Rochester’s Historic District Commission on December 20 reviewed revisions to a plan to construct a hobby barn for collectible cars at 0 New Bedford Road and generally liked what they saw.
The original plan for the parcel, which is within the town’s historic district, was a single 100×200 square-foot, pre-engineered, metal building to house both a barn to store the vehicles and a shop to restore them.
The new plan presented on December 20 by property owner Ashley Briggs and Jason Maurer of Cape Building Systems splits the proposal into two buildings facing each other, a 9,000 square-foot shop and an 11,200 square-foot car storage barn.
“We want to make sure our plans are heading in the right direction,” Briggs said, explaining the new plan will create “a smaller mass” because the two purposes are now in separate buildings.
She added that both buildings will be single-story. An observatory in a silo-type structure would feature a telescope. A small car lift would be placed in the shop building.
“We are hoping to preserve the existing landscape and trees and keep in harmony with the existing site,” Briggs said.
Maurer then said what became the board’s main concern. He said the planners are considering metal siding in a dark shade that will blend with the historic district’s style. Board member Sara Johnson said if the board approves metal siding in the historic district for this project, it would set a bad precedent. Any future project would be able to request a metal structure.
Commission Chairman Matt Monteiro also emphasized that this is the one aspect that may be the problem with approving the plan for the historic district. The commission has approved vinyl siding for district structures and metal only for agricultural use, over which the commission technically has no jurisdiction.
Briggs asked what the planner’s next step should be. More detailed plans for the Planning Board? Or more detailed plans for the commission? They don’t want to move forward on a plan that another board would ultimately reject, she said.
Monteiro said the order of which board approves the plan doesn’t matter. Both have to agree on the ultimate plan.
Briggs then admitted that what probably comes first will be special permit variance that the project needs and the state’s environmental review, followed by more specific plans that town boards will be able to review.
The commission concluded with words of encouragement. Johnson said she felt the plan changes were going in the right direction, “pending real, more specific drawings. It feels like the buildings will fit in with the community.” Board member Theodore Brillon said the new plan was a vast improvement.
The Rochester Historic District Commission adjourned without scheduling a future meeting date.
Rochester Historic District Commission
By Michael J. DeCicco