Significant changes proposed in the Historic District were on tap for discussion this week.The Historic District Commission met at noon Tuesday for a Zoom meeting to review updated proposals from The Block Island Beach House and The Manisses Hotel.In a meeting that lasted over 90 minutes,the commissioners wrestled with new signage being proposed by the Beach House and its affiliated properties, as well as proposed additions to both properties.Both entities were largely represented by their architects in a lively back-and-forth exchange that resulted in approval for new signage at the entrance to the Beach House. TheCommissioners also approved new carved wood signs for the The Gables that will hang over the sidewalk and porch but be smaller that those currently in use.Commissioners then moved onto the meat of the agenda, beginning with a significant renovation and proposed addition to the Dodge Street-facing Surfside, which is situated across from the Red Bird Liquor store. The property has served as employee housing for many years.A spirited discussed ensued over the proposed renovation and new, contiguous addition. The work would add a total of 12 new guest rooms to the Beach House complex and would include the demolition of an existing
