MARBLEHEAD-Selectmen admit that it may be time for fresh air on the subject of historic windows – but they upheld the Old & Historic District Commission?s decision about the proper windows for the home of Charles Bridges, 17 Middle St.Bridges sought to install double-pane windows in his 1740s home, where he is doing major renovations. The commission refused permission for that kind of window and Bridges appealed the matter to the selectmen.Attorney Robert McCann, representing Bridges, cited eight other area communities that either don?t bar double pane windows in historic districts, or actively allow them. He also said the commission has approved double-pane windows elsewhere in the district.?We?re one of the last holdouts,” McCann said, noting that with the current price and availability of oil the commission decision was “unconscionable,” let alone unreasonable, the legal standard for overthrowing a commission decision.Assistant Town Counsel Lisa Mead, representing the commission, told selectmen the 1965 legislation creating the commission allows it to establish guidelines and the commission has decided window requests so many ways that there is no precedent.She said nationally historians favor historic preservation over energy efficiency. “This house is in the middle of the historic district. You can stand in the street and touch those windows,” she said.Selectmen were conflicted about their decision.Selectmen Judy Jacobi and Jackie Belf-Becker said they would vote to deny the appeal. “I don?t think the commission acted capriciously,” Belf-Becker said.Selectmen Chairman Harry Christensen said he was concerned about the appearance of selective enforcement. “We should reconcile 1740s issues with 2007 issues,” he said.Selectman William Woodfin pointed out that Bridges? home was 267 years old. “The owners of those houses downtown are only temporary stewards,” he said.In the end Woodfin, Jacobi and Belf-Becker voted against the appeal and Christensen and James Nye supported it. The appeal required a 4-1 vote to succeed, but lost 3-2.