(April 14, 2016) A busy meeting last Wednesday saw four items earn the unanimous approval of the Berlin Historic District Commission in just under an hour.
The commission had to work fast, starting at 5:30 p.m., with another meeting, the Berlin Board of Appeals, starting at 6:30.
Two of the items pertained to 14 North Main Street, the former site of j.j.Fish Craft Gallery. Eight exterior renovations to the building were approved for current owner Michael Queen.
Hunter and Devon Bostic, owners of Sea La Vie in Berlin, will open their second shop, Fathom, in the space. Hunter Bostic described the store as an “edgy clothing boutique.”
The commission backed a proposal for signs for the shop at the Main Street entrance and for a second entrance on Broad Street.
Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells asked for, and was granted, approval to install three bike racks on the visitor’s center, on 14 South Main Street.
Toby Gilbert, who is opening Gilbert’s Provisions in the rear of the building currently occupied by Bruder Hill, on 25 Commerce Street near Broad Street, also received approval on several exterior renovations.
Bruder Hill had been using that space for storage. When the new culinary curiosity shop opens, Bruder Hill will become 25 A Commerce Street, and Gilbert’s Provisions will officially become 25 B.
The commission agreed to allow signs on two entrances, an awning, and several other minor improvements.
Commission member Betty Tustin said she had concerns that signs would direct customers through a busy parking lot and that only one of two proposed entrances would be ADA compliant.
Planning Director Dave Engelhart said the ADA entrance could be advertised on the signs, alleviating that concern.
Several members of the commission praised the new developments. Chairwoman Carol Rose said, “Our dreams have come true for Broad Street,” and Mary Moore said Gilbert’s Provisions, in particular, would be the “first of its kind” in the town.
The commission had to work fast, starting at 5:30 p.m., with another meeting, the Berlin Board of Appeals, starting at 6:30.
Two of the items pertained to 14 North Main Street, the former site of j.j.Fish Craft Gallery. Eight exterior renovations to the building were approved for current owner Michael Queen.
Hunter and Devon Bostic, owners of Sea La Vie in Berlin, will open their second shop, Fathom, in the space. Hunter Bostic described the store as an “edgy clothing boutique.”
The commission backed a proposal for signs for the shop at the Main Street entrance and for a second entrance on Broad Street.
Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells asked for, and was granted, approval to install three bike racks on the visitor’s center, on 14 South Main Street.
Toby Gilbert, who is opening Gilbert’s Provisions in the rear of the building currently occupied by Bruder Hill, on 25 Commerce Street near Broad Street, also received approval on several exterior renovations.
Bruder Hill had been using that space for storage. When the new culinary curiosity shop opens, Bruder Hill will become 25 A Commerce Street, and Gilbert’s Provisions will officially become 25 B.
The commission agreed to allow signs on two entrances, an awning, and several other minor improvements.
Commission member Betty Tustin said she had concerns that signs would direct customers through a busy parking lot and that only one of two proposed entrances would be ADA compliant.
Planning Director Dave Engelhart said the ADA entrance could be advertised on the signs, alleviating that concern.
Several members of the commission praised the new developments. Chairwoman Carol Rose said, “Our dreams have come true for Broad Street,” and Mary Moore said Gilbert’s Provisions, in particular, would be the “first of its kind” in the town.