Owner of Varney/Barney Street property seeks time after bereavement; commission continues application

Annette Pelletier, the applicant for 18 Varney Street, described personal hardship following her husband's unexpected death and said she lacks the capacity to manage historic repairs and documentation. Pelletier told the commission she had the men working to keep rain out but did not have the expertise for a full restoration. Legal counsel and the preservation planner advised a continuation to arrange a design review and, if needed, municipal-court follow-up.

Peter Friedrichs, the commission’s legal counsel, said staff could coordinate a design review and explore options before returning to the commission. The commission moved to continue the application to the May 13 meeting to allow Pelletier to meet with the preservation planner and gather on-site information. "We can discuss them, privately and with our city solicitor," staff said, offering to arrange options that would not unduly burden the owner.