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Commission continues review of 75 East Avenue conversion over historic façade concerns
Summary
The commission continued its review of a special permit modification for the converted Downer Funeral Home at 75 East Avenue after the applicant reported unexpected structural and asbestos remediation costs and substituted some historic details; commissioners asked the owner to return with proposed window trim or shutter samples to improve the village‑district facade before bond release.
The Planning and Zoning Commission continued review July 1 of a special‑permit modification for 75 East Avenue, where the converted Downer Funeral Home was rehabilitated into four apartments but did not fully implement previously approved front‑façade details.
Applicant Mario Lombardi described extensive deterioration discovered during demolition, including widespread rot and an asbestos abatement that cost roughly $29,000, and said some historic transom windows and carved shutters were not restored because costs exceeded his budget. Lombardi said he preserved the building’s main frame and restored the cupola, and that the interior conversion produced four rental apartments that are currently generating income.
Commissioners and staff stressed the property’s location on the green in a village historic district and said the commission expects the frontage to better reflect the approved elevations. Staff and commissioners suggested alternatives such as simplified trim or metal flashing that would produce a historically sympathetic appearance without requiring full‑cost custom woodwork. The commission moved to continue the application to allow the applicant to work with staff on proposed trim/shutter samples and return with those options for review.
No decision on bond release was made; the continuation preserves the commission’s discretion to require details before returning funds. Staff directed the applicant to coordinate material samples and design options with zoning staff for a future hearing.
