The Historic District Commission met on January 4, 2007. 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, Absent

Robert Fabino, Absent

John Keenan, Absent

Rudy Pivovar, Alternate, Absent

Katherine Robinson, Alternate, Present

David Sigillo, Alternate, Present

Walter Winn, Present 

Others in Attendance

Lynn Smiledge, Historic Planner, City of Methuen, MA, Blaise Coco, Coco & Early, Methuen, MA, Linda Early, Coco & Early, Methuen, MA, Daniel Corona, Mi Mexico Lindo Restaurant, Methuen, MA, Frank Welch, Methuen, MA 

3. Acceptance of November 30, 2006 Minutes 

MOTION BY Commissioner Winn to accept the minutes of the November 30, 2006 meeting. Second by Commissioner Bella.  UNANIMOUS VOTE.  
 

4. Old Business A. Application Continuation: Linda Early and Blaise Coco, 5 Pleasant Street: Mi Mexico Lindo restaurant signage Ms. Early distributed a proposed redesign for the restaurant directory sign based on recommendations made at the commission workshop held on October 23, 2006. Changes included removing the figures, using a more vertical font, and simplifying the color scheme to red and black. Chairperson Welch reviewed the history of restaurant-related signage issues of concern to the Commission, including the directory sign, banners, neon signs, and most recently, the temporary floodlight illuminating the directory. She said that the neon signs at the entrance must be removed, and stated her belief that good food, not neon signs, attracts customers to restaurants. Ms. Smiledge read the list of suggestions for improved signage developed at the Oct. 23 workshop.

It included: 1) a sign on the existing stanchion at the Charles St. parking lot stairwell; 2) a sign on the retaining wall at the rear of the parking lot; 3) a sign on the upper level of the building; 4) transfer lettering on the entrance awning; 5) chili pepper style “tree” lights on the awning; and 6) removal of the banner at the parking lot. A sign on the chimney below the Eastpointe Mortgage sign was also proposed.

After discussion of the signage options, the Commission recommended three sign installations:  1. A sign for the parking lot stanchion 2. A sign on the entrance awning 3. An up lighted sign on the parking lot entrance directory  Ms. Early asked if a sandwich board sign at the corner of Broadway and Charles during business hours was acceptable. Chairperson Welch said that it was not permanent, and therefore was acceptable. Commissioner Robinson suggested that a temporary “Open” sign at the restaurant entrance or a flag mounted on the directory sign might also be considered. MOTION BY Commissioner Robinson to approve the application for the directory sign with the following conditions:

The sign surface will be non-reflective, Permanent floodlights will replace the temporary light. Second by Commissioner Winn. UNANIMOUS VOTE. Chairperson Welch noted that the Commission looked forward to working with the applicant on other sign installations at the site. 

B. Discussion: Nick Katsoulis, 246 Broadway: Nick’s Family Pizza sign illumination Mr. Katsoulis was not present. Ms. Smiledge reported on conversations with the property owner, Joe Fisichelli, in which he committed to installing two floodlights on the wall directed upwards to illuminate the sign.MOTION BY Commissioner Winn to allow the installation of wall-mounted floodlights directed upward at the sign as a temporary measure until the plaza is renovated. Second by Commissioner Bella. UNANIMOUS VOTE. 

C. Discussion: Miguel Rosario12-14 Hampshire St.: 1859 House signage and banners Commissioners summarized the decisions made at the Commission workshop with Mr. Rosario on Dec. 18, 2006. The banners on the front (Hampshire St.) and rear (Osgood St.) of the building will be switched; both banners may remain in place for 60 days. The banner on the Hampshire St. façade will be redesigned with simpler text and black and white lettering. The new Hampshire St. banner will be submitted to the Commission for review and approval at the Jan. 25, 2007 meeting, at which time more permanent sign solutions will be discussed. One such solution might be a hanging sign attached to the present blade sign on the Hampshire St. façade. 

5. Other Business 

Commission Appointments

Chairperson Welch reported that several vacancies are anticipated on the Commission and asked the viewing audience to submit the names of potential candidates. 

Historic District Expansion

Ms. Smiledge circulated a revised schedule for the historic district expansion initiative. She emphasized that the efforts of all Commissioners will be required to assure the project’s success. Commissioners agreed to the schedule and determined that Tuesday, March 13, was an acceptable date for the required public hearing. The hearing format was discussed briefly and Commissioner Sigillo volunteered to coordinate a PowerPoint presentation and provide technical support. Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) Survey and Planning

Grants

Ms. Smiledge reported that she submitted two letters of intent to MHC, one of which will be accepted for a grant proposal. A proposal for an historic structures report on the Masonic Hall was submitted on behalf of the Historical Commission. A proposal for revising the historic district walking tour brochure was submitted on behalf of the Historic District Commission. Ms. Smiledge showed Commissioners a sample of an anodized aluminum plaque produced by Merrimack Engraving and Marking Co. of Methuen. Commissioners liked the concept for use in replacement walking tour markers if funding becomes available; the markers would not be framed. 

Miscellaneous

Commissioner Winn praised the new sign at Dube Lock on North Broadway and noted that the Old Weatherbee Tavern had been vinyl sided. Commissioner Sigillo reported that he toured the Sheehan Building, which is for sale. He was shown very preliminary plans for 8 residential units. MOTION BY Commissioner Winn to adjourn the meeting. Second by Commissioner Bella. UNANIMOUS VOTE.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynn Smiledge