The Historic District Commission met on November 30, 2006. The following are the Historic District Commission Minutes.

1. Call to Order of Regular Meeting

 Chairperson Welch called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM. 

2. Roll Call 

Martha Welch, Chair                       Present

Rick Coco, Vice Chair                      Absent

Joseph Bella                                      Present

Raymond Dufresne                          Present

Robert Fabino                                   Present

John Keenan                                     Absent

Rudy Pivovar, Alternate                 Absent

Katherine Robinson, Alternate      Present

David Sigillo, Alternate                   Absent

Walter Winn                                         Present 

Others in Attendance

Lynn Smiledge, Historic Planner, City of Methuen, MA

Marilyn Long, Methuen, MA

Frank Welch, Methuen, MA

Wendy Frontiero, Preservation Consultant, Beverly, MA 

3. Acceptance of October 26, 2006 Minutes MOTION BY Commissioner Winn to accept the minutes of the October 26, 2006 meeting. Second by Commissioner Dufresne.  UNANIMOUS VOTE.  

4. New Business 

A. Application: Marilyn Long Parking Lot at Lowell and Hampshire Streets: Equestrian monument Ms. Long provided background on the proposed monument, which has been under discussion since 2000. Ms. Smiledge noted that Ms. Long’s initial application was approved in October, 2003. Because more than a year has elapsed since the approval certificate was issued and changes have been made to the design, the application is subject to reapproval by the Commission. In answering questions from the Commissioners, Ms. Long confirmed that the monument would be of gray granite with a natural, rough-edge treatment rather than a scalloped-edge treatment. The image on Side One of the monument will feature the head and neck of a horse. Side Two will show a ladder truck. MOTION BY Commissioner Winn to approve the application with the following condition: §          Final proofs of the engraved images will be reviewed by the Commission chairperson prior to completion of the monumentSecond by Commissioner Robinson. UNANIMOUS VOTE. 

5. Old Business 

B. Application/Continuation: Coco & Early5 Pleasant Street: Signage at Mi Mexico Lindo restaurant The applicant requested continuation of the application to the next Commission meeting. MOTION BY Commissioner Winn to allow a 60-day extension. Second by Katherine Robinson.  UNANIMOUS VOTE. 

6. Other Business 

A. Chair ApprovalMs. Smiledge reported that an application from Victor Roofing Experts received chair approval for roof replacement with architectural asphalt shingles at 268 Broadway.  

B. Violations and EnforcementMs. Smiledge reported that business owner Nick Katsoulis of Nick’s Family Pizza was asked to ensure that his sign was not illuminated, per the conditions of his Certificate of Appropriateness. He requested permission from the Commission to illuminate the sign temporarily until the planned renovations at 246 Broadway take place. MOTION BY Commissioner Winn to deny the request. Second by Commissioner Robinson. UNANIMOUS VOTE. 

Ms. Smiledge noted that Miguel Rosario of Rosario’s 1859 House at 12 Hampshire would be provided with an application form for temporary banners at his business. 

C.  Miscellaneous Chairperson Welch reported that several vacancies are anticipated on the Commission due to expired terms. She asked Commissioners to provide the Mayor and/or herself with the names of potential candidates and added that there is particular need for an individual representing the real estate sector.  Ms. Smiledge reported that both the Historical Commission and the Historic District Commission plan to seek grants from the Massachusetts Historical Commission Survey and Planning Grant program; the deadline for letters of intention is December 15. Commissioners discussed the merits of several possible projects and determined that the first priority for a grant project is revision of the walking tour brochure and replacement of the tour markers.

The second priority is development of an accurate historic district brochure. Ms. Smiledge will explore the Essex Foundation as a possible grant source. The Commission accepted the proposed 2007 meeting schedule, which included moving the December 28, 2006 meeting to January 4, 2007. Chairperson Welch suggested that the joint commission meeting between the Historic District Commission and the Historical Commission be held on January 4 or January 25 at 8:00 pm, after the regularly scheduled Historic District Commission Meeting. Ms. Smiledge will coordinate scheduling with the Historical Commission. Ms. Smiledge presented samples of Open/Closed signs produced by Hammar & Sons sign company; the approximate cost is $5.00 per sign. Commissioners preferred the black version and directed Ms. Smiledge to proceed with production of the signs for downtown businesses as soon as funding becomes available. Ms. Smiledge reported that bronze replacement markers for the walking tour could be obtained for approximately $300 per sign.

Commissioners liked the concept and asked Ms. Smiledge to explore the impact of the number of letters on the marker cost. Ms. Smiledge updated the Commission on the status of funding requests. The Mayor vetoed the establishment of a revolving account for the collection of application fees (amounting to approximately $700 - $900 annually), but has agreed to fund the Historic District Commission in the Fiscal 2008 budget. Chairperson Welch suggested that the Commission request $5,000. Ms. Smiledge will investigate the status of the following:§          Simultaneous illumination of both the old (gooseneck) and new (historic) street lights on Broadway§         

Footbridge and Spada projects Commissioner Winn reminded Commissioners that Ernie Mack would receive a Mayoral citation at the City Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 4 at 7:00 pm in the Great Hall. Wendy Frontiero, preservation consultant, provided the Commission with an update on the design guidelines grant project. She distributed copies of design guidelines from Brookline, Concord, and San Marcos, Texas for comparison and stated that ours, like theirs, will meet the guidelines of the Secretary of the Interior. Ms. Frontiero offered initial thoughts on development of a design theme for downtown and noted that historic maps show greater regularity of buildings on Broadway than currently exists. She observed the following visual connections between properties in the historic district:§         

 Grade change §          Spicket River§          Views – several sides of many buildings visible §          Walls Ms. Frontiero stated that the clutter of competing signage on Broadway would be addressed in the sign guidelines. She noted that most of the “feature” or predominant buildings in the district date to the turn of the century. It is important for developers to understand the architectural vocabulary of that period and make reference to it in new construction. Ms. Smiledge offered her opinion that new development presents the Commission with its largest opportunity to have a positive impact on the historic district. Ms. Frontiero underlined the importance of considering the relationships of a building to its land and its parking. Ms. Frontiero said that the next step in the grant project process is circulation of a draft outline and photographs to MHC and the Commission.

Ms. Smiledge stated that the schedule allows for simultaneous review by both entities. Commissioner Robinson requested that the design guidelines contain strong language on vinyl windows and siding. It was confirmed that Azec material, Hardi Plank siding, and architectural shingles have been approved by the Commission. MOTION BY Commissioner Winn to adjourn the meeting. Second by Commissioner Dufresne. UNANIMOUS VOTE.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:25 PM.

 Respectfully submitted,

Lynn Smiledge