Hollis commission approves after‑the‑fact finding for 15 Main Street porch

The Hollis Historic District Commission on June 4 approved an after‑the‑fact application for the porch at 15 Main Street, accepting photographic evidence that the porch historically lacked railings.

Michael Seacules, representing the property owner and identifying himself as a former chairman of the Congregational Church board of trustees, presented a photograph he said dated April 20, 1955. "This is from 1955," Seacules said as he handed out the image to commissioners.

Commissioners said the photo provided the needed historical finding. "That would absolutely be a finding for me," said a commission member, referring to the 1955 image. Commissioners emphasized they were not setting a new precedent but were making a finding based on the supplied evidence.

After discussion a commissioner moved to approve the application without the railings; another commissioner seconded the motion. The commission voted in favor, and the chair noted the applicant must call for a final inspection to close the building permit.

The decision accepted the applicant's dated photograph as the basis for the historic finding. The applicant confirmed he would contact the town to schedule the required final inspection.