SUBJECT:
Title
A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Erie Approving a Certificate of Appropriateness for the Demolition of the Siren Tower at the Old Erie Town Hall (Erie Chamber of Commerce) at 235 Wells Street
Department
DEPARTMENT: Planning & Development
Presenter
PRESENTER(S): Harry Brennan, Senior Planner
end
Tim
Fiscal
FISCAL SUMMARY: N/A
Policy
POLICY ISSUES:
Per municipal code, a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) is required for any significant physical alteration on a historically designated property.
Recommendation
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Certificate of Appropriateness.
Body
SUMMARY/KEY POINTS
* Per municipal code, Council must approve a CoA for any significant physical alteration on a historically designated structure.
* The existing siren tower located at the rear of the Old Erie Town Hall property is not original to the building and is not particularly visible from the street. Thus, the Historic Preservation Advisory Board (HPAB) agreed with the determination that the siren tower is not a historically contributing element to the building. The siren itself, which may be historic, will be saved.
* The HPAB viewed the project on September 22, 2025, and voted 6-1 to recommend approval of the CoA to Town Council.
BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
Town facilities staff propose removing the siren tower at the Old Erie Town Hall (Erie Chamber of Commerce) at 235 Wells Street as part of forthcoming repairs and rehabilitation work planned for the building.
The tower is a maintenance concern and poses a potential obstacle to the functionality of the shared backyard space with the Erie Community Food Bank and the Pierce Street House facility. The tower itself is newer and not original to the building. The age of the siren is unknown, but facilities staff propose keeping the siren unit in storage for preservation.
Staff submitted a CoA application for this project and presented the project to the HPAB on Septemb...
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