HLPC approves closing a secondary entry at 55 Fair Street

The Historic Landmark Preservation Commission voted April 3 to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for work at 55 Fair Street that will remove the southern of two entry doors on the Fair Street facade and infill the opening with clapboard siding to match existing exterior material. The commission found the proposed work compatible with the residence’s Colonial Revival character and the Fair Street Local Historic District.

The applicant told the commission the house had two former entrances — originally separating a doctor’s office from living space — but the property now functions as a single-family residence. The owner proposed retaining one principal entrance, filling the secondary portal with half‑inch by 10‑inch cedar clapboard (8‑inch exposure), painted to match the house, and storing the removed door for potential future reinstallation. The commission noted the work could be reversed and recommended the owner retain the original door in storage.

HLPC members declared the action a Type II environmental review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and then voted on the certificate. The roll call recorded Andrea, Eric and Evan voting yes in the environmental motion, and the commission later approved the certificate of appropriateness by recorded roll call (Andrea: aye; Eric: aye; Kevin: aye; and others voting yes). Staff informed the applicant that the certificate does not eliminate the need for a building permit or any other coordinating agency approvals. The commission also noted the certificate may assist the applicant in applying for the city’s 10‑year graduated rehabilitation tax abatement program.

The commission set a one‑year validity for the certificate and reminded the applicant that any material changes to the approved plans would require further HLPC review before work begins.