The Wiscasset Historic Preservation Commission granted a certificate of appropriateness Oct. 5 to a proposed project at 142 Federal Street. Habitat for Humanity bought the property to build an affordable house on the site. The initial sketch of a possible house, a bungalow, was not well-received when the organization’s executive director Marc Primeau suggested it in July. The commission suggested a cape-style house might be a better fit for the neighborhood, and Primeau reworked the design into a single-story house with a cape-like look.

The new design was approved as presented. Primeau had also met with neighbors to address any concerns that they might have.

Also Oct. 5, Bruce Benner’s application for an apartment building at 41 Water St. was tabled because Benner was not present. Commissioners had previously also expected to discuss a proposed demolition of a Lee Street barn, but the application had not been received and was not on the agenda.

Lincoln County Planner Bob Faunce came to the meeting to offer his assistance to the commission, which is still one member short and does not have the assistance of a town planner.  In addition to reviewing applications, Faunce offered to help work on a viable ordinance for historic preservation if voters strike the current one Nov. 7. Among other things, Faunce suggested that only contributing structures be bound by any new ordinance, and that a framework be developed to distinguish contributing from non-contributing structures.

He also suggested that minor additions or repairs not be required to come before the commission. He cited the building of a shed at the Yacht Club as a structure that should not need approval as long as it was designed to work harmoniously with the existing buildings at the site, something that the code enforcement officer could determine.

While Faunce will not appear at all meetings, the commission agreed to send him packets for review, not as a voting member of the commission, but as a volunteer support person.

The next meeting will be an open house on Oct. 16. The meeting will include the Benner application if he is present; the rest of the meeting will be to acquaint residents with what the commission does, and the importance of Wiscasset’s historic structures.