The Wiscasseet Historic Preservation Commission approved two certificates of appropriateness Nov. 2.

A property that was the subject of one of the requests was well-known to the commission. Leslie Roberts, new owner of 4 Fort Hill St. sought approval for exterior storm windows and new downspouts. Roberts said, while other work is necessary, right now she is only seeking approval for those portions since they have to be done right away. She had completed exterior painting, repaired the wooden gutters and removed the PVC pipes that had served as downspouts. Still two come are repairs to the front door and steps, and other updates and maintenance.  

The other property was the former Wiscasset Newspaper office at 47 Gardiner Road, under an application by Charles Applebee, who plans to turn the property into an office for his water-testing business, and a rental property on the other side of the building. Applebee also plans to add a garage at the back; that was not part of the request the panel approved.

Chair John Reinhardt spoke about the election Nov. 7, when voters would be considering repealing the historic preservation ordinance that established the commission. While a sign campaign was under way and there had been letters of support sent to newspapers, Reinhard had a comment in case the ordinance was repealed.  “It was a pleasure working with you all,” he told the other commissioners and the press. “It was a privilege.”

If the vote is “no” on the repeal, the commission’s next meeting will be at 5 p.m. Nov. 16 at the municipal building.