Historic Commission Approves Four Rear Additions, Sends Willow Street Siding Back for More Detail

At its February 2, 2022 meeting, the Historic Preservation Commission declined to give final approval to Jason Awad's application at 43 Willow Street to formalize as-built changes, including vinyl siding installed without prior approval. Instead, members required him to return to the full commission with more detailed drawings covering a new wood railing, siding material (Hardie board or wood, not vinyl), and a matching brick retaining wall -- noting that had the work been submitted before construction began, vinyl would never have been approved.

The commission unanimously approved several other rear-addition projects with routine conditions. Bennett Rummel and Christine Zhang received approval for a porch enclosure and second-floor bedroom bump-out at 39 Woodland Avenue, conditioned on window and siding adjustments and centering the rear entry on the gable. Jacob and Allison Schwam's enclosed side porch and expanded family room at 145 Hawthorne Avenue was approved on the condition that drawings be corrected and a proposed decorative corner trellis be removed. Deirdre and Jason Carlough's front portico and rear addition at 96 Ridgewood Avenue was approved with conditions covering window specifications and a mullion detail to match the dining room.

In other business, the commission adopted its January 5, 2022 meeting minutes, and discussed promoting the borough's new historic design guidelines with a booth at the town's Arts and Eco Fair, which Commissioner Christine Yewaisis is co-chairing. Chair Darby also noted a prospective new member has volunteered to join the commission.

What to watch

• 43 Willow Street must return with revised drawings on railings and siding before the commission will act on it again.
• The commission hopes to promote its new historic design guidelines with a booth at the Arts and Eco Fair in May 2022.