Historic District Commission Regular Meeting - July 8, 2025

The Newport Historic District Commission (HDC) held its regular meeting on July 8, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 43 Broadway. The commission addressed action items, continued applications, and new applications, including several approvals, a continuation for additional evidence, and one dismissal. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

Approval of Minutes

• The minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting were approved as written by a unanimous vote.

Action Items

• Application #2025-Jun-005 (34 Red Cross Avenue): Approved a one-year extension for a previously approved plan to move a bulkhead and replace a window with a door. Vote: unanimous.
• Application #2023-Feb-002 (Belmead Condominium Association): Approved a one-year extension for the replacement of non-original French doors. Vote: unanimous.

Continued Applications

• C-1 (364 Bellevue Avenue, Unit D102): Continued to August 12, 2025 at the applicant’s request.
• C-2 (94 William Street): Dismissed without prejudice after the applicant failed to appear. This was the first no-show for this application.
• C-3 (38 Pelham Street): The application was split. Part I (roof, gutters, clapboard, chimney, foundation) had been approved previously. Part II (windows and rear addition) was heard this evening. The commission bifurcated Part II:
  • Windows: Continued to allow time for a more detailed window survey specifying ages of each sash. The applicant agreed to restore and relocate original windows to the front (Pelham Street) elevation and replace all other windows with wood windows conforming to HDC guidelines.
  • Rear Addition: Approved a 17×14-foot, three-story stair tower to improve accessibility. Vote: unanimous. Citing Newport Standards 17.80.060 A1–7 for contributing properties.

New Applications

• N-1 (59 Bridge Street): Approved the construction of a detached accessory structure (16×28 feet, 15-foot ridge height, no kitchen). Condition: final materials list to be submitted to the planner for approval. Vote: unanimous. Citing Newport Standards 17.80.060 C1–3 for new construction.
• N-2 (1 Bellevue Avenue): Continued to August 12, 2025. The applicant seeks to replace 140+ windows and doors at the Viking Hotel due to asbestos found in glazing putty. Commissioners requested an expert from Sage Environmental or the Rhode Island Department of Health to testify on whether all windows must be replaced or if some can be restored. The applicant agreed to provide all-wood windows as per HDC preference. Vote to continue: unanimous.
• N-3 (673 Bellevue Avenue): Approved via summary approval for construction of an outdoor kitchen. No public comment. Vote: unanimous. Citing Newport Standards 17.80.060 A1–7 for contributing properties.
• N-4 (8 Columbus Avenue): Approved for replacement of a skylight with a new dormer window. The applicant initially proposed a vinyl-clad window; after discussion, the applicant agreed to use an aluminum-clad or composite-clad window (final material approved by staff). Vote: unanimous. Citing Newport Standards 17.80.060 B1–2 for non-contributing properties.
• N-5 (21 Catherine Street): Approved via summary approval for removing an existing metal bulkhead and replacing it with a doghouse-style basement entry. Vote: unanimous. Citing Newport Standards 17.80.060 A1–7 for contributing properties.

Key Outcomes

• Three applications approved outright (N-1, N-3, N-5) plus N-4 with condition.
• Two applications continued (C-1, N-2).
• One application dismissed without prejudice (C-2).
• One application bifurcated (C-3): windows continued, addition approved.
• Action items for extensions approved.
• All votes were unanimous; no roll call votes were recorded.