Wiscasset Historic Preservation Commission

Preservation panel approves two COAs

Mon, 03/05/2018 - 3:00pm

The Wiscasset Historic Preservation Commission approved two certificates of appropriateness March 1. One was for a porch addition proposed by Terri Heller of 2 Morton St. on Nov. 15.  Heller had wanted a porch on the back of her house. Since the back of the house is visible from Federal Street, it was determined the project needed a COA.

The design Heller presented in November was for an open porch; it was approved March 1. The commission did not approve a glassed-in version she presented later.

The second COA was for new construction. Michael and Patricia Carolan own 4 Shinbone Alley, where a house had been demolished. Their design, a modified cape, was approved with the support of neighbors.

The commission also discussed the timeline for changes to the historic preservation ordinance, especially those needed for a Certified Local Government to be approved in Wiscasset. The deadline to get the changes through the ordinance review committee, a public hearing and then for selectmen to put it on the spring warrant is March 15, according to the commission. A CLG designation would put the town in a stronger position to receive grant funding for historic preservation. It would require a survey of the historic district, something the commission has not had the money to do.

The commission meets next at 5 p.m. March 15.