The core of the meeting revolved around a request for a new certificate of appropriateness for the John Edwin Cornell house, focusing on the reconstruction of its front porch and the construction of a side secondary staircase. Property owner Pedro Vargas and his contractor participated in the meeting, explaining that the initial plan to repair the porch revealed severe structural issues, including rotted wood and a lack of support columns. This led to the complete removal of the porch to prevent potential safety hazards.

Vargas detailed the extent of the damage, highlighting that the original porch lacked proper footings and had sagged over time. The Commission reviewed proposed changes, which included a shift from the porch’s original sweeping design to a straight edge along the house, maintaining a hip roof and a gable over the entrance. The conversation was detailed, covering materials for the porch base, with preferences leaning towards maintaining the original shingled appearance for historical consistency.

A point of discussion was the choice of materials, particularly the use of pressure-treated wood for structural elements like columns and railings. The Commission addressed concerns about the time required for pressure-treated wood to cure before painting, agreeing it typically requires about a year. There was an expressed need to balance historical accuracy with structural integrity and safety, with particular attention given to the airflow beneath the porch and alignment with neighboring properties.

Further into the meeting, the members considered the historical context of the porch, noting that it was added in the 1980s when the house was relocated. This context raised questions about whether the design should replicate the original simplicity or incorporate modern detailing. Discussions included the historical accuracy of the columns’ design, debating whether to replicate the original square columns or opt for more detailed versions.

Another topic was the proposal to seal a side door and replace it with a window, a change that required careful planning due to its visibility from the street. This proposal sparked debate on whether it could be addressed, as it was not formally included in the meeting’s agenda. Ultimately, the discussion focused on obtaining approval for the front porch reconstruction first, tabling the side staircase request for future consideration.

The meeting also touched on procedural aspects for issuing a certificate of appropriateness, emphasizing the need for updated drawings to accurately depict the proposed changes, including column layout, lattice work, and trim details. The Commission agreed to grant the certificate conditionally, pending these updates and a materials list.