Hancock Inn decision delayed again

By SCOTT MERRILL

Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

Published: 10-31-2022 8:33 AM

The Hancock Historic District Commission held their fifth public hearing Oct. 27 with representatives from 33 Main Street LLC and the tone of the evening was a mixture of resolve and contentiousness.

Kerri Landry, 33 Main Street LLC spokesperson, said the group purchased the inn from Marcia and Jarvis Coffin for $1.15 million, and that at least $2 million will be spent on improvements. The inn is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2023.

Commissioner Chair Nancy Macalaster began the meeting by reading from the Historic District Commission’s Article 8 found in the town’s zoning ordinances. That ordinance states the Commission’s mission is to safeguard the town of Hancock by protecting town structures that represent “significant elements of its cultural, social, economic, political, and architectural history;” to enhance the visual character of the town that “reflect[s] or respect[s] established architectural traditions;” and to foster “public appreciation of and civic pride in the beauty of the Town of Hancock and the accomplishments of its past.”

“That’s what we’re mandated to do,” Macalaster said, reminding the Board that they should ask any questions that will lead to a “clear and certain” understanding of an application. “We offer this as a reminder. I will guide this process until we can make a determination.”

The evening began with an update from 33 Main Street LLC Attorney Mark Fernald who informed the Board the coy pond and pagoda, previously part of the outdoor plans, were removed from the application and that the dumpster’s location is still being determined. 

Macalaster reminded 33 Mainstreet LLC representatives that there are still areas that will need approval from the Planning Board and Fernald informed the Board [33 Main Street] would like to start with the HHDC before going before the Planning Board.

Before turning to the extension and precise placement of a blue stone patio, Fernald addressed the Board. 

“This is our fifth trip to Hancock and we’re hoping it is our last trip to Hancock,” he said. “This has been a very lengthy process and a very expensive process for my client to assemble a team of five to come five times to Hancock. We appreciate all the time and attention the Commission has given to us and we hope that your purpose is to make sure people making alterations that are consistent with the district. We have three designers here tonight with plans that are honoring the district’s goals.”

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Fernald recapped the reasons for the patio extension pointing out that his client’s major renovations to the property require that it be ADA compliant and that this has led to some of the changes with the patio which will be doubled in size. The current patio, which will have a ramp connected to it, is 18 inches below the floor level of the restaurant and the proposal is to raise it 18 inches to be level with the dining room so that someone disabled can pass from inside to outside.

“We don’t have a choice but to make the patio ADA complaint,” he said, suggesting to the Commission they take up the footprint and elevation of the patio in one vote and discuss the wall and railings—which have not been resolved— around the patio separately.  

The Commission had concern with the placement and dimensions of the patio and Commission member Laurie Bryan said the  Commission’s problem with holding a vote is that “we need to approve something on paper so that when code enforcement person goes out there they know what was approved on this date. It’s not in an effort to stand in your way.”

“How does it all fit together? We don’t really know that yet and that makes a difference in how it’s going to look,” Bryan continued. 

Macalaster presented a choice between waiting for new plans or holding a vote. 

 “It doesn’t make any sense to vote tonight if you’re going to vote no,” Fernald responded. “We’re not crazy about round six.”

“Neither are we,” Macalaster said.

Other discussion during the meeting included changing the material from brick to stone which prompted a heated exchange. 

“I would object to the implications that you are wasting your time,” Macalaster said to the representatives of 33 Main Street LLC adding that the patio and wall will be continued until a plan comes in that shows all of the changes. “We’re not trying to make this difficult.” 

The Commission’s final recommendation was to continue the meeting until Nov. 7. 

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