Commission approves revised driveway materials and railing at 227 Main Street

The Historic District Commission approved revisions to an earlier certificate of appropriateness for 227 Main Street that change the driveway material from asphalt to native gravel, add reclaimed cobblestones set in stone dust between driveways and introduce a reclaimed cobblestone curb to help retain a sloping lawn area. The commission also approved a revised railing profile along the right side of the front steps: the applicants proposed a slightly smaller steel pipe than previously approved.

Linda Batchelder of Baker Batchelder Architects presented the changes and explained that machinery access constraints and a neighbor’s access concerns required the applicants to avoid removing certain walls; that factor led them to propose native gravel for the driveway instead of the previously approved asphalt. The reclaimed cobblestones were described as salvaged stones, reportedly from older city streets, and would be set in stone dust to serve as a durable, textured surface between paved areas.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about cobblestone approval in the historic district and materials; commissioners generally supported the revised approach. The motion to approve the revisions passed by voice vote; no letters for or against the application were filed.