Consider for recommendation to the Board of Commissioners various building and site modifications. The application, which came to the Historical Commission and was tabled four times previously, proposes to:

1)      Remove previous unapproved modifications, including replacing brick veneer on the dormers of the rear elevation and garage, the side of a shed dormer, and the side wall of the garage with lapped siding;

2)   Rebuild roof parapets on two rear projecting bays;

3)   Remove a rear bluestone patio and other impervious surfaces;

4)   Convert the circular front driveway to a gravel path for pedestrian use only;

5)  Construct a replacement to the current rear patio pergola in a more sympathetic architectural style;

6)   Proceed with the completion of a partially constructed addition on the rear of the ca. 2004 attached garage.

On Monday, February 27, 2017 the Historical Commission recommended approval of the following:

1)      The removal of all brick siding on dormers and walls installed after 2005, and replacement of such with painted cementitious lapped siding as proposed in the areas noted on the drawings.

2)      Reconstruction of the two parapets on the flat-roofed rear sections, including copings and rebuilt brick, with pointing to match existing. Details of the crenellated scupper to be reviewed and approved by a subcommittee prior to the start of construction. The Commission recommends that the applicant provide a minimum of two methods for water to drain from the enclosed flat roofed areas, through a combination of drains and scuppers.

3)      Modification of the rear patio, including removal of bluestone paving (but retention of the existing walls) and removal of the impervious areas outside the basement level of the older addition and the front living room.

4)      Removal and modification of the driveway with retention of the fountain and circular path, which will be limited to pedestrian use only.

5)      Reconstruction of the pergola, with final plan details to be submitted to staff for approval. Should staff not agree with the documents submitted, the applicant may return to the full Commission for regular review. Further, the Commission will allow for alternative elements in the pergola, including differently shaped beam ends, girder beam or vine strip elements. Details of the connections between the beams and the wall and of the supporting columns’ capitals to be provided to staff. The pergola’s materials should be painted wood.

6)      The addition as shown in the December 28, 2016 submission, noting that the applicant has through subsequent meetings on site and public meetings revised the design to a point where the Commission believes it is sympathetic to the existing architecture and notes that the addition is attached to the later additions, therefore not impacting the original historic fabric of the house, and is at a lower elevation than the historic portion of the house. The approval of the addition is conditional upon completion of the items listed above and shown on the approved plan to the satisfaction of the township. 

7)      Staff shall review and approve all plan documents prior to issuance of a building permit.