Neighbors tell commission proposed duplex at Procter Hill Road "doesn't fit" the Hollis historic district

Two members of the public addressed Application HDC2026-020 during the hearing. Jim Belanger, who identified himself as vice chairman of the zoning board, told the commission that the zoning board approved a special exception but expressly wanted the Historic District Commission to review the appearance because of concerns with compatibility. "There were some concerns from the board members, but it met all the stipulations that the zoning ordinance required," Belanger said.

Neighbor Spencer Stickney, who said he has served on the board and recently renovated a house in the district, opposed the proposed design on neighborhood-fit grounds. Stickney said the front elevation lacked a clear focal point — "the first thing out of my mouth was, where's the front door?" — and criticized what he described as an overabundance of colors and stylistic elements that do not match adjacent historic homes. He urged either a design closely following a single historic style or a full redesign to better match nearby patterns and proportions.

Commissioners referenced those public concerns as they discussed options for windows, trim and massing and asked the applicant to return with clearer renderings and a landscape plan to address the visual concerns the speakers raised.