The central topic of the meeting was the proposal for a swimming pool on Hugh Street, a property located within a historic district known for its Victorian architecture. The application sought to amend a previous approval, requesting a change from a wooden to a wrought iron fence. However, the discussion quickly expanded beyond the fence to reconsider the pool’s placement, which some members argued had been approved in error. A commission member emphasized that pools in similar locations had not been approved in the past due to their potential impact on the streetscape and historic character of the area. This sentiment opened a broader dialogue about the commission’s ability to rectify past decisions and the implications for maintaining Cape May’s historic integrity.

The debate became more intricate as the commission discussed the procedural aspects of the application process. It was noted that the pool application had been mistakenly treated as a minor application, a category that typically does not include significant alterations like a pool installation. The facilitator underscored the necessity for the Historic Preservation Commission to ensure that all elements of an application align with historic standards, especially when potential procedural errors come to light.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the discussion of landscaping and fencing as potential solutions to mitigate the pool’s impact on the historic district. The proposal included a wrought iron fence and dense planting of American holly trees to obscure the pool from view. However, some commission members and community residents raised doubts about the effectiveness of the landscaping plan in preserving the historic character of the area. They argued that while the fence and trees might provide a visual barrier, they would not address concerns about noise and the overall suitability of a pool in a historic district.

Public comments further fueled the debate, with residents expressing strong opposition to the pool. Thomas Scanlan, representing a family with a long history in the area, voiced concerns about the pool’s visibility and noise, arguing that it would not align with Cape May’s historic design standards. Scanlan emphasized the importance of preserving the Victorian aesthetic, which he believed the pool would undermine. Another resident, Mark Sucher, echoed these sentiments, urging the commission to consider more innovative solutions that would respect the historic nature of the area.

He expressed willingness to work with the commission regarding the landscaping covenants, emphasizing that the pool was intended to enhance family enjoyment while addressing safety issues related to trespassers in the garden.

There was a consensus on the appropriateness of the wrought iron fence and proposed landscaping, yet debate remained regarding the visibility of the pool and the potential for landscaping maintenance to ensure long-term compliance with historic standards.

In addition to the pool application, the meeting also addressed another significant proposal for a temporary vinyl porch enclosure at the Inn of Cape May. The managing member of the LLC that operates the inn presented the rationale for the enclosure, intended to provide a warm space for patrons during the winter months. However, concerns were raised about the appropriateness of using vinyl on a historically significant building. The commission’s review committee had previously suggested alternative materials. The commission emphasized the need for a plans that adhered to these standards while accommodating the practical needs of the inn.

The meeting concluded with a discussion about property improvements and the challenges of adhering to historical and aesthetic standards within the regulatory framework. A proposal to table certain applications allowed for further evaluation and refinement to ensure alignment with both the applicant’s vision and the commission’s preservation standards.