A key topic of the meeting was the proposal for 2683 Street in the Harsimus Cove historic district. The project, represented by architect Jensen Vasil Ra, aims to convert a deteriorated four-family Italianate row house, built circa 1880, into a single-family home while maintaining the historical integrity of the building. Significant renovations include a full-height, four-story rear addition and a roof deck. Vasil Ra plans to restore original facade elements such as cornice detailing, railings, and window configurations, ensuring that changes would not alter visible aspects from Third Street or Jersey Avenue, as the addition would only be visible from a public alleyway.

The restoration proposal includes a 15-foot deep rear addition set back at various levels to minimize visibility from surrounding streets. The project also plans to retain the garage and convert its upper level into an exercise room. Interior layouts will feature informal living spaces on the lower level, main living areas with a kitchen and dining room on the parlor level, and bedrooms on the upper levels, with a roof deck set back from the street to limit visibility. Materials discussed include Bluestone paving and synthetic grass, designed to match the historical character of the building.

Commission members raised questions about the facade restoration, seeking clarification on the term “restore.” Vasil Ra confirmed that new doors would be installed, guided by 1938 photographs to ensure authenticity. Concerns about the addition’s size and its impact on neighboring properties were discussed, with suggestions to reduce the bulk of the top floor by converting it into a roof deck, which the applicant found reasonable. The Commission approved the project with conditions, including adjustments to the top floor and a planting plan.

Another discussion centered on the proposed amendments to local landmark designation standards. These amendments aim to align Jersey City’s requirements with state and national standards to achieve Certified Local Government (CLG) status, which would provide funding and resources for historic preservation efforts. The new language, crafted from various municipal ordinances, includes clear standards for landmark designation, requiring submissions to include exterior and historic photographs, location maps, and statements of significance.

Public comments were opened, and Shireen McCormack, president of the McGinley Square community board, emphasized the need for CLG status and raised concerns about the rigorous requirements for historic designation. McCormack advocated for the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) or external consultants to assist community groups in the nomination process, highlighting the challenges residents face in meeting documentation and research expectations.

McCormack noted her group’s efforts to achieve designation for Meo Terrace, significant Queen Anne homes from 1895, and expressed frustration over the lack of urgency from the HPO. She suggested that outreach efforts, such as seminars conducted by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), could help residents understand nomination requirements and engage with the community.

The Commission acknowledged the barriers to entry for historic designation and expressed hope that CLG funding could facilitate community engagement. They considered potential funding sources, including a New Jersey Historic Trust grant, and discussed the possibility of collaborating with SHPO to provide preparation seminars. The Commission ultimately recommended the adoption of the discussed measures to the planning board.

Other notable discussions included a proposal for a property on Cole Street, which involved removing part of a rear yard addition and extending the second and third floors to create more usable space. The project also proposed replacing non-original windows and renovating the garage with new overhead doors. The Commission scrutinized the proposal’s impact on the neighborhood’s character and the condition of the existing structure.

Additionally, the meeting addressed modifications to a property on Fifth Street in the Haramis Cove Historic District. The project, presented by architect Scott Mafy, involved interior renovations, facade rehabilitation, and a full-height rear addition. Plans included removing the current brick face, replacing aluminum windows with wood windows, and converting the upper level of an existing frame structure into a studio apartment.

The Commission also discussed the implications of removing a metal covering from a cornice and emphasized the need to refer to historical photographs to ascertain the original design. Conditions for the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) included scaled dimension details and shop drawings matching approved designs. The Commission approved the COA with the outlined conditions.