The Wiscasset Historic Preservation Commission on Sept. 10 considered three certificate of appropriateness applications. Continuing consideration of a COA for replacing windows and a front railing at Lincoln Lodge, Bill Cressey said the lodge would like to use a composite PVC railing for the steps and he provided a sample with metal uprights. Cressey said wood had not been considered because of upkeep.

Chair Susan Blagden said there was nothing in the ordinance forbidding vinyl windows. She said she was sorry they would have to be vinyl, but she understood the financial problems of the lodge.  Bill Cressey showed photos illustrating the poor condition of the windows. He said all windows would be replaced in the existing frames which are wrapped aluminum. The commission granted the request to install the front railing and the windows, provided the windows included exterior grids.

Jib and Joy Fowles asked to replace a wooden fence with a vinyl one. Jib Fowles said the present fence is not historic, as he built it 35 years ago. Blagden said she had spent time investigating fences and found that vinyl is not less expensive than wood. She said vinyl picket fencing installed is $42 per linear foot as opposed to a cedar wood fence which costs $35 per linear foot. Pam Logan said the advantages of wood fences were that they were traditional, affordable, wider selection of color, and they blend well with flowers, and the disadvantage of vinyl is repair. Blagden said a fence is not regarded as a deteriorated architectural feature, it is not connected to the house, and there was no plausible reason to reject a vinyl fence. The application was approved.

Leslie Roberts reported that the proposed grant was not a fit for the clock tower repair. There were objections to the site of the clock in a building not owned by the town. She had found people who will be willing to look at the problems with the tower. Plans called for bringing up the matter with selectmen during their public comment period.

Roberts reported that Morris Farm is willing to host the apple orchard program. Various heritage varieties will be planted. A grant will be written for expenses of the program. Each town in Lincoln County will donate a tree and, in the future, programs such as pruning, cider-making, etc. will be offered.  Bicentennial stars will be placed to indicate restored houses.  

Plans called for submitting for selectmen’s approval a proposed list of advisors to assist the commission.

Blagden reported that Lincoln County commissioners have planted cedars around the oil tank and air conditioning unit at the courthouse and will move the shed to the back of the sheriff’s office. This will help to support the historic feeling of the area and will certainly enhance the looks of the handsome courthouse. The county commissioners are to be commended for their respectful stewardship of one of ourdistinguished buildings.

The WHPC met Sept. 19 to complete a COA for windows at 190 Main St.

The application had been approved in March for all windows except the windows on the front of the house. Richard Snyder plans to replace the front windows with Anderson wood-composite windows. There are seven windows on the front of the house: five half-size windows on the second floor and two large double-hung windows on the first floor. All will be fixed windows except for the center (bathroom) window on the second floor. All windows will be simulated double hung windows, 6 over 6 on the first floor and 3 over 3 on the second floor. The ground floor windows will be fixed to eliminate dirt and noise from Route 1.  There will be no locking hardware on the windows, and there will be external muntons. Roberts moved to approve the COA. The vote was 3-0-0.

The commission is working on upgrades to the ordinance to clarify and define definitions and procedures. Any member of the public who has suggestions for this important work is welcome to attend the next meeting, Oct. 3, or email any of the commission members. Their emails are listed on our Facebook page.