A bare quorum of commissioners attended the Aug. 6 meeting of the Historic District Commission, and they faced another light agenda.
Only one item came to the table, an application to remove two windows and add one window higher on the wall at 95 Wall St. The application also called for replacing a door with a wooden Dutch door and a security door, and repainting the exterior.
Noah Morris represented owner Julia Boyer, and explained that the building had been converted from a barn, and the two existing windows on that face of the building were different sizes because of the barn framing. He showed how the house would look after the alterations. Morris said the wall has extensive termite damage, and the framing will be replaced, except for the gable.
Questions arose about the resulting large unbroken expanse of siding, and Morris said that extensive landscaping was planned in front of that wall. Cassie Dishman, director of Planning and Community Development, said city guidelines would not ordinarily allow removing windows on a primary façade.
Chair Dee Bright noted that the house is non-contributing, and the requested changes would still fit in with the neighborhood. She added that she has driven past the property every day, when it was in “sad, sad shape.” She added, “I don’t see how removing those windows will make any difference.” She thanked Morris for the efforts to improve the property.
The other three commissioners in attendance agreed. The commission still has one vacancy, and two commissioners were absent with notice.
The HDC will next meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Level III applications were due Aug. 7, and Level II applications were due Aug. 13.