One notable issue addressed was the commission’s unanimous decision to recommend the denial of a demolition permit for the building on Broadway. The building, set back from the street and relatively intact compared to its 1938 state, was considered significant enough to encourage the property’s development without the need for demolition. The lack of a tax photo at the time did not deter the commission from moving forward with the recommendation to the zoning officer.

Similarly, the commission also recommended denying the demolition of another historic building located at 205 15th Street within the St. Lucy’s historic district. The building was recognized for its integrity in design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and location. The commission’s decision was bolstered by the applicant’s confirmation to incorporate the building into a future development, further supporting the preservation efforts.

In addition to the demolition reviews, the commission tackled applications for Certificates of Appropriateness for alterations to several properties in historic districts. One such application involved the renovation of a property in the Paulus Hook historic district. The applicant proposed interior renovations, front facade window installation, and the construction of a three-story rear addition. The commission discussed the mixed window pattern on the front facade and the rear elevation’s visibility, ultimately recommending approval with conditions.

Another case presented was for a property in the Hamilton Park historic district, where the applicant sought to construct a new roof deck, install an elevator, and replace front and rear entry doors. The commission examined the renderings and site line drawings, debating the visibility impact of the roof deck, materials for the deck, and the design of the railing, especially concerning safety with the use of horizontal cable railings. They also considered the bulkhead’s elevation and the possibility of reducing its visibility. The commission’s discussion extended to the choice of replacement materials and the appropriateness of the proposed exterior lighting. Approval was granted with the condition that recommended changes be incorporated.

An additional application presented by Kristen Hopkins CLE involved the installation of front facade windows and a full-height rear addition to an altered contributing vernacular Italianate frame row house constructed in 1875. The applicant emphasized maintaining the historic style by proposing double-hung windows and casements and using composite siding for the addition. The commission expressed the importance of reviewing color swatches and material samples, especially when discrepancies between the screen representation and the reality were acknowledged. The commission approved the application with conditions, including the submission of material samples and the specification of construction materials.