By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

Last week, the Berlin Historic District Commission voted to table Taylor Bank’s ATM renovation project to allow the applicant time to present a new outline more in keeping with the town’s historic charm.

A proposed renovation project would remove the ATM vestibule that currently sits at Taylor Bank in Berlin. The initiative’s plan, passed by the HDC in July 2023, was to install a new ATM that instead of walking through a door to access, would be sticking out through a wall. Last week, the applicant again came before the HDC to seek approval for a few adjustments.

The renderings proposed in July 2023 had the ATM facing towards the north side of the building. The change most recently proposed would place the machine in a more central location on the bank’s front and remove a door that provides direct access.

Applicants for the project said that removing the door would address security concerns caused by the ease of access to the executive office space. Even with the entrance’s elimination, there would still be three openings to access the bank.

“I think when this building was taken over, [the former bank president] wanted to be right there where people could walk in and enter his office,” Robinson said. “Now there is a need for more security for higher-ups in the banks.”

However, while the applicant was simply seeking modifications to an already approved initiative, the discussion brought up issues some HDC members had with removing the ATM vestibule.

“I use the ATM, and I love it because it’s the most charming ATM I’ve ever seen,” commission member Laura Sterns said. “I feel safe … In inclement weather, it’s easier to hit the buttons when your fingers are not freezing. I put my purse on the windowsill. I love the ATM the way it is. If we take it away, it will be one less thing in this town that is so charming. The town has already made a lot of changes. Putting an ATM on the front of the most historic building … is a mistake.”

Ray Robinson of Taylor Bank argued the proposal is necessary to remain ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. This includes making the ATM more visible, which the current placement does not.

The HDC voted unanimously to table the matter and reschedule another meeting to review alterations that prioritize the town’s historic culture.