HPC Denies Slate Roof Replacement, Approves Borough ADA Ramp Project, Splits on Several Additions

The Historic Preservation Commission's May 4 meeting, one of its longest of the year with seventeen applications, opened with a denial: commissioners unanimously voted to reject Barbara and John Kalemkerian's request to replace their deteriorating slate roof at 476 Ridgewood Avenue with asphalt shingles, telling the owners the commission is trying to preserve the town's remaining slate roofs and suggesting they contact the National Slate Association; the Planning Board appeal process was explained to them.

The commission also approved a borough-wide public works project, presented by Deputy Administrator Michael Zichelli, to install ADA-accessible curb ramps at street corners and intersections along Herman Street, Edgewood Road, Avon Place, and Cambridge Road, confirming no trees, gas lamps, or street signs would be removed.

Several residential additions drew dissenting votes. A deck and hot-tub addition at 93 Ridgewood Avenue (Michael Benke and Daniela Corrales) and a rear-and-second-floor addition with front porch at 307 Ridgewood Avenue (Mark and Ellen Keefe) were each approved with commissioner Wright voting no. A new deck at 96 Brighton Avenue (Joseph Hunt) passed with Chair Herrigel voting no and commissioner Darby abstaining.

Two applications were withdrawn: a prospective buyer's plan to reside 7 Hathaway Place, still under contract to purchase the home, and a low retaining wall and pergola at 590 Ridgewood Avenue (Jeff Mensch), the latter because the wall was too small to require a permit and the pergola lacked sufficient detail. The remaining applications -- decks, additions and window changes at 191 Midland Avenue, 57 Clark Street, 188 Midland Avenue, 88 Oxford Street, 3 Mitchell Place, 34 Edgewood Road, 164 Forest Avenue, 76 Oxford Street, 50 Douglas Road, and a screened porch at 226 Forest Avenue -- were all approved unanimously.

What to watch

• The commission has not yet ruled on Ann and Tom Calderone's proposal to replace their slate roof at 226 Forest Avenue with synthetic slate; a full Commission vote is still required.