By Elizabeth Hacala
Prior to the opening of the September 6 Historic District Commission (HDC) public hearings, Rev. John Gibbons noted that this was the first meeting the Commission would have with an “empty chair” where Christopher Weisz would have been seated. Commission members echoed the loss, both to the community and to the HDC.
The public hearing was then opened to consider two projects, a request for new signage at 140 Great Road and the demolition of the building at 36 North Road, currently operating as Fitzy’s Package Store.
140 Great Road
Kevin Baer requested the approval of a new sign outside his business. He requested the sign have a teal background with ivory lettering for readability. Baer told the Commission he had selected the colors based on the Victorian house on the property. The sign would be the same size as the current sign and reuse the current posts.
The Commission reviewed mockups of the proposed changes, and approved the new sign, with Karl Winkler abstaining.
36 North Road
The Commission then began the public hearing regarding Dana Strayton’s request for demolition of an existing structure and reconstruction of a new café restaurant at 36 North Road. Strayton, the owner of the Prince Street Café, and her architect, Henry Miller, had previously met with the Commission on July 7 and brought revised plans for the site based on the feedback from that meeting. The plan is for a café, built on the same footprint as the current building, with a glass front and both indoor and outdoor eating areas. Landscaping would be installed around the patio and the building to soften the overall look of the building. The design includes fully opening glass doors which would open overhead in good weather. The design also includes windows in the upper portion of the façade. Before final approval, the Commission required a listing of all fit and finish materials and hardscape, including specifications, colors, materials, and manufacturers. The Commission approved the demolition and will vote on the new construction design once they receive the requested details.
The Commission will take up this case again at its upcoming meeting on October 3. https://thebedfordcitizen.org/events/historic-district-commission-2/
Detailed minutes from all HDC hearing are available on the town web site at: https://www.bedfordma.gov/node/2038/minutes
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