The Garfield Avenue substation, a century-old electric distribution facility, was at the center of discussions, with representatives from Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSEG) advocating for its demolition. They argued that the building, while historically significant, was unsustainable due to its inability to accommodate modern utility equipment and comply with current building standards. The representatives pointed out that relocating the substation was not feasible, as the surrounding areas lacked suitable properties for such an endeavor, leading to their conclusion that demolition was the most practical solution.

During the deliberations, the commission members were presented with a facility assessment conducted since 2019, which explored alternative options and ultimately supported the need for demolition. The representatives emphasized concerns about potential structural failure if existing equipment were removed, stating that even the process of extracting equipment could necessitate dismantling parts of the building. They highlighted the importance of balancing historic preservation with the city’s infrastructural needs, prompting a broader discussion on the potential for adaptive reuse of the building.

One commission member acknowledged the necessity for expanded electrical services and the building’s current inadequacies but questioned the inevitability of demolition. They suggested exploring structural stabilization and adaptation to meet modern requirements, expressing skepticism about the assertion that demolition was the only viable option. This sentiment underscored the need for further investigation into the feasibility of retrofitting the building, with calls for independent assessments to verify the claims presented by PSEG.

However, the discussion revealed a lack of consensus, with some members advocating for thorough documentation and expert evaluations before proceeding with any decision.

The commission ultimately decided to adjourn the discussions until the next meeting, allowing time for additional documentation and expert opinions to inform their recommendation. The outcome of this deliberation remains pending, with both the PSEG representatives and commission members committed to gathering more information.

In addition to the substation debate, the commission reviewed several residential projects within historic districts. Notably, the proposal for a two-story infill addition and restoration of a brownstone in the Haramus Cove Historic District drew attention. The project aimed to remove existing decks and a fire escape, replacing them with a steel exterior stair to maintain the historical layout while modernizing the building’s function.

Other cases involved modifications to non-contributing buildings, including interior renovations and full-height rear additions, with architects emphasizing design choices that harmonize with historical surroundings. The commission addressed concerns about visibility and height.

One case involved the Progress Printing Building on Montgomery Street, where applicants sought approval for expanding the second floor and adding a visible roof deck. The project aimed to convert the space into a private apartment while restoring the building’s front facade to its historical appearance. The commission scrutinized the architectural details.