Worcester panel approval: commission clears roof replacement and solar at 14 Oxford Street

The Worcester Historical Commission on Oct. 9 approved a certificate of non‑applicability for shingle replacement and a certificate of appropriateness for rooftop solar at 14 Oxford Street.

Owner John Bettinger told the commission his 13‑year‑old roof was damaged by falling trees and that he intends to replace worn patches with 30‑year architectural asphalt shingles in a charcoal gray color. Daniel Gorich, owner and president of Lunex Power Inc., joined the meeting to answer technical questions about the proposed solar array and confirmed the panels will be mounted on the new roof.

Commission members said the roofing material is an in‑kind replacement and that solar panels — which can be removed — do not present a preservation concern for the Crown Hill Local Historic District. There were no public comments. The commission voted by roll call to approve the certificate of non‑applicability for the shingle replacement and then to approve a certificate of appropriateness for installation of the solar panels.

The approvals allow the owner to proceed with the specified roof work and the solar installation under the conditions described in the applications; the commission record notes the materials and color selected for the new roofing.

The commission handled the two items together because they concern the same property and applicant. No additional conditions or follow‑up items were recorded at the meeting.