Narberth preservation commission debates role on Montgomery Avenue properties, agrees to prepare building-by-building responses

Commission members debated whether altered commercial-frontage properties on Montgomery Avenue should remain under the commission’s purview or be removed from the borough’s historic-district map.

The discussion followed a request from Council President Fred (last name not specified in the transcript) asking the commission to review and consider removing specific properties—mostly small former residences converted to commercial uses—from the historic district. Several commissioners said they want to stay involved and offer design-oriented advice rather than remove the commission’s ability to comment.

Commissioner Graham argued against removing the properties wholesale and urged a focus on incentives and design guidance rather than additional regulation. “I frankly think that, the more encouragement and incentivization as possible is what's needed, not regulation,” Graham said. He and other commissioners noted the…