Historic commission rejects basement‑window application at 63 Prospect Street, urges simulated divided lights

The Taunton City Historic Commission voted Sept. 10 to deny an application to replace basement windows at 63 Prospect Street and advised the property owner to refile using windows with simulated divided lights or a wood‑clad product that matches the historic look.

The applicant’s representative, Rachel (first appearing on the record at SEG 887), told the commission the project would replace basement windows with white vinyl fixed units and that one small sliding window would remain for ventilation. Commissioners said the basement openings, though low, are visible enough from Prospect Street and urged consistency with precedent on simulated divided lights.

Member 3, a commission member, summarized the vote: “We’re voting to not accept this application for these basement lights,” and said the commission would offer guidance so the applicant can return with a conforming proposal. The applicant replied she would pass the guidance to the owner and explore either a more expensive wood‑clad window or a different vinyl supplier that provides simulated divided lights.

The commission’s ruling did not impose a remedial measure beyond the application denial; it advised the applicant of two compliance paths: find a vinyl product that replicates divided lights to the commission’s satisfaction or upgrade to wood‑clad windows that include raised grills. The applicant indicated cost would be a factor in any decision.

Next steps: the applicant may return with a revised application that implements simulated divided lights or a wood‑clad window option. The commission recorded the vote as a denial of the current proposal and provided advisory direction rather than a formal enforcement action.