The most pressing topic addressed was the application for a certificate of appropriateness for a proposed subdivision of lot 30, which includes the historic Belfus building on Van Vorst Street and a parking lot. The subdivision proposal, presented by attorney Charles Harrington of Connell Foley, aimed to create seven separate lots: one to preserve the Belfus building for adaptive reuse as a preschool and six others for the development of townhouses. Commissioners debated the implications of the subdivision, particularly with respect to parking and density in the historic district, as the project would remove 22 parking spaces to make room for 10-12 homes.

The commission’s review of the proposed subdivision was careful, with discussions surrounding the property’s boundary within the Paulus Hook Historic District and the Tidewater Basin Redevelopment Plan area. There was a concern about the historic nature of the Belfus building’s windows and the facade, as well as the potential impact of removing the non-historic awning and modifying windows to meet modern building codes. Despite concerns, the application was approved with specific conditions, including the relocation of a Siamese connection and the covering of certain windows.

Another major item discussed was the proposal for a rear and fourth-story addition to an existing three-story building in the Van Vorst Park Historic District. The architect presented plans for the additions and renovations, which involved the preservation and restoration of historic elements, such as the iron fence, brownstone, and brick facade. The architect also highlighted the use of specific materials for the rear elevation and the need for variances related to the property’s size and flood zone location. The commissioners examined the plans, questioning the variances, design details, and historical accuracy of the restoration. Ultimately, the application was recommended for approval.

The commission also reviewed a building project on Bright Street, which raised concerns regarding the visibility of a proposed addition from the public right of way and the amount of glazing on the rear facade. The discussion included the condition of the existing bricks, the impact of the addition on the building, and the potential visibility if the adjacent building were not built. The commissioners requested additional visual representations and deferred a decision on the application.

In addition to these projects, the commission discussed another building proposal on Bright Street, focusing on the design details like the brick cornice, window placement, and the amount of glazing. The commission debated the design aspects, such as the bulkhead’s shape and the rear facade’s glazing. Further visual representations were requested, and the decision on the application was postponed.

A review and recommendation of proposed amendments to the Luis Munos Marin Boulevard Redevelopment plan were also on the agenda. The amendments addressed the treatment of embankment stones and the preservation of historic design standards for block one of the embankment. The commission approved the amendments, recommending them to the planning board.

The commission then moved to a demolition review for 37 Van Ripen, located in a preservation zone of the Journal Square 2060 plan. After discussing the building’s architectural significance, the commission decided to recommend denial of the demolition application to the zoning officer.