a decision from Community Development regarding funding for the historic properties survey update.

The commission also celebrated a recent successful vote concerning the upweller and discussed efforts to save the Coast Guard boathouse, including preparing a draft Form B to support National Register designation.

Attention was drawn to the Washington Tailor House and the former Monoy Theater, where owners awaited a judge’s ruling on a zoning issue. The developer planned to construct houses on part of the property while restoring the theater, despite community skepticism. Concerns about homes built in the 1940s lacking clear historical significance guidelines were raised, and members were encouraged to gather resources to aid future discussions.

The unique cottages on Captain Richards Way were highlighted for their historical significance due to their construction on stilts. The commission considered integrating these cottages into the broader survey of historic homes for collective preservation.