The meeting’s most significant topic was the review of a new residential project on Avenue O Sal, presented by Richard Brimer on behalf of property owners Christina and Ry Armers. This proposed construction aims to establish a five-bedroom, five-bathroom house with a three-car garage, complemented by a covered loggia and a summer kitchen at the rear. The project drew attention for its architectural style, which incorporates British West Indies influences to harmonize with the surrounding one-story homes.

The board engaged in a discussion about the house’s design features, particularly the garage’s inward-facing layout, praised for both its functional and aesthetic improvements. The design also includes a courtyard layout to obscure garage access from street view and a circular driveway to facilitate easy entry and exit. Board members scrutinized the landscape plan, especially the placement and height of trees at the property’s entrance, seeking clarification on how these elements would integrate with the overall design.

Significant debate arose over the absence of shutters on the house. While not required for the architectural style, shutters had been encouraged in pre-application meetings. Brimer argued that the house’s existing detailing negated the necessity for additional elements like shutters, which could potentially crowd the façade if not proportionate to the windows. The board considered whether shutters on the side elevations might appear inconsistent if absent on the front, but Brimer assured that vegetation would obscure the side view, reducing the need for shutters.

In another matter, the board discussed a Level Three architectural site plan for a single-family dwelling featuring a standing seam metal roof with a bronze finish. A board member noted that town regulations typically allow only unpainted copper metal roofs as accents, prompting a clarification that the proposed material was a bronze finish matching the window frames. The applicant was advised to either use the same roof tile as the rest of the house or opt for unpainted copper as an accent. The board expressed appreciation for the design, which was described as making a positive statement, as it would be the first property seen when entering the area. The motion to approve this plan, which includes a 6,675 square foot dwelling with a three-car garage and a swimming pool, was passed unanimously.

Additionally, the board deliberated on a renovation project involving a transition from a Mediterranean to a British West Indies style, presented by the architect for owners Joe and Missy Walsh. The architect detailed changes made since the last discussion in June, including the demolition of non-compliant sections and a redesign featuring simplified, more rectangular forms with colonial arch elements. Discussions emphasized the importance of ensuring modifications aligned with the town’s design manual, leading to unanimous approval of the Level Two architectural site plan reflecting these changes.