HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD
MEETING OF MARCH 3, 2005
SHEAD HIGH SCHOOL
Meeting was called to order 7pm
Members present: 3
Edward French, Wayne Wilcox, Russell Terry
Attending from the public: Carl Young, Municipal Code Officer; George “Bud” Finch, City Manager; Mrs. Helen Archer, City Clerk & Treasurer Border Historical Society; Mrs. Masiel Miller, Mrs. Ruth McInnis, Mr. Hugh French, Mrs. Francis Ray, Ms. Kathryn Lewis, City Council Member, Mr. John P Grady, Mrs. Joyce Weber, Mrs. Marged Higginson
Minutes from January 6, 2005, were reviewed and approved.
Review of a Certificate of Appropriateness Application by the City of Eastport for renovations to the former A & P property:
A presentation was given by the City Manager, Bud Finch, detailing the planned project. Mr. Finch provided site and structural plans and reviewed possible uses for the property.
Mr. Finch described the City’s efforts to design the building so as to fit into the downtown, enhance the value and utility of the property, address parking, landscaping, lighting and storm water runoff.
Chairman Edward French acknowledged the efforts of the City and asked for comments from the Board.
The Board had questions concerning the exterior building materials, roof cover, landscaping and parking lot lighting. These questions were answered by the City Manager.
The Code Officer spoke to the fact that the proposed changes and uses were consistent with the current Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan.
Several people expressed an opinion that the proposed project would be a major improvement to the property in the future.
Mr. Finch offered to bring before the Board any significant changes in the project that may be necessary in the future.
A motion was made by Mr. Wilcox and seconded by Mr. Terry to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project as presented.
The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
Update and review of progress on renovations at the former Eastport Savings Bank relative to a Certificate issued January 13, 2004.
Mr. Hugh French presented plans and drawings of the project, explained the proposed time schedule and discussed future plans.
Some minor changes were noted with the ground floor entrance and windows.
Hugh indicated that the renovation plans have been approved by the Maine Historic Preservation Commission.
The Board thanked Mr. French for the update and felt that the existing Certificate was still relevant to the project.
A review of the on-going renovations to the former Bradish Bakery building was conducted.
The Code Officer provided historical documentation.
Mrs. Joyce Weber, of the Quoddy Maritime Museum, answered questions from the Board concerning temporary work done to the front of the building in the past. Mrs. Weber indicated that the plan has been to complete the final work to the front but the funds necessary to accomplish this had been used for more critical projects, such as a new roof.
Mrs. Weber said that the Quoddy Maritime Museum may transfer all of its assets to the Border Society’s plans for the building and asked the Historic Review Board if they would have a time limit to replace the temporary work.
The Historic Review Board indicated that no deadline would be given at this time yet asked that the project not be neglected longer than necessary.
The condition of the Powder House on McKinley Street was discussed by the Board and members of the Border Historical Society.
Mr. Russ Terry and Mr. Carl Young offered their labor to perform some maintenance to the grounds and make the property more attractive and accessible. The representatives of the Border Historical Society accepted the offer.
Plans for a roof to be placed over the Powder House were discussed as well as future uses for the property.
Current renovations to the Post Office were discussed. It was the opinion of the Board that a Certificate of Appropriateness would not be required at this time as the work was mostly interior in nature.
The Board reviewed the existing Ordinance Violation issued to Rinaldi Realty for 107 Water Street. The Code Officer stated that Pottle’s Masonry had been contracted by the owner to correct the violation. The Board asked that the situation be revisited by the Code Officer in May.
An agenda for the May 5, 2005 meeting was set and the meeting adjourned at 9:15pm
Carl Young
By Direction of the Board.
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