The Historic District Commission met on February 22, 2007. The following are the Historic District Commission Minutes.

Methuen Historic District Commission

February 22, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.Great Hall – Searles Building, 41 Pleasant Street

MEETING 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 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, Michael Keane, architect, Enterprise Bank, Bob Gilman, Enterprise Bank 

3. Acceptance of January 4, 2007 Minutes MOTION BY Commissioner Winn to accept the minutes of the January 4, 2007 meeting. Second by Commissioner Bella.  UNANIMOUS VOTE.  
 

4. New Business 

A. Application: Michael Keane, Architect, 255 Broadway: Enterprise bank – temporary sign Mr. Keane presented a design for a temporary sign at the construction site of the proposed Enterprise Bank building. The two-sided sign, of painted wood with wood posts, will be installed perpendicular to the street for a six-month period and will be replaced with a permanent sign; the latter will be reviewed by the Commission at a later date.  MOTION BY Commissioner Winn to approve the temporary sign with the following condition: §        The sign surface will be non-reflective Second by Commissioner Fabino. 

B. Discussion: Michael Keane, Architect255 Broadway: Enterprise Bank building plans Mr. Keane presented elevations and a site plan for the proposed Enterprise Bank building. He described the street access from Broadway and Park Streets, the building setback, and the hardscape/landscape plans for the street edge to be developed by landscape architect and design team partner, Chris Huntress. Enterprise Bank has a history of rehabilitating existing historic buildings; design details were inspired by, and are respectful of, surrounding buildings and are similar on all four elevations. The building has a brick exterior, granite sills, classical entablatures, and corbelled rake details. The roof will be asphalt architectural shingles; the pilasters are made of PVC.

There is a small drive-thru at the rear; Mr. Keane said that the site plan meets all drive-thru and parking requirements. Landscaped areas will surround the building. In response to Commissioners’ questions, Mr. Keane stated that in keeping with company policy, there will be no dumpsters on site. The cupola and its base will be made of fiberglass material with glassed-in windows. Commissioners Robinson and Dufresne expressed concerns about the building orientation and the lack of a defined street edge. Discussion ensued with Mr. Keane about reconciling parking, access, and public safety concerns with maintenance of an historically appropriate streetscape. Mr. Keane stated that Enterprise Bank is noted for landscaping and will reinforce the street edge with hardscape and landscape elements; although no specific fencing material has been specified, it will be substantial and will surround the property. Commissioners discussed the relative merits of the applied decoration, which Mr. Keane said was inspired by the Old Town Hall building.  Mr. Keane agreed to return to the Commission with alternative site plans showing building orientations parallel to Broadway.

He will also supply aerial views showing surrounding structures and setbacks. An informal workshop will be held with Mr. Keane and the Commissioners on Thursday, March 8 at 7:00 pm to discuss changes to the plans.    

5. Other Business 

Traditional Building Conference

Chairperson Welch reported that the Mayor has agreed to support the attendance of several Commissioners at one-day sessions at the Traditional Building Conference in Boston March 7-10. Lynn Smiledge will arrange for attendee registrations. 

Historic District Expansion

Ms. Smiledge reported on district expansion initiative activities. Commissioners were reminded to attend the informational meetings and contact City Councilors and property owners per their assignments. Lynn Smiledge will draft a letter inviting historic district business and property owners to attend the informational meetings and public hearing and share their experiences; Commissioners compiled a list of individuals to be contacted. 

Violations and Enforcement

Ms. Smiledge will send violation letters to Nick’s Pizza on Broadway for an internally illuminated sign and to Mi Mexico Lindo Restaurant on Pleasant Street for a neon open sign.  She will contact the owner of the CVS building about painting/staining the fence around the dumpster. 

Commission Openings and Reappointments

Chairperson Welch requested candidate names for several openings on the Commission. Commissioners whose terms have expired should advise the Mayor that they wish to be reappointed. Ms. Smiledge will contact the local real estate board for realtor candidate suggestions. 

Design Guidelines Handbook

Ms. Smiledge distributed copies of draft text and format options for the handbook. Commissioners should provide feedback within the next two weeks. MOTION BY Commissioner Dufresne to adjourn the meeting. Second by Commissioner Robinson. UNANIMOUS VOTE.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:10 PM.