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Historic commission reappoints member, adds two alternates and discusses hybrid meetings
Summary
The commission reappointed Alicia Jennings as a regular commissioner and introduced alternates Greg Hartman and Jay Messier; members discussed using virtual or hybrid meetings for simple applications but agreed decisions would be made case by case.
The Bristol Historic District Commission on Feb. 25 reappointed Alicia Jennings as a regular commissioner and introduced two newly appointed alternates.
Alicia Jennings introduced herself to the commission and said she lives in the historic district and has lived in Bristol her whole life. “I love historic homes, and I’m very excited to be a regular member,” Jennings said after the chair announced her reappointment.
Greg Hartman identified himself as a newly appointed alternate and said he lives on Bradley Street and has long personal experience with the town’s historic houses. Jay (Jay/Jason) Messier introduced himself as an alternate, said he lives in Forestville and that he serves as treasurer of the Bristol Historical Society.
Commissioners also debated whether simple applications — for example, return applicants or projects with proven contractors and like-for-like work — could be handled virtually or in hybrid format. One commissioner said virtual meetings preserve efficiency and can avoid re-noticing costs in bad weather; others said in-person hearings remain preferable when applicants bring physical exhibits or when fit-and-size details require on-site review. The commission agreed to consider virtual or hybrid options case by case and to provide advance notice to members if a meeting were to be virtual-only.
No formal vote was taken on meeting format; commissioners indicated they would evaluate hybrid arrangements for low-risk, routine matters and continue in-person hearings for more complex applications.
