The Wiscasset Historic Preservation Commission approved a single banner sign for three businesses operating at the former Wiscasset Hardware building at Water and Main streets. The sign still needed the cod enforcement officer’s approval.

Ann Scanlan, who operates Sylvan Gallery, one of the three businesses, appeared for all three shopowners. The other businesses are Spruce, a smoothie and coffee bar, and Little Maine Mercantile.

After some discussion about the sign’s height, the HPC approved the certificate of appropriateness 3-0. Newly approved member Phil Di Vece was not there.

The HPC decided to schedule a workshop to discuss ways to improve the process of helping residents and businesses deal with the COA process. Member Leslie Roberts suggested two meetings might be necessary in a month when there are pending COAs. Susan Blagden said every member should take a piece of the historic preservation ordinance and make changes that might be appropriate for the benefit of the ordinance.