Meeting summary The Fall River Historical Commission held its August 18, 2026 meeting, chaired by Rick Mancini. The commission first addressed a demolition and construction request for stairs at 529 High Street. The homeowner, Mary Beth Bulio, explained the existing brick stairs were a safety hazard. The discussion revealed that the city's building inspector, Frank Calario, had issued an order declaring the stairs unsafe, which legally superseded the commission's authority. While expressing concern about the precedent, the commission tabled the matter, allowing the homeowner to proceed with the work while requesting detailed drawings for their records. The majority of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing requests for letters of support for state and federal historic tax credits. Joel Solomon of Parallel Products presented a $50 million plan to convert the Charlton Mill at 109 House Street into 147 residential units, which was met with approval. Emily Dominiani of Ryan LLC provided updates and secured letters of support for the Sanford Spinning Mill, Algonquin Mills, and Horton Building projects. Similarly, Nathan Kerwin of Heritage Consulting Group received letters of support for four projects: 135 Alden Street, 110 Chase Street, 80-84 Main Street, and 650 Plymouth Avenue. The commission also handled correspondence, approved its 2027 meeting schedule, and received several updates on ongoing preservation projects. Key updates included the 40C Historic District expansion plan awaiting state approval, the imminent retrieval of the historic Freeman's Purchase marker, ongoing work at the Fire Museum and Little Theater, and the salvaging of artifacts (the Eagle sculpture, bricks, a column, and a jail cell) from the recently demolished police station. The meeting was adjourned at 7:13 PM. Topics discussed Meeting Opening and Roll CallThe meeting was called to order, the Open Meeting Law notice was read, and a roll call of commissioners was conducted. Approval of July 21st MinutesThe commission unanimously approved the minutes from their previous meeting on July 21st. Approval of the July 21st minutes. — passedApproval of the July 21st minutes. Demolition and Construction at 529 High StreetHomeowner Mary Beth Bulio presented plans to replace hazardous brick stairs with historically appropriate mahogany stairs. The commission's authority was superseded by a building inspector's order declaring the stairs unsafe, leading the commission to table the item while allowing work to proceed. 40C Historic District Expansion UpdateAn update was given on the 40C district expansion plan, which is under review by the state. The commission discussed the timeline for public hearings and outreach, which will begin after state approval is received. Motion to table the discussion on the demolition and construction at 529 High Street until the September meeting. — tabledMotion to table the discussion on the demolition and construction at 529 High Street until the September meeting. Charlton Mill (109 House Street) Historic Tax Credit SupportJoel Solomon of Parallel Products presented a $50 million project to convert the Charlton Mill into 147 residential units. The commission voted to provide a letter of support for state tax credits. Motion to provide a letter of support for the Charlton Mill project at 109 House Street. — passedMotion to provide a letter of support for the Charlton Mill project at 109 House Street. Motion to provide letters of support for the Sanford Spinning Mill, Algonquin Mills, and Horton Building projects. — passedMotion to provide letters of support for the Sanford Spinning Mill, Algonquin Mills, and Horton Building projects. Ryan LLC Projects Historic Tax Credit SupportEmily Dominiani of Ryan LLC provided updates on the Sanford Spinning Mill, Algonquin Mills, and Horton Building projects. The commission voted to issue letters of support for all three. Heritage Consulting Group Projects Historic Tax Credit SupportNathan Kerwin of Heritage Consulting Group gave updates on projects at 135 Alden St, 110 Chase St, 80-84 Main St, and 650 Plymouth Ave. The commission approved letters of support and requested drawings for two of the projects. Motion to provide letters of support for projects at 135 Alden Street, 110 Chase Street, 80 & 84 Main Street, and 650 Plymouth Avenue. — passedMotion to provide letters of support for projects at 135 Alden Street, 110 Chase Street, 80 & 84 Main Street, and 650 Plymouth Avenue. Correspondence ReviewThe chair summarized recent inquiries, confirming no historic restrictions apply to 753 Rock Street or a fence at 754 Highland Avenue, and that a request to move a headstone in North Burial Ground was resolved with the headstone remaining in place. Family Services CPC Funding RequestA brief mention that Family Services will be seeking CPC funding for an elevator project and will likely request a letter of support at the September meeting. Approval of 2027 Meeting ScheduleThe commission reviewed and unanimously approved the proposed meeting schedule for 2027, setting meetings for the third Tuesday of each month. Motion to adopt the proposed 2027 meeting schedule. — passedMotion to adopt the proposed 2027 meeting schedule. Freeman's Purchase Marker UpdateThe commission was informed that final approval has been received to retrieve the historic Freeman's Purchase marker, dating to 1653, and move it to the Historical Society. Various Project UpdatesBrief status updates were provided for several ongoing projects: Central Fire Station (no change), Fire Museum (window replacement), Little Theater (roof work), Bioreserve (archaeological research), and the old Police Station (artifacts saved from demolition). Motion to adjourn the meeting. — passedMotion to adjourn the meeting. Links Read the meeting summary Watch ...
