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Worcester Historical Commission OKs in-kind garage wood replacement at 96 Elm Street
Summary
The commission approved a certificate of non‑applicability allowing replacement of rotted garage wood with in‑kind, pressure‑treated material and noted it lacks authority over paint color.
The Worcester Historical Commission voted to approve a certificate of non‑applicability allowing a section of rotted wood on the garage at 96 Elm Street to be replaced with in‑kind material.
The decision came at the commission’s May 8 meeting after the applicant, Gloria Franco, described the wood as “rotted” and said her contractor planned to use pressure‑treated wood and, if permitted, paint it white to match the house.
The matter mattered to commission members because the property is in a local historic district. Michelle Johnstone, city staff, reminded the commission that while paint color is treated differently in local districts, “this commission has no purview over paint.” That guidance framed the commission’s approval, which focused on materials and condition rather than color.
During discussion the applicant’s daughter, Margie Roman, confirmed the proposal to replace the damaged wood with pressure‑treated wood similar in appearance to the existing material. Commissioners asked no additional substantive questions before taking action.
The commission’s motion finds that replacing the rotted section “with in‑kind material” is appropriate and approved the certificate of non‑applicability by roll call. Commissioners recorded affirmative votes for the motion.
The approval permits the property owner to replace the damaged garage wood; if the owner later wishes to change exterior paint color as part of the repair, the commission noted paint is outside its approval authority and should be treated separately.
Community members were invited to comment during the public‑comment portion of the item but none spoke.
Details for property owners: the ruling allows structural/material repairs to proceed as described; paint choices are not controlled by the commission.
