The Historic District Commission has periodically explored ways to educate property owners about the proper procedure for making changes to the exterior of a structure. The HDC frequently handles belated applications for work already in place, because a property owner did not know about the requirements to appear before the commission.
Prior to the March 19 meeting, commissioners held a workshop to develop better public outreach. Commissioner Debbie Davis said, “I think we accomplished a lot at our work session,” and the others agreed.
The agenda included two contributing properties more than a hundred years old, but both applications were approved with little discussion. At 4 Prospect Ave., Mark Ingram will replace a metal handrail along the front steps with a wood railing. Ingram shared historic pictures showing a wooden railing. The house dates to 1897.
A house at 2 Cottage St. dates to 1910, and Lucilla Garrett received approval to build a small addition on the southwest part of the house. The exterior will match the existing materials, and the addition will not be visible from the street.
During commissioner comments, Chair Dee Bright said repairs to Basin Park are coming along well, and the project should be done by the end of the month.
The HDC will next meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2. Level III applications were due March 20, and Level II applications were due March 26. No agenda items were proposed for that meeting. The commission still has a vacancy.