The council unanimously voted to move forward with new historic preservation guidelines, which focus on maintaining the architectural character of Red Bank’s historic districts. These guidelines, crafted with input from previous meetings and the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), will now proceed to the planning board for further review. A member emphasized the importance of ensuring these guidelines align with the historic element of the master plan, highlighting the collaborative effort required to maintain Red Bank’s architectural heritage.

Within the guidelines, the treatment of black frame windows emerged as a contentious topic. While historically common in commercial structures, their presence in residential buildings is less typical, leading to confusion over their appropriateness in a recent renovation project on Washington Street. A homeowner had installed windows that appeared black from the street, prompting questions about color choices under the guidelines. Although the guidelines advise matching historic profiles, they do not explicitly dictate colors, leaving room for interpretation.

The topic of window colors continued to dominate discussions during the proposed renovation of a historic home on Washington Street. The property owners presented their renovation plans, including a request to change the paint color from blue to Brand Stone, a historically appropriate shade. The owners planned to replace damaged windows and doors, expressing a preference for black windows. This suggestion faced opposition from some council members, who argued that black windows might detract from the home’s historic character. One member stated, “I don’t think it brings back the character of the house,” advocating for a more traditional restoration approach.

In response to these concerns, the homeowners expressed openness to alternatives, considering white or cream-colored windows to better integrate with the historic aesthetic. They acknowledged the importance of respecting the home’s historical context while pursuing their renovation vision.

Further complicating the renovation discussions was the discovery that the former owner of the home, James Avati, was a notable illustrator known for paperback cover designs. This historical connection added another layer of significance to the renovation project, prompting the current owners to express interest in researching the house’s history for potential incorporation into their renovation artwork.

As the meeting progressed, the restoration of a historic home on Washington Street remained a focal point, emphasizing the preservation of architectural features like the slate roof and original wood siding. Participants discussed the importance of salvaging the existing slate roof, one of the last remaining on Washington Street, and considered using shingles from less visible areas for repairs. There was also a suggestion to source materials from architectural salvage places if necessary to maintain the home’s integrity.

Debate arose over specific modifications, particularly regarding a kitchen window. Some participants advocated for preserving the window’s external appearance while accommodating internal needs by enclosing it from the inside. This compromise aimed to maintain the historical essence of the home while addressing functional requirements.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the restoration plans, with conditions regarding window treatments. A majority voted in favor of the application. An upcoming library event was announced to further engage the community, along with discussions on procedural steps for submitting development permits.