The Historic District Commission held a short meeting on Sept. 18, with only one application on the agenda.
Before moving into the evening’s agenda, Chair Dee Bright clarified the role of the HDC, saying the commission only considers external features. She explicitly listed subjects reserved for the Planning Commission, including setbacks, parking, or sewer line capacity. “Discussing these types of issues confuses people,” she said, as she cautioned other commissioners about raising such topics during a discussion.
The only application before the commission was approved with little discussion. Pam Forga, at 67 Wall St., had asked to add a fire escape at the rear of the building. The project will also include replacing two doors and constructing an addition 9×10 ft. for a bathroom. The addition will have Smart Siding, and deteriorating siding on the house will be replaced with the same product.
In other business:
- Commissioners voted up to $300 to revive the website espreservation.org. The website will be updated with the latest guideline revisions.
- Commissioner Debbie Davis suggested scheduling a workshop to discuss the national preservation forum held earlier this summer, as well as a session scheduled in Hot Springs in early October.
- The HDC still has one vacancy.
- Commissioners expressed appreciation for Glenna Booth, who is filling in for Kyle Palmer, the city’s Director of Planning and Community Development, who recently resigned.
- The HDC will next meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2. Level III applications were due Sept. 19, and Level II applications are due Sept. 26.