Split votes: commission divides over retroactive vinyl siding approval and Lincoln Street addition

The commission split 4-2 over a continuation of the 38 Clinton Road application from owners Fang Shi Sun and Yixiang Huang. The property's contractor had switched the house's siding from aluminum to vinyl without seeking the commission's required approval first, telling the owners that most neighboring houses weren't wood-sided and that recent permit-rule changes meant review wasn't needed -- a claim the commission's chair said he doubted the contractor had explained accurately to the owners. After lengthy debate, and after commissioners rejected the owner's proposed widened kitchen window in favor of using the existing opening with two smaller casement sashes, the commission voted to retroactively approve the vinyl siding while requiring the owner to return with a revised window design. Members Githens and Grisafi voted no; member Vande Stouwe recused herself from the entire application.

A rear kitchen and family room addition at 60 Lincoln Street for Mark and Jacqueline Weinstein was approved 6-1, with member Darby casting the lone dissenting vote. The project, designed by architect George Azrak, required an added cornice detail to match the home's existing dormers after extensive discussion about how to treat the roofline without disturbing a distinctive stained-glass window on the rear elevation.

The commission unanimously approved three other applications: a one-story rear addition at 57 Benson Street for Nora Hummel and Jack Leigh (with member Githens recused), a garage rebuild at 233 Forest Avenue for Bradley and Kendell Timmers that will change from two garage doors to one and from a slate to an asphalt-shingle roof, and a kitchen-expanding corner infill at 21 Hillcrest Road for Timothy Daniels.

In housekeeping business, the commission's minutes from its November 7, 2018 meeting were adopted with members Darby and Way abstaining. The commission's consultant also reported that two previously approved applications, at 442 Ridgewood Avenue and 16 Oakwood Avenue, remain untouched by their applicants.

What to watch

• The owners at 38 Clinton Road are expected to return with a revised kitchen window design reflecting the commission's recommendations.
• 233 Forest Avenue's garage door design is due back for subcommittee review with a manufacturer's cut sheet.