Augusta Historic Preservation Commission approves several COAs, adopts resolution opposing proposed traffic circle

The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission on Tuesday approved a slate of Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs), postponed an application for additional design details on an unpermitted addition, and adopted a resolution opposing a proposed traffic circle in the Somerville Historic District.

Key votes included approvals for window replacements, an accessory building, a deck, a garage and driveway rehabilitation, and a conditional approval for multiple window replacements at other properties. The commission also postponed consideration of a freestanding restroom/addition at 551 Green Street after staff said submitted plans lacked scale and there were unresolved setback and boundary questions.

Commissioner Young read and the commission adopted a resolution opposing the construction of a traffic circle at the intersection of McDowell Street and Montesano Avenue in the Somerville Historic District, finding the project “inconsistent with the historic traffic patterns” described in the Somerville design guidelines. In related discussion, commissioners asked legal counsel to draft an amendment to the city historic-preservation ordinance that would require consultation with the HPC on city projects and on projects funded by the city that affect historic districts. Staff and commissioners agreed counsel will prepare language for review at the commission’s February meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Approval: COA for 2607 Bellevue (Anne Marie McManus) — replacement windows proposed as like-for-like; staff recommended approval; motion carried (record: unanimous).
- Approval: COA for 2642 Hillcrest (Gregory Nelson) — new 120 sq ft accessory building; staff recommended approval; motion carried.
- Denial: COA for 1148 Montesano (Petronella Farkas) — replacement of historic slate with architectural shingles denied (see separate coverage).
- Approval: COA for 1218 Winter Street (post-construction deck and windows by Jacob Cady/Keating) — deck approved with permit requirements; wire railing accepted conditionally; motion carried (unanimous).
- Approval: COA for 2344 McDowell (Geraldine O'Meara) — garage and crushed-granite driveway approved with siding-profile condition (unanimous).
- Approval: COA for 1203 Highland (Robertson Restoration for Bruce Campbell) — windows approved with historic-Augusta conditions (vote recorded as 5 in favor, 1 opposed).
- Postponed: COA for 551 Green Street (Daniel Magana) — postponed for accurate, scaled site plan and clarification of property boundaries and setbacks.
- Extension granted: COA 2443 (2120 Gardner Street) — extension approved (unanimous).

Commissioners and staff emphasized two administrative follow-ups: staff will circulate an expanded report tracking COA issuance and permit status (to confirm whether issued COAs have active permits or have expired after six months), and staff will prepare sample materials and guidance on modern roofing alternatives (synthetic slate, standing-seam metal, etc.) for commission review.

Why it matters: The meeting combined routine approvals that implement repairs and neighborhood projects with higher-profile policy discussion about city-driven projects in historic districts. The resolution on the McDowell–Montesano traffic circle and the commission’s request for a consultation ordinance reflect a push by commissioners to formalize a voice for preservation concerns on public infrastructure projects.

What’s next: Counsel will draft proposed ordinance language for commission review in February; applicants whose matters were postponed or denied may reapply with additional documentation or pursue appeal options noted in the meeting record.