The Historic District Commission considered two applications at last week’s meeting. One application was approved without comment, while the other led to lengthy discussion and a postponement.
At 44 Owen St., Bill White received approval to repair a roof damaged by a fallen tree. The house, built in 1965, is considered non-contributing. In addition to the repairs, White was allowed to change part of his roofline, and the affected area is not visible from the street.
George Robinson, at 7 Charles Circle, had asked to remove an area of vinyl siding and replace it with stucco. His application also called for the removal of two windows above exterior doors.
Robinson said that he had already removed the vinyl siding to assess rot damage. The affected area included a projection 6×16 feet from the rest of the house. In response to a question, Robinson said the rest of the siding would eventually be replaced with composite. This particular area was more exposed to potential water damage, and stucco would provide better protection. Although the house was built in 1995, the commissioners still had reservations about mixing exterior materials.
Commissioners also expressed displeasure upon finding that Robinson had already removed the siding. Commissioner Debbie Davis said she understood why Robinson wanted to get started immediately but explained the proper procedures for asking HDC approval before starting a project.
The application included another shortcoming, since it did not specify the size of smaller octagon windows that will replace the half-round windows above doors. The application was tabled pending a visit by the building inspector. Cassie Dishman, director of Planning and Community Development, reminded Robinson that he cannot receive a building permit without a Certificate of Appropriateness from the HDC.
The HDC will next meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Level III applications were due Oct. 24, and Level II applications are due Oct. 30. The commission still has one vacancy.