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Historic commission approves ADA lift at 81 London Street with conditions
Summary
The Springfield Historic Commission approved a certificate of hardship for an AmeriLift vertical wheelchair lift at 81 London Street, conditioned on using the presented composite tongue‑and‑groove decking sample and removal of the lift if it is no longer required.
April Mitchell, the homeowner at 81 London Street, asked the commission for a certificate of hardship to install a vertical wheelchair lift at the west side of her front porch instead of constructing a ramp that would disrupt the porch and the primary entrance. "We are requesting to install a wheelchair lift versus a wheelchair ramp to the left portion of our porch because it would be less disruptive to the front of the house," Mitchell told commissioners.
Mitchell described the proposed device as a premanufactured lift (she referenced an AmeriLift‑style product) that would land at porch level and would be installed with safety features and a gate to prevent unauthorized access. She said she plans to repair and, where necessary, replace decking and railings to ensure structural integrity before use.
Commissioners pressed for a clear materials and model description as part of the application. The motion to approve the lift as presented — including the tongue‑and‑groove composite decking sample discussed during the hearing and with the explicit condition that the lift be removed when it is no longer required — was moved by a sitting commissioner and seconded. Commissioners asked staff to require the petition to return if materials or model numbers change; the applicant agreed.
The commission took a recorded voice vote and the motion passed. Commissioners noted that any change to the specified material or brand would require the petitioner to return so the commission could consider the substitute product.
What this means: the homeowner may proceed with installation consistent with the application as approved, subject to the commission’s condition that the specific product/finish be the one included in the approved application; any substitution of model or visible finish requires a new submission or amendment.
Next steps: staff will note the model/brand and finish in the final certificate and will follow up if the petitioner reports the specified product is discontinued and seeks an equivalent.
