Historic Review Board
Meeting of 6 June 2005
Peavey Memorial Library
Meeting called to order 7PM
Members present: 3
Edward French, Wayne Wilcox & Russell Terry
Attending from the public: City Councilor Mrs. Alice Cates, Mr. Carl Young, Municipal Code Office, Mrs. Francis Raye from the Border Historical Society & Library Association, Mr. Richard East, Mrs. Jane Cook from The Friends of the Library, Mrs. Patricia Desmond, Mrs. Linda Sission, Mrs. Elizabeth Hopkins and Lora Whelan from Eastport For Pride, Mr. Greg Biss, Downtown Art Committee.
Minutes from the May 5, 2005, meeting were reviewed and approved.
The agenda was adjusted placing a review of exterior painting at the Sardina-Loca under new business.
Old Business
The Board reviewed the deck fence at the former Corthell & Gardner building. Mr. French said be had been in contact with the property owners and they confirmed that the current structure is not what they intend to keep for the long term.
Mr. Terry expressed concern about temporary structures and felt that property owners should be encouraged to provide completion dates more often. The matter was tabled until a later date when more definite plans are available from Mr. & Mrs. Laudano.
Mr. Richard East presented drawings of the proposed walkway changes for the Library. The style and building materials were discussed.
Mr. French asked about water runoff. Mr. Wilcox had some concerns about the area where the walkway meets the retaining wall and sidewalk. Vegetate buffers were reviewed.
Mrs. Hopkins asked if the Board would approve the change if the Library had not yet made its decision. Mr. French indicated that the Historic Board could.
Motion by Mr. Terry, second by Mr. Wilcox to issue a Certification for the work. Vote 3 Yes 0 No
Action on a Certificate of Appropriateness for renovations to the Masonic Building was tabled until such time as the property owner provides more information.
New Business
Action on an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new sign at the Quoddy Tides was tabled, as there would not be a Quorum with Mr. French not taking part in the vote.
Next the Board reviewed a request by the owner of the La Sardina Loca restaurant to begin some exterior painting. The Board voted: Yes 3 No 0 to conditionally approve the painting with a full review at the next meeting in July.
The condition of the approval was that the base color be forest green and that at the next meeting they provide a full description of the project. The Board requested that the CEO inform the applicant.
The Board reviewed proposed artwork to be placed in the former A & P parking lot. Mr. Greg Biss of the Downtown Art Committee explained how the Committee was selected and appointed by the City Council. He went on to s\describe the process used by the Committee to advertise for and select the art to be recommended. Thirteen artists answered the advertisement. Of these, 4 were selected and asked to provide models. These 4 applicants were then narrowed down to two. One being a fish and the other the rolled metal pieces called vortex, presented by an artist from Lubec. Mr. Biss explained that the vortex consists of three pieces of heavy steel approximately 800 pounds each, 18 to 22 inches wide and standing five feet tall or so. The pieces would be secured in cement and could be rearranged at a
later date.
The committee chose the vortex although most felt that the # 2 choice would go well at another location in town.
Mr. Biss indicated that the placement and color of the pieces had not been determined yet. The Board was asked if they would act on the certificate before the City Council had reviewed the artwork. City Council President, Mrs. Alice Cates felt that the art was modern and was concerned as to how the work would fit into the existing architecture of the downtown. Mr. French read from the Eastport Zoning Ordinance a section concerning the requirements for new construction that speaks to compatibility with existing structures.
The color of the pieces was discussed. Mr. Wilcox expressed concern over painting the pieces in bright colors. Mr. Young said that rusted metal might be more representative of the City’s past shipbuilding and marine industrial heritage.
Mr. Terry stated that at this point he could not visualize the art in the Historic District.
Ms. Lora Whelan asked what the Board felt that the art would add to the Downtown Historic District. Mr. Biss spoke to the fact that the Committee had reviewed the look and placement of the pieces and that they felt it would look good and be a benefit to the downtown and the City.
Mr. Wilcox felt that the art would “stick out” too much and may detract from the new landscaping being installed at the site.
The Board and members of the audience discussed alternative possible art pieces. The Board decided to table any action on the Certificate until the next meeting on July 7, 2005, when at which time the full Board may be present.
Open Forum
Mr. French has spoken to former Board Member Mrs. Ellen Angel and she is interested in being a Board Member when she returns to the area.
Mr. Terry & Mr. Young provided an update concerning the work that is taking place at the Powder House.
Mr. Young praised the Border Historical Society for their work on the Quoddy Maritime Museum property and stated that the store and museum are up and operating.
The agenda for July 7, 2005 was set and the meeting was adjourned.
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