Historic Commission Accepts Donated Warming Hut for Clay Fields, Debates Carriage House Sightlines

At its November 6, 2019 meeting, the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed the Borough's plan to accept a donated warming hut for the Clay Fields, offered as-is from a similar site in Vermont after a custom-designed version previously approved by the commission proved too costly at more than $300,000. The building will be repainted but otherwise installed as donated. Members were broadly supportive but asked for more detail on the site plan and access before signing off on the specific siting.

At 78 Ridgewood Avenue, owners Michael Sanzone and Mark Robertson sought approval for a fieldstone outdoor fireplace and pergola. Commissioner Grisafi worried the roughly six-foot-tall stone fireplace wall would radically change the sightlines from the street and potentially block views of the property's carriage house, an older structure that may be a "contributing" building within the historic district even though the main house, rebuilt after a fire, is not. Chair Herrigel and most other members felt the wall would not block the carriage house view, and the application passed unanimously, with Commissioner Vande Stouwe recused, conditioned on the applicant providing more detail on the stone.

Three more routine applications also passed unanimously: a natural stone retaining wall and stairs at 50 Douglas Road for Rebecca Peterson, addressing issues raised the prior month; a garage rebuild raising the structure onto a proper foundation at 431 Ridgewood Avenue for Kevin and Melissa Woertz, with Commissioner Grisafi recused; and a rear dormer expansion at 28 Willow Street for Eric and Erin Stievator. In subcommittee reports, the ongoing mortar color mock-up for Central School's renovation remained unresolved, and Commissioner Grisafi flagged that newly installed windows there appear set awkwardly against existing ones.

What to watch

• The Borough's donated warming hut for the Clay Fields still needs a detailed site plan reviewed and approved by the commission before its exact placement is finalized.