The primary focus of the meeting was the application for a property on Mil Hill Lane, a contributing structure within a National Register District. The proposal, presented by a representative in the absence of the primary applicant Edward Lopez, included major modifications to previous plans for additions to the house. Initially, a second-story addition was proposed, but this was deemed structurally unsound. The revised proposal involved a bump-out on the front of the house for a new entryway and additional living space, which was seen as having less impact on the historical integrity of the structure.

During the discussion, members of the commission shared their perspectives on the revised plans. One member recalled their site visit and noted that the alterations were indeed less imposing than the original plans. Another member appreciated the representative’s effective communication regarding the changes. There was also gratitude expressed for preserving a tree that was initially at risk due to earlier plans involving a porch addition.

After a thorough discussion, a motion was made asserting that the building is historically significant due to its age and contribution to the district. The commission members expressed unanimous support for the revisions, emphasizing the collective agreement on the importance of preserving the historical nature of the structure while adapting to contemporary needs. The motion passed, and the revised application was approved.

Attention then turned to the Bond Cottage on Main Street, focusing on a new proposal regarding the barn associated with the property. The house was already under construction after a summer pause. The design architect John Barker presented the proposed changes for the barn structure, which included lifting the existing structure to provide a new foundation and replacing exterior materials with new ones. It was clarified that the building’s structural integrity was largely sound, although the interior had undergone multiple renovations over the years, obscuring the original construction details.

Concerns were raised about the age and condition of the barn, with some members noting that it might date back to the late 1800s. There was a focus on ensuring that the historic character of the building was preserved during renovations. The discussion included the existing windows, most of which were modern replacements, and the plan to upgrade them to meet historic standards. The architectural team intended to maintain a unique round window, salvaging and repositioning it rather than replacing it.

Further discussions involved the condition of the barn doors, which were noted to be in poor condition, “rotting from the bottom up.” The consensus was that the doors would be replaced in kind, with efforts to match the existing design as closely as practical. The commission then found that the barn structure was historically significant, as it was over 75 years old and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This motion received unanimous support.

The commission also addressed the issue of “demolition by neglect,” with members expressing concerns about the visible deterioration of historic buildings in the community. The need for a cohesive approach to address issues of neglect was emphasized, with the town planner expressing interest in moving forward with the matter.

Additionally, the commission reviewed the historic US Coast Guard Boat House on Bridge Street and the potential demolition of a building dating back to the 1700s on Bridge Street. The meeting also included updates on archaeological resources and the Mono Theater property.