Cape May Historic Preservation Commission Approves HVAC Enclosure and Debates Design Standards

In its recent meeting, the Cape May Historic Preservation Commission approved a new fence enclosure for HVAC units at City Hall and engaged in discussions about various property redesigns, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the historic integrity of the neighborhood.

The most significant agenda item involved a new business application from the City of Cape May for a fence enclosure for HVAC units on Washington Street. The city manager and engineer highlighted the need for proper mechanical equipment screening around City Hall. They proposed board-on-board wood fencing, akin to previously approved fencing next door. A commission member questioned whether this could have been handled in a review committee, emphasizing the importance of public discussion for transparency. After a detailed examination of the proposed fencing and planned cosmetic improvements to City Hall, the commission approved the project.

Another major discussion revolved around a project on Grand Street, associated with K May LLC. The architect representing the property owner noted that this was the third time the project had come before the commission. They discussed previous conceptual approvals and the incorporation of the commission’s recommendations into the new plans. Key points of contention included the design of the front stairs, with commission members asserting that a stair leading to a wall lacked functionality and did not align with the intended streetscape. The architect defended their design, explaining that it aimed to facilitate access between adjoining properties owned by the same family. Despite the architect’s request for a straw vote to gauge preferences, the commission members reiterated their concerns about the visual impact on the streetscape and the overall historic integrity of the neighborhood.

In another discussion, the commission addressed a proposed redesign of a property focusing on various architectural elements, including doors, steps, and walls. Differing opinions emerged regarding the design elements, particularly the choice of railings for the back porches. One commission member strongly advocated for replacing cable railings with a traditional baluster system to align with the commission’s standards. A consensus among several members supported the alternative design, but with a preference for traditional materials. The applicant clarified their intentions to return within two months for further approvals, particularly from the planning board.

The commission also reviewed a new business item concerning a property on Cor Block 1093 Lot 11, identified as a contributing property. Owners Gary and Miriam Waxman presented their intentions to replace several elements of their property, including a chain-link fence, concrete paving, storm doors, and an exterior shower. The commission approved the demolition of a deteriorated shed on the property and discussed the appropriateness of materials for a new shed under construction. The applicant was encouraged to consider horizontal siding to better match the existing house and provide detailed information regarding wooden doors and screen doors intended for installation. The commission emphasized the need for specific details to ensure that the new elements fit the historic context of the district.

Pamela Fine from Fine Architecture presented proposed renovations for the Gallagher property on Grant Street, including replacing windows and wood siding, and converting an existing sunroom into a functional laundry room. The representative confirmed that the new windows would be custom ordered to fit existing openings, addressing concerns about potential discrepancies. The commission approved the application contingent upon the submission of window cut sheets and photographs of the existing conditions.

Paul Faron from Fulam Design Group presented a conceptual proposal for additions and alterations to the O’Connor property on Lafayette Street. The proposal included redefining the exterior of the house and using synthetic materials. Concerns were raised about the appearance of the proposed design, leading to a discussion about incorporating features like shutters to give the house a less uniform look. The commission unanimously approved the conceptual proposal, with conditions to soften the design and consider traditional materials for the decking.

Lastly, the commission discussed the establishment of an award program to recognize outstanding contributions to historic preservation within the city. The proposed framework involves a review process by selected HPC members and an independent panel of judges. The awards would be flexible, with no awards conferred if no suitable nominations are received in a category. The commission aims to publicize the recognition program through the city’s website and social media, inviting community nominations.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Mayor:
Zachary Mullock
Historic Preservation Commission Officials:
Warren Coupland, Tom Carroll, John Boecker, Joseph Stevenson, James Testa, Beatrice Gauvry Pessagno, Janice Wilson Stridick, Steve Johnson, Kevin Hammeran

Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:

Trending meetings
across the country:

Meeting Date
Filter by bodytypes
Agricultural Advisory Committee
Airport Advisory Board
Art and Culture Board
Beach Committee
Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Board of Elections
Board of Health
Borough Council
Building Committee
Cannabis Control Board
Cemetery Commission
Charter Revision Commission
Child and Family Services Board
City Council
City Identity Committee
Code Enforcement Board
College Board of Trustees
Community Appearance Board
Community Preservation Committee
Community Redevelopment Agency
County Council
Disability Advisory Committee
Economic Development Board
Elderly Affairs Board
Electric Advisory Board
Environmental Commission
Financial Oversight Board
Historic Preservation Commission
Housing Authority
Human Relations Committee
Human Resources Committee
Insurance Fund
Land Use Board
Library Board
Licensing Board
Mental Health Commission
Municipal Alliance
Open Space Commission
Oversight and Review Committee
Parent Advisory Board
Parking Authority
Parks and Gardens Commission
Parks Commission
Pension Board
Planning Board
Police Review Board
Port Authority
Property Assessment Board
Public Safety Committee
Recreation Commission
Redevelopment Agency
Rent Control Board
Rent Leveling Board
School Board
Sewerage Authority
Shade Tree Commission
Special Magistrate
Taxation & Revenue Advisory Committee
Tourism Board
Trails Committee
Transportation Board
Utility Board
Value Adjustment Board
Veterans Committee
Water Control Board
Women's Advisory Committee
Youth Advisory Committee
Zoning Board
Filter by County
FL
Bay County
Bradford County
Brevard County
Broward County
Clay County
Duval County
Escambia County
Gulf County
Hendry County
Highlands County
Hillsborough County
Indian River County
Lake County
Lee County
Leon County
Levy County
Liberty County
Manatee County
Marion County
Martin County
Miami-Dade County
Monroe County
Okaloosa County
Orange County
Osceola County
Palm Beach County
Pasco County
Pinellas County
Polk County
Putnam County
Santa Rosa County
Sarasota County
Seminole County
St. Johns County
Taylor County
Volusia County
Walton County
MA
Barnstable County
Berkshire County
Bristol County
Essex County
Franklin County
Hampden County
Hampshire County
Middlesex County
Norfolk County
Plymouth County
Suffolk County
Worcester County
MN
Anoka County
Becker County
Beltrami County
Benton County
Blue Earth County
Brown County
Carver County
Cass County
Chippewa County
Chisago County
Clay County
Cook County
Crow Wing County
Dakota County
Freeborn County
Goodhue County
Grant County
Hennepin County
Isanti County
Itasca County
Kanabec County
Kandiyohi County
Koochiching County
Lac Qui Parle County
Lyon County
Mcleod County
Morrison County
Mower County
Nicollet County
Olmsted County
Pipestone County
Polk County
Ramsey County
Rice County
Scott County
Sherburne County
Sibley County
St Louis County
Stearns County
Steele County
Waseca County
Washington County
Wright County
NJ
Atlantic County
Bergen County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Essex County
Gloucester County
Hudson County
Hunterdon County
Mercer County
Middlesex County
Monmouth County
Morris County
Ocean County
Passaic County
Somerset County
Sussex County
Union County
Warren County
NY
Bronx County
Kings County
New York County
Queens County
Richmond County
TN
Shelby County
Filter by sourcetypes
Minutes
Recording