In a recent government meeting, the Historical Preservation Committee revisited an application concerning the removal of a chimney at 947 Gorham Street, a residential property built in the bungalow style. The application, which had been postponed from the previous month, faced scrutiny due to the guidelines that typically discourage the removal of architectural features unless they are irreparably damaged.

The applicant argued that the chimney is non-functioning and poses a fire hazard, as it sits lower than the adjacent roof ridge. They emphasized that the chimney is not visible from the street and provided photographs to support their claim. The applicant also expressed a desire to replace the existing asphalt shingles with a metal roof, stating that the chimney's removal is necessary to maintain the roof's integrity.

However, committee members raised concerns about the historical significance of the chimney. One member highlighted that previous applications for chimney removal had required replacements to preserve the character of historic homes. The absence of the property owners at the meeting was noted, with committee members expressing disappointment over their lack of presence to discuss the matter further.

The committee's deliberations reflect a broader commitment to maintaining the architectural integrity of historic properties, even when certain features may not be immediately visible to the public. The decision on the chimney's fate remains pending as the committee weighs the applicant's arguments against established preservation guidelines.