A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the Night Owl Diner, located on Pleasant Street. Anton Das, representing the diner, requested a letter of support for a Community Preservation Grant to fund restoration projects. He outlined plans to refurbish the diner’s iconic neon signage and stainless steel features, and to address mechanical and plumbing issues. Das noted that the Massachusetts Historical Commission had shown interest in the diner’s Form B, a step that could lead to its designation as a historic diner on a statewide list. The discussion also touched on the potential for historical tax credits, which the owner intends to pursue to aid the restoration. The commission expressed a strong desire to preserve the diner’s original features, ultimately voting unanimously to support the grant request.

Another prominent topic was the request for Community Preservation Act funding for the Fall River Maritime Museum on Water Street. Chris Nardy, Chief Operating Officer at Battleship Cove, presented the museum’s situation following a windstorm that caused structural issues. A panel ejected from a beam matrix, which was part of a design replicating the Fall River Line terminal in New York City. This incident led to the museum’s closure for safety reasons. Nardy expressed concerns about the quality of the remaining panels and sought funding for their removal, as well as the possible removal of the entire steel structure to restore the museum’s original appearance.

The discussion included the presence of asbestos in the panel caulking, necessitating review by the Department of Environmental Protection. Nardy reassured the commission that insurance considerations were being addressed, although complexities due to the asbestos were acknowledged. He emphasized the opportunity to restore the museum’s historical integrity by removing the modern addition, which had altered its original facade. The commission members discussed the importance of historical accuracy and voted to send a letter of support for the restoration project.

The meeting also covered the nomination of 141 Wood La Street to the Register of Significant Structures, initiated by the homeowner. Discussion on the topic was brief, as the nomination had already been approved in August and required no further action.

Attention turned to an amendment to the historical preservation ordinance, which had passed through the city council. The amendment changes the membership appointment process, now requiring that all members be nominated solely by the mayor. This change aligns with state regulations and impacts the current members, who will need to schedule swearing-in appointments.

Additionally, the commission reviewed the status of its Certified Local Government application. Due to the ordinance changes, only an updated list of member terms and expiration dates is needed, avoiding a full resubmission. This information, along with the amended ordinance, will be sent to the Massachusetts Historical Commission to ensure the application process continues smoothly.

The proposed expansion of the Highlands Local Historic District was also on the agenda. The commission examined a map outlining the expansion, though errors in the map caused some complications. They discussed the boundary lines, especially along Highland Avenue, where the expansion could intersect with current boundaries. Significant properties, including the Dar Parlin house and the Rising Sun house, were identified as needing additional protection. The commission considered conducting surveys to gauge property owner support for the expansion, planning to use online platforms like Google Forms to facilitate the process.