The Macomb Historic Preservation Commission was told last week that homeless people have been sleeping overnight in the ATM alcove of the former Citizens National Bank. Building owner Morton Community Bank asked commissioners for permission to fill in the alcove with brick and insert the ATM on the outside.
The commission has the responsibility for the appearance of the outside of all buildings on the historic downtown square. Community Development Director Cesar Suarez told commissioners the plan 'is in keeping with the overall design of the building.' The commission voted unanimously to issue the bank a certificate of appropriateness.
Suarez was attending his first commission meeting. In a conversation with members, he said,,'I want to work with this commission in preserving our downtown... or to make it better.'
