Pembroke Historical District Commission Backs Library Archive, Launches Bylaw Review

PEMBROKE — July 7, 2025 — Pembroke's Historical District Commission endorsed a proposed historic archive room at the public library and voted to make guideline reform a standing agenda item. Chair Christopher Perry presided over a substituted quorum July 7, with alternates Rich Malloy and Allison Glennon seated as voting members after two full-member seats became vacant; the commission unanimously recommended the Select Board elevate both alternates to full membership and recruit two new alternates. Robert DeMarzo, president of the Pembroke Public Library Foundation, asked the commission for a formal letter of support — required under the Community Preservation Act — for a planned 16-by-20-foot historic room and archive addition to the children's wing, with approximately $300,000 in Community Preservation funds under discussion; town accountant figures cited by DeMarzo showed more than $1 million in unreserved Community Preservation funds available across fund categories. Commissioners agreed they could support the project's historical significance but noted interior design and funding advocacy fall outside their lane as a historic district body. The meeting closed with a roll-call vote to enter executive session over an open meeting law complaint filed June 30 by Andrew Spife.