City of Middletown Historic Commission 7.16.2026

The City of Middletown Historic Commission regular meeting, identified by the title as July 16, 2026, approved a certificate of appropriateness for signage at 1326 Central Avenue. The proposed sign exceeded the zoning district’s maximum area by 3 square feet; the applicant agreed to reduce its dimensions and obtain the required sign permit and zoning-compliance certificate. The commission also unanimously approved demolition requests for the historic Dan F. Snyder Ford Dealership/Sunshine Building and the Manchester Inn. City representatives cited deterioration, safety concerns, and unsuccessful efforts to secure feasible restoration proposals; the Manchester Inn restoration effort had included RFQ processes, but no viable rehabilitation proposal emerged.

The Manchester Inn’s developer, CMC Properties, said it intends to reuse the exterior stonework and include historical photographs and interpretive displays in the redevelopment. Commissioners emphasized documenting and preserving historic elements, including consideration of a marker, but the transcript does not establish a binding preservation contract or a specific redevelopment award. No dollar amounts, contract awards, or spending votes were identified; the actions concerned historic approvals and demolition, with redevelopment plans to be reviewed separately.