Worcester Historical Commission approves vinyl siding, window replacements, porch repairs and retroactive sign

The Worcester Historical Commission on July 10 approved four separate applications and accepted minutes from prior meetings, allowing vinyl shingles at 3 Decatur Street, replacement windows at 27 John Street tied to a lead-poisoning case, porch repairs and Trex decking at 70 Mulberry Street, and a retroactive sign replacement at Rob Roy Academy, 150 Pleasant Street.

Why it matters: the actions alter visible exterior materials in local historic districts and address an urgent housing-health remediation. The commission’s approvals include conditions aimed at retaining architectural trim and at raising safety components to code.

3 Decatur Street Cesar (the property owner) and contractor Rick Hubert sought permission to install vinyl shingle siding on the front façade and vinyl clapboard on the sides and rear. Michelle Johnstone, historical planner for city staff, presented example projects and said the commission had approved similar mixed-material treatments previously. The commission decided to require that the existing decorative brackets remain in place, that any rotten wood be replaced like‑for‑like and painted, and that a narrow aluminum overlay (or similar finish) be allowed on the vertical board under the gutters. Cesar told the commission, “Everything is fine. We keep the the woods just that we change the edge. We put…