The Italian Village Commission on Nov. 10 approved COA2501170 for 345 East 2nd, allowing an expansion of parking and the installation of a transformer screen and new service doors, with conditions on fencing materials and height.

Staff (speaker 4) described the proposal as “to add to 88 parking spaces” and to install a transformer screen and a new metal gate; HPO (Historic Preservation Office) staff noted administrative approvals allow only vertical fence pickets. Commissioners said the applicant had requested horizontal pickets but that the commission should decide.

Commissioner discussion focused on visual compatibility and dimensions. One commissioner noted the proposed fencing would match the industrial look of the building and that the existing fence lines measured around 4 to 4½ feet; commissioners recommended a conservative maximum of 5 feet to avoid triggering different permitting requirements. The applicant (speaker 5) said the horizontal metal matched the main fence and that “it’s visually more pleasing.”

After discussion the commission moved and approved the COA with the condition that fencing consist of vertical pickets and that staff confirm final fence height and detailing prior to issuance of a certificate of appropriateness. The motion carried; the transcript records verbal approval but does not give a numerical vote tally.

The commission also noted that HPO staff would include material specifics in the staff review prior to final issuance to ensure the transformer screen and gate match the approved materials and the site context.

The applicant was instructed to work with staff to finalize drawings reflecting the vertical picket condition and the agreed height limit. No further public hearings on this application were scheduled in the meeting.