The Historic District Commission met on June 28, 2007. The following are the Historic District Commission Minutes.

1. Call to Order of Regular Meeting

Commissioner Dufresne called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM. 

2. Roll Call Martha Welch, Chair, Absent Joseph Bella, Present, Raymond Dufresne, Present, Robert Fabino, Present, Christine Metzemaekers, Absent, Katherine Robinson, Alternate, Present, David Sigillo, Alternate, Absent, Walter Winn, Present 

Others in Attendance

Lynn Smiledge, Historic Planner, City of Methuen, Jim Keenan, Enterprise Bank 

3. Acceptance of April 26, 2007 and May 24, 2007 Minutes MOTION BY Commissioner Winn to accept the minutes of the April 26, 2007 and May 24, 2007 meetings. Second by Commissioner Robinson. UNANIMOUS VOTE. 

4. Old Business Application Continuation: Enterprise Bank/Jim Keenan, 255 Broadway: landscape plan, material specifications Mr. Keenan provided Commissioners with site, landscape, and photometric plans; a design for the stone wall; brick and shingle samples; and external light fixture specifications. These elements are subject to review by the Commission as conditions to the approval granted on March 22, 2007 for the new building.  The proposed brick color is Red Range Old Port, a shade that closely matches the brick on the Old Town Hall. The brick is flashed and has a subtle texture. Mr. Keenan confirmed that the grout will be a light sand color and expansion joints will match the brick color. The architectural roof shingles are Harvard Chateau Slate.  

Exterior lighting fixtures on the building and in the parking lot will be black. The shoebox lights are16-18 ft. tall with 2 – 2 ½ ft. bases. The ceremony lights are 12 ft. tall; ornamental lights will be installed at ground level. The fencing around the dumpster will match the design proposed for the rear of the property; it will be painted white in both locations. Pavement material will include asphalt, pavers, and a concrete platform at the front entrance. The stone wall will be fieldstone with blind mortar joints that match the stone color. It will have a granite or bluestone cap the width and length of the wall. The proposed cupola is available in a paintable white or copper patina color; glass panels and incandescent lights may be installed inside. Commissioner Robinson stated her preference for copper patina color at the top and a base color that blends with the roof. Mr. Keenan pledged to change the cupola color if necessary to suit the Commission. The storefront doors will be white. The aluminum-clad wood windows will have both interior and exterior mullions. No sign is planned for the building exterior.

Mr. Keenan will provide the Commission with a rendering of the proposed street sign and directional signs. He stated that the bank continues to desire custody of the adjacent Joseph Hynes Square traffic island. MOTION by Commissioner Robinson to approve the plans and materials as submitted, with the following conditions:

The cupola top will be copper patina color; the base color will be determined in the field

Windows will feature exterior and in-between mullions

The stone wall will be fieldstone with a granite cap (if granite is available)Second by Commissioner Winn. UNANIMOUS VOTE. 

6. Other Business 270 Lawrence St. Application

Ms. Smiledge reported that she met with the owner of 270 Lawrence Street to review plans for changes to the façade, including installation of new windows and handicap access and residing with a brick patterned vinyl. She encouraged the property owner to consider other options for residing material. 

Violations and Enforcement

Ms. Smiledge will contact the owners of Mi Mexico Lindo about the unapproved awning sign, and will follow up with DPW on the bright yellow fence bumpers at the Neal Playstead. Commissioner Winn noted that the Greener Cleaners installed a neon Open sign.  

Design Guidelines Handbook

Ms. Smiledge distributed copies of the recently printed handbook to Commission members. Commissioners discussed dissemination of the handbook, including a mailing to historic district property owners and distribution to contractors, realtors, and City Council members. MOTION BY Commissioner Robinson to adjourn the meeting. Second by Commissioner Winn. UNANIMOUS VOTE.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:40 PM.