Board conditions Pitney Meadows repairs: keep driveway/west windows, salvage removed historic windows

The Design Review Board on June 3 approved exterior repairs at Pitney Meadows (223 West Avenue), including selective window replacement, while imposing two conditions aimed at preserving character‑defining elements.

Representatives Tony Martini and Chris Smith said the work will update windows and siding where necessary to bring the building up to code and to change the occupancy from R3 to R2 for educational/farm‑training use. They proposed new energy‑efficient wood windows (2 over 2 to match existing) and replacement in kind for siding that cannot be salvaged.

Board members and the chair reviewed the property during an on‑site visit and emphasized the preservation guideline preference for repairing historic windows when feasible. A public commenter who identified themselves as a former Pitney Farm board member urged saving all original windows.

After discussion, Jeff Wood moved to approve application #20260274 with two conditions: first, keep and restore windows on the driveway and west elevations and relocate better existing windows to those facades as needed; second, salvage, donate, or retain existing windows that are removed and not needed. The motion was seconded and approved. Members noted that certain details (columns, trim) may be handled administratively and asked the applicant to provide those details to staff.

The board’s conditions seek to balance building envelope improvements and energy upgrades with retention of public‑facing historic fabric and reuse of salvageable elements.