For the Block Island Historic District Commission, the phrase “sweating the details” is gospel, and this week’s meeting proved no different.The commissioners got underway on Monday, punctually, with a warm and genuine welcome to newly appointed commissioner Bill Koch. Koch was recognized as a great addition by Chair William Penn, “forhis work on historic buildings, and his understanding of historic preservation.”The commissioners then took up an agenda that covered signs, doors, windows and a new home. Penn reminded the group and the public that “comments should be limited to the exterior design of the buildingand site. Comments will not be allowed as to the interior design or use of the project.”Commissioners approved two projects: A sign for Block Island Fishworks will get a freshened look, and a new business called Block Island Furniture, to be located in the Odd Fellows building, was welcomed with proprietor Ben Martin exclaiming, “I am super excited about this.”The newly-based island brand Sweaty Blonde proposed a four-foot by 36-inch perpendicular sign hanging off the front of the small building behind the Figurehead on Weldon’s Way. Commissioners expressed concern that in high winds the signs would blow, like sails on a sailboat. Koch recommended
