The Historic District Commission met Oct. 5 with a light agenda, which gave commissioners time to venture into a discussion about rebuilding rock walls.
The commission considered an application from Jim Duke, at 11 Douglas St., who asked to rebuild a retaining wall and relocate a stairway. The application called for re-using the existing stone and adding new material as necessary. The stairs would move three feet to one side to avoid a fire hydrant. The stair would also be widened from three to four feet.
Commissioners had questions about the project, and no one attended to represent the application. The matter was tabled until the following meeting.
Chair Steve Holifield said, “We really need to do a workshop,” and suggested inviting rock masons to help educate the commission. He asked about rebuilding a wall, and whether adding new material would change the historical status of a wall. He then answered his own question, saying, “If it’s falling down, what choice do you have?”
Commissioner Dee Bright said some limestone rocks will crumble and deteriorate over time.
In other business:
- Janet Seefeldt had received a certificate of approval in April for a deck at 14 Judah St. The approval came with a time period of one year, and Seefeldt gave an update on her project during the public comments period. She mentioned issues with getting materials, but said she expects the project to be completed within 30 days. The framing was inspected the day before the meeting. Seefeldt said she had heard rumors that the deck was larger than the approved size, but assured the commission that she stuck with the original dimensions.
- The HDC will next meet at 6 p.m. on Oct. 19. Level III applications were due Oct. 6, and other levels were due Oct. 12.