Commission votes to support Deaconess Home painting and porch repairs application to CPA

The Fall River Historical Commission voted May 20 to issue a letter of support for the Fall River Deaconess Home’s request for Community Preservation Act funding to paint and repair the corner porch of the George Ballard House at 603 Rock Street in the Highlands Local Historic District.

A Deaconess Home representative described recent work already completed at the site (replacement of cedar shingles at the rear roof) and said the organization is seeking roughly $65,000–$70,000 to repaint the entire building and repair the rounded corner porch. "The quotes that we've received for the painting is about $45,000 ... [and] the porch ... probably 15 to 20,000," the representative said, adding that the home expects to pay part of the cost itself and is not in immediate need of emergency repairs.

Commissioners discussed design-review issues the CPA application must address if it includes replacement materials rather than in-kind repairs. Staff said the commission typically requires documentation for any items that will be replaced with non-original materials and that a certificate of appropriateness or certificate of non-applicability may be necessary when the project reaches permitting. The applicant said they plan to secure three contractor quotes where possible and that maintenance supervisor Steve (last name not provided) will oversee the work.

Commissioner Rick Mancini moved to approve a letter of support; Commissioner Connie Soule seconded. The commission voted by roll call (all present voting yes) to provide the letter and advised the applicant to submit quotes and materials with the CPC application in September. Staff advised the applicant that if composite or non-paintable materials are proposed, the commission would expect a separate review at the next meeting before issuing any certificate related to historic-review requirements.