The Historic District Commission had a number of applications to consider at the Sept. 6 meeting, and commissioners approved all but one.
Arlene Arquizu had asked to install a walkway from the second floor to a hillside retaining wall at 226 Spring St. She said it would not be seen from the street and noted that other buildings in the area have similar walkways.
Commissioners questioned a plan to use galvanized wire to enclose the walkway. Commissioner Peter Graham asked if Arquizu had considered powder-coated metal railings, but she said she hoped to preserve as much light as possible. The commission has downplayed the use of site visits, but they will arrange a visit before considering this application.
Other applicants received approvals with little objection. Amelia and Joshua Irvin earned approval for a plan to remove a deteriorating shed and replace it with an accessory dwelling unit 22 by 32 feet. The building will have a block foundation and concrete siding with wood trim and details. The existing structure had already undergone a series of major repairs, and mold was present on the pressboard siding. The Irvins’ application also included replacing a straight exterior stairway with u-shaped wooden stairs.
At 33 Ridgeway, Lynne and Richard Roberts received approval for 232 linear feet of fencing around three sides of their property. The property dates to 1908, and is considered contributing, but the assessment for their application noted that the fence does not threaten any historical features. Commissioners noted that the Roberts had selected a black aluminum design that comes closest to a historical style.
Josh Trupia received approval for a new fire pit feature at 115 Wall St. The project will include a retaining wall three feet high and 24 feet long.
Mike Klecha had previously applied to install a load bearing second-floor deck with railing at 29 S. Main St., the location of Judge Roy Bean’s Old Time Photos. His application stalled when commissioners had questions about the engineering of post bases. Klecha satisfied those concerns and received approval for new tongue-and-groove decking, new second-floor railings, and awnings over the windows.
Graham asked the reason for the awnings, and Klecha said they would help protect windows and trim, and would also help protect the interior from excess sunlight. A staff assessment of the project noted that the second-floor balcony was previously “an accessible outdoor space.”
At 2 Ridgeway Ave., Will and Lisa Morris can proceed with plans to install a front porch/deck 11 by 22 feet. The project calls for wood and composite materials.
Clark Fowler received approval for a wood privacy fence 72 feet long and approximately seven feet tall at 2 Washington St. Commissioner Judy Holden initially questioned the height of the fence, but City Historic Preservation Officer Kyle Palmer said the fence will not be visible from the front of the property, and existing trees will further conceal it. Graham abstained, but Chair Dee Bright cast the fourth vote needed for approval.
The HDC will next meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20. Level III applications were due Sept. 7, and Level II on Sept. 13.