BENNINGTON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
                  Town Office Conference Room
              Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 3:00 p.m.
                            MINUTES
                    MEMBERS PRESENT:    Sharon Yorke, John Dostal, David Aldrich, Victor Rolando, Meg                     Campbell, and Anne Bugbee.                    MEMBERS EXCUSED:    Hugh Baker, Tordis Ilg Isselhardt, and William B. Colvin.
                         Also Present:            Brian Knight 
Yorke called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
     1.   Neighborhood Assessment Project 
Brian Knight commended Bennington for amount of survey work.  Knight has made a "running list" of proposed neighborhoods.  What are boundaries, major roads, etc.? What makes one neighborhood another neighborhood?  Knight handed out a 2-page list of neighborhoods (see attached) and discussed some of the neighborhoods and boundaries.  What are boundaries vs. time-lines?  Aldrich suggested the "Brooklyn" district.  Discussed historical vs. cultural boundaries, use "neighborhoods" as educational tool for homeowners.  Start with downtown and move outward.  Define neighborhoods by overlaying historic and modern maps.  Dostal reviewed former vs. current neighborhoods and what made them distinctive.  Campbell is in the process of defining areas, identifying potential neighborhoods that could use more definitive research.  Brian can be reached at: PH: 802-362-1788 (Hildene), or brianknight@fastmail.fm.
     2.   Minutes
Dostal moved to accept minutes as submitted, and Aldrich seconded that the Minutes of May 14, 2003 be approved as presented.  Passed.
     3.   DRB
     •    Sign Permit - Fiddlehead At Four Corners - 338 Main Street 
Sign Proposal: Two black granite signs with sandblasted gold letters - bolted to either side of main entry.  
- Meets requirements of Town Sign Ordinance.     
       
The HPC supports the sign permit as presented.  Aldrich moved and Dostal seconded.  Passed unanimously.
The HPC expressed concerns on how the signs were to be attached.  Should existing Sign Ordinance have a line  - defining method of attaching the sign; e.g. - use existing holes or make holes only in mortar (if stone/brick wall).
     •    At Risk Sites & Structures Forms
Dostal reported the Accessors' office still doesn't know who owns the "Old Stone Church" or if it is insured?  Campbell will contact Ann Cousins on ownership.
     •    Other Preservation Issues 
Rolando passed out Friends of Eagle Square Newsletter.
Bugbee moved to adjourn; Campbell seconded.  Approved.
                       Next Meeting Date:
                    Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Respectfully submitted,
Beth Antognioni for Victor Rolando
K:\Community Dev\HPC Folder\Minutes\Minutes\2003\061203.wpd