Historic commission tables decision after homeowners cite building‑inspector order for 529 High Street stairs

Homeowners Sharon Puopolo and Mary Beth Buolio asked the Fall River Historic Commission on Aug. 18 for approval to remove non‑original brick stairs at 529 High Street and replace them with wood treads, saying an inspector had ordered the replacement because the stairs are a tripping hazard. "We're replacing brick that was added at some point in time and putting wood back," Puopolo told the commission, adding the contractor was on site and the treads would be mahogany and stained.

Commissioners told the homeowners they sympathized with the safety concerns but wanted a written record of the proposed work. Chair said the building inspector had cited state administrative rules and that those rules can override the commission's authority: "CMR 7 80 supersedes any authority that we have on this," the chair said, and noted Chapter 38 Section 155 of the city code requires a commission certificate for exterior changes visible from a public way. Commissioners asked the applicants to submit dimensional drawings, material samples and contractor sketches within days. Because the building inspector had already declared the stairs unsafe, the board voted to table final action until the Sept. 15 meeting while preparing a letter of non‑applicability and encouraging the applicants to keep the commission informed.

The motion to table carried unanimously; commissioners who voted were recorded as Ken Chateau (yes), Jonathan Lima (yes), Joyce Roderick (yes) and Rick Mancini (yes). The commission advised homeowners to send drawings and material details to the city staff contact named in the meeting and said it may request a site visit before final approval.