The Historic District Commission met on March 22, 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, Joseph Bella, Present, Raymond Dufresne, Present, Robert Fabino, Present, Katherine Robinson, Alternate, Present, David Sigillo, Alternate, Absent, Walter Winn, Present 

Others in Attendance

 Lynn Smiledge, Historic Planner, City of Methuen, Michael Keane, architect, Enterprise Bank, Bob Gilman, Enterprise Bank, Jim Keenan, project manager, Enterprise Bank, John Vargas, Bada Bing Pizza, Edward Sampson, Gregg L’Heureux, Michael Dow, Frank Welch 

3. Acceptance of February 22, 2007 Minutes MOTION BY Commissioner Winn to accept the minutes of the February 22, 2007 meeting. Second by Commissioner Bella.  UNANIMOUS VOTE.  
 

4. New Business 

A. Application: John Vargas, 26 Hampshire St.: Bada Bing Pizza, signage Mr. Vargas presented a business rationale and design for a two-sided sign to be hung over the entrance to his restaurant at 26 Hampshire St. in the same position as the existing temporary sign. After discussing the colors, layout, and material composition of the sign with Commissioners, the applicant agreed to simplify the design by removing the word “Italian” and decreasing the size of “& more”.  Mr. Vargas intends to retain the existing transfer letters in the storefront windows and the existing exterior lights, redirecting them downward. MOTION BY Commissioner Robinson to approve the sign with the following conditions: The sign surface will be non-reflective. The Commission Chair will review the final sign design and bracket configuration. Second by Commissioner Dufresne. 

B. Public Hearing:

Jim Keenan/Michael Keane, 255 Broadway: Enterprise Bank building plans Mr. Keenan presented the site plan (Plan A) that the bank intends to carry forward and described the traffic flow, parking, business operations and public safety issues that led to its adoption. The plan has been reviewed by representatives of the planning, fire and public safety departments; it meets public safety requirements and is acceptable to the fire department if it includes a minimum 25-foot paved access encircling the building. The site plan will be submitted to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a residential buffer variance.  Mr. Keane presented the building plan that was previously reviewed by Commissioners at the workshop on March 8, 2007. He showed the four elevations and described the building’s architectural features and materials, including brick, granite sills, durable fiberglass cupola, and dual black architectural shingles. The wall-hung lighting fixtures will differ from the ones shown on the elevations; the bank will install acorn fixtures on the front and shoebox fixtures on the back of the building. The freestanding street sign will be illuminated from the ground. The landscape and fencing plan is under development by landscape architect Chris Huntress. Public Comment in Support of the ApplicationBob Gilman spoke in favor of the project, stating that the building will be functional, profitable for the bank, and complementary to the architectural character of the historic district.  No one spoke in opposition to the project. Commissioners Robinson and Dufresne expressed concerns about the angled building orientation in Plan A and stated their preference for alternate site plans in which the building is parallel and closer to the street. Mr. Keenan stated that the alternate site plans wouldn’t satisfy the bank’s operational needs or meet safety requirements, and would require redesign of the building’s interior to accommodate the ATM, deal drawer, and night depository.  Commissioner Fabino asked about the bank’s plans for signage on the building façade. Mr. Keenan responded that the bank will likely return to the Commission with a request to install “Enterprise Bank” in gold lettering on the facade. 

MOTION BY Commissioner Winn to accept the application for demolition of the existing building and construction of a new building at 255 Broadway with the following conditions: Sample building materials (bricks, trim, roof shingles), light fixtures, additional signage, and the landscape plan will be presented to the Historic District Commission for review and approval.Second by Commissioner Bella. Commissioner Robinson stated her opposition to the site plan, noting that buildings in the historic district should be sited at the street edge and that the street side parking lot was not optimal. Approval of this plan will set a negative precedent for parking lots in the historic district. A vote was taken on the motion, with Commissioners Fabino, Winn, Bella and Welch voting for the application, and Commissioners Dufresne and Robinson voting against. The application was approved. 

C. Discussion: Gregg L’Heureux/Edward Sampson, Memorial Music Hall Signage Commissioner Winn recused himself from the discussion because of his employment relationship with the Music Hall. Representing the Trustees of the Memorial Music Hall, Mr. L’Heureux provided background on the organization and its mission, and the building’s ongoing maintenance requirements. He outlined the need for an effective sign system that effectively

1) identifies the building and 2) communicates concerts and events. The Trustees are currently studying signage and lighting alternatives, including approaches employed by sister cultural organizations like the Boston Symphony Orchestra. They will return to the Commission with a formal application at a future date. Mr. L’Heureux stated that many Trustees are concerned that recent and planned development in the area surrounding the Music Hall may not be in the organization’s best interest. They would like more opportunity to provide input into development plans affecting adjacent properties. The Trustees have not historically had a collaborative relationship with the City and are seeking to improve that relationship, and in particular, strengthen the relationship with the Historic District Commission. Chairperson Welch and the Commissioners fully support that goal and acknowledge that the Music Hall is the cornerstone of the historic district. Mr. Sampson and Mr. Dow introduced themselves and distributed a marketing brochure, organ recital schedule, and photographs of the current street sign to Commissioners.    

5. Other Business 

Miscellaneous: Chairperson Welch reported that the Mayor reappointed Joseph Bella to the Commission.  She reported that City Council has proposed formation of a committee to reconsider Chapters 24 (historic district establishment) and 25 (demolition delay ordinance) of the Municipal Code. Councilors on the Committee include Cronin, Leone, Andrew, and Quinn. Martha asked Commissioners Fabino and Robinson to represent the Historic District Commission; Glenn Gaudreau will ask Dan Gagnon to represent the Historical Commission. Ms. Smiledge stated that Commission input on the design guidelines text is due to the preservation consultant by the end of the month. Commissioners are asked to review the text and forward their comments to Lynn. Commissioners Welch and Robinson will meet with Ms. Smiledge on Thursday, March 29 at 7:00 pm at Nevins Library to finalize the text; other Commissioners are welcome to participate. MOTION BY Commissioner Winn to adjourn the meeting. Second by Commissioner Bella. UNANIMOUS VOTE.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:20 PM.