6/18/2008 HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Minutes

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Of the four members of the public present, Ms. Heidi Trottier of Mr. T's Auto Repair said she purchased her business 22 years ago and at that time,went through the permitting process with all of the appropriate departments,boards and committees. Ms. Trottier feels that the addition of a Historic District Commission is redundant and believes that it is similar to the requirements of Site Review and the Building Department. Ms. Trottier questioned the necessity of another panel and a new set of regulations. The Chair responded that once an area becomes a Historic District,guidelines are a necessary part of the process and that many of the requirements within the document are specific to businesses. Mr. Mills addressed Ms. Trottier's concerns by suggesting that the document is not a real change from what currently exists. It has been an effort to ensure that people are maintaining the character of properties in the area. Improvements and changes are necessary and important. The Commission wishes to hear more about the reasons for a change but do not want to deny projects when it is a positive improvement. Mr. Robbins added that every committee will have different requirements. He suggested that projects are likely to be approved as long as it is appropriate. The guidelines and regulations are a protection to maintain the historical character of the District. Mr. Terry Trottier also spoke against the District. Mr. Trottier felt that it was better to improve and develop a property that is an eyesore,but that the Commission is one more hoop to jump through with the new rules. The Chair responded that the Commission's goal was to make the rules as relaxed as possible. The District is historic because of its cultural and historical value and,in fact, a building can be considered for the National Historic Register after only 50 years. The Historic District is valuable to the entire town. The Commission does not want to inhibit the homeowner or commercial business owner, but not all property owners share the same views. Members of the Commission have been very sensitive to concerns and are not looking to penalize property owners. Additionally, residential requirements are different from commercial requirements. Mr. Fudala added that Town Meeting voted in 1997 to create the Historic District Study Committee in response to the addition of Dunkin' Donuts,and as an example of what could potentially happen without design guidelines. The Guidelines will advise applicants as to how to get started and what is expected and come from the town's by-laws. Two Commission members will conduct an initial review to determine if the application must be reviewed by the entire Commission. This initial review will not require a fee. Mr. Donald Harding, 310 Main Street asked that the Commission use common sense when reviewing applications. The Historic District is an area with a number of retirees; some people are just getting by due to the increased cost of living. Mr. Harding likes what has been going on in town and is happy to hear about the historic One Room Schoolhouse moving to its new location in the Historic District. Mr. Mills responded that he wanted to serve on this commission to ensure that there are no hardships for the property owners. The Commission has worked hard to create a document that's historic district appropriate but also one that will not scare off property owners. The Commission wants to make the process easy and realistic. The Chair responded to Ms. Trottier's concern regarding the Guidelines. A concise document prevents a guessing game and will make it easier. Ms. Trottier likes guidelines but not when it is a duplicated effort. The Chair indicated that the Commission did not want to miss anything but it was likely that initial guidelines may need revisions in the future. 2