Historic District Commission
Minutes
Land Use Meeting Room
November 2, 2009
Members present: Acting Chair Jason Berger, JB; Steve Sample, SS; Elaine Steinert, ES
Staff present: Mary Albertson, Town Planner, MA; Peggy Ammendola, Land Use Clerk, PA
Merritt 2004 LP, Re-application for demolition at 100 Church Street, Map 43 Parcel 86.
Present were property owners, Matt Merritt Jr., and Mary Beth Merritt; Building Commissioner Bill Thornton; and eight residents.
The meeting called to order at 5:45 pm. Public comments were continued. None of the residents spoke in favor of demolishing the structure.
JB asked Mr. Thornton about the order of the Board of Survey and whether making the structure safe would mean full construction. Mr. Thornton stated that the structure could be made safe, but he did not know what would be involved to accomplish that.
The Commission closed the public portion of meeting. JB advised the Commission that he had spoken with Town Counsel Jeremia Pollard who feels that the Commission does have jurisdiction.
SS made a motion to deny the application for the Certificate of Non-Applicability. ES seconded the motion and the Commission voted 3-0 in favor of denying the certificate
ES made a motion that the Certificate of Appropriateness be denied. SS seconded the motion and the Commission voted 3-0 in favor of denying the certificate
SS made a motion to deny a petition for Certificate of Hardship. ES seconded the motion and the Commission voted 2-1 with JB voting in support of granting the Certificate of Hardship.
Because here was confusion over the outcome of the vote for the Certificate of Hardship, the Chair called Town Counsel. After a brief consultation, the Chair called the motion for the Certificate out of order and asked that a new vote be taken with the motion be worded in the affirmative.
SS made a motion to approve the Certificate of Hardship and ES seconded the motion. And the motion was denied by a vote one in favor (JB) and two opposed.
SS made a motion to approve the minutes of October 20, 2009 and ES seconded the motion. The Commission voted 3-0 to approve the minutes.
ES made a motion to adjourn the meeting and SS seconded the motion. The Commission voted to adjourn at 7:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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