Upcoming Changes to Historic Preservation on Mixed-Use Main Street

In a work session held on March 8th, the Board of Trustees heard a presentation from the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) updating the Board on the past year since the Architectural Design Guidelines (ADGs) were adopted in January of 2021. The full presentation is available here.

Board discussion was focused on the three recommendations from the HPC:

1. To make HPC review of proposed projects along Main Street mandatory. While the ADGs would remain as guidelines and not requirements, HPC would like the make it a requirement (versus the current setup in which an HPC review is optional). This desire stems from HPC's intent to take a collaborative approach to working with applicants to attain their goals while staying as consistent as possible with the historic character of Main Street.
2. To tweak the ADG document to recognize that a conversation (review) with the HPC is mandatory, not optional.
3. To work together with Town staff to develop a framework for regulation on East Main Street. This topic is the largest one - how do we appropriately regulate development and changes on historic East Main Street without stifling growth? The goal here is to ensure changes and new development continue to honor the historic character that makes East Main Street so special.

The work session ended with clear direction from the Board that they agree with all these recommendations. The first two will be the priority and will be brought back before the board in a public meeting as soon as they are ready. The larger discussion on a framework for regulation on East Main Street was given the head nod, but it was also recognized that this endeavor would take several months and require additional touch points of discussion with the Board.