The most notable development was the commission’s approval of a comprehensive chimney restoration on Main Road. The project necessitated the complete rebuilding of the chimneys below the roof line due to previous unsuccessful repair attempts. The owner has enlisted the expertise of David Berquist, a contractor renowned for his work in historic masonry restoration, to ensure the project aligns with the property’s historical character. The restoration will employ bricks sourced from Styles and Hart in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, manufactured using traditional methods to replicate the late 18th and early 19th-century appearance.

The commission emphasized the importance of using lime mortar instead of Portland cement to achieve a historically accurate aesthetic. This decision followed discussions about the quality of materials and craftsmanship. A commission member acknowledged the project’s challenges but praised the commitment to restoring the chimneys to their original state. The unanimous approval of the proposal was accompanied by the appointment of Bill Kendall and Beverly as monitors to ensure the project’s adherence to the approved plans, with established guidelines for communicating any changes during construction.

Equally compelling was the debate over the proposed installation of a solar array on Main Road. Scott Brown from Rooftop Power represented the homeowners, who aim to install solar panels on both their home and detached garage. The commission’s primary concern revolved around the visibility of the panels from public vantage points, as they could potentially conflict with the commission’s historical preservation standards. The initial photographs submitted with the application were deemed unclear, leading to questions about the array’s compliance with established protocols, particularly regarding its placement on the main house.

The commission’s deliberations centered on the responsibility of homeowners in historic districts to preserve the aesthetic integrity of their properties. A suggestion to move the panels from the main house to the less-visible garage received some support, as the garage’s location would minimize their visual impact. The consensus was that a site visit was necessary to assess the project’s implications accurately. Beverly proposed the visit, emphasizing the need for firsthand evaluation to make an informed decision. The proposal for a site visit was unanimously approved, scheduled for February 8th, with the contractor present to address any inquiries. The subsequent continuation of the hearing is set for March 3rd, allowing the commission to finalize its decision based on observations from the site visit.

In addition to these projects, the commission also dealt with other applications, including one for a property on Main Road, which faced delays due to the applicants’ personal circumstances.

Certificates of non-applicability were briefly discussed, notably for a storm door on Main Road and a roof replacement on Main Road. The latter required collaboration with the homeowners to resolve issues related to the solar panel installation.

The commission also addressed administrative matters, such as the annual report required by the town, summarizing the year’s approved and denied certificates. A member noted the report’s comprehensiveness.