The Historic District Commission met on August 2, 2007. The following are the Historic District Commission Minutes.

1. Call to Order of Regular Meeting

Commissioner Dufresne called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM. 

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

Others in Attendance

Lynn Smiledge, Historic Planner, City of Methuen, J.D. Shi, Methuen, Jack Burke, Methuen, Frank Welch, Methuen 

3. Acceptance of June 28, 2007 Minutes MOTION BY Commissioner Metzemaekers to accept the minutes of the June 28, 2007 meeting. Second by Commissioner Winn. UNANIMOUS VOTE. 

4. New Business Public Hearing: J. D. Shi, 270 Lawrence St.: handicap access, replacement siding, windowsMr. Shi, building owner, described his plans to alter the rear of the property (Osgood St. façade) to create office space and handicap access. Mr. Shi was encouraged to consult with the Building Department and Zoning and Disabilities Commissions on his plans.Mr. Shi provided a sample of the brick-design vinyl siding he proposes to use; his choice would differ from the sample in color (a uniform red) and finish (matt). Commissioners questioned the appropriateness of the proposed vinyl siding and discussed other options with the applicant. Mr. Shi agreed to table the application until the next meeting and investigate and price alternative siding materials, including clapboards, shingles, masonite, and Hardi Plank.  

Commissioners and Mr. Shi reviewed other details of the project, including vinyl windows, the door, and the handicap ramp and railings. Mr. Shi stated that the existing door will be replaced with a handicap-width double swinging door; he agreed to supply the Commission with particulars at the next meeting. The transom will remain. The door, windows and ramp railing will be painted dark green. Commissioners recommended aluminum clad wood windows on the first level; vinyl windows may be acceptable for the second level. Mr. Shi has no plans for exterior lighting or signage.  

A site visit was scheduled for Saturday, August 11 at 3:00 pm. Ms. Smiledge and Mr. Skip Jewett of the Housing Rehab program will meet with Mr. Shi prior to the 11^th to discuss material options. MOTION by Commissioner Metzemaekers to table the

application until the next Commission meeting. Second by Commissioner Winn. UNANIMOUS VOTE. 

4. Other Business Jack Burke: Proposed survey at Robert Rogers homestead

Mr. Burke informed the Commission of plans to conduct an archeological survey at the Robert Rogers homestead at 151 Cross Street. He has obtained the support of the Historical Commission and is seeking private funds to underwrite the survey and installation of a marker. Commissioner Welch suggested that Mr. Burke contact local Rogers scholars, Mike Hughes and John Farrow. 

Violations and Enforcement

Ms. Smiledge will contact the Building Inspector about the overgrown lot at the corner of Osgood and Broadway and the manager of the CVS store about the unapproved banner. She will send a letter to Paul Russell, CVS property owner, with a request to paint the dumpster enclosure a buff color that matches the stone color on the building. Ms. Smiledge will remind Coco & Early of the need to obtain an application for the awning at Mi Mexico Lindo restaurant.  

MOTION BY Commissioner Metzemaekers to adjourn the meeting. Second by Commissioner Winn. UNANIMOUS VOTE.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynn Smiledge