Newport Historic District Commission Regular Meeting – October 14, 2025

The Newport Historic District Commission met on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers at 43 Broadway. Chair Deanna Amarilla called the meeting to order at approximately 6:30 PM. All commissioners were present except Rick Richter. The commission approved the minutes of September 15, 2025, and noted that applications approved this evening are valid for one year. Two late continuations (47 Bridge Street and 45 Bridge Street) were continued to the next meeting on November 10, 2025.

Consent Calendar

• C-9 (37 Elm Street): Application #2025-Sept-028 of Merritt Curry House LLC – Approved as presented. (Motion by Deanna Amarilla, seconded; all in favor.)
• N6 (30 Walnut Street): Application #HDC-25-177 of Newport Restoration Foundation – Approved as presented. (Motion, second; all in favor.)
• N7 (21 Clay Street): Application #HDC-25-178 of NewPort Architecture – Approved as presented. (Motion, second; all in favor.)

Discussion Items

C-8 (29 John Street) – Elizabeth Minifie Irrevocable Trust

Applicant requested permission to replace stairs damaged by a waste management truck. The commission approved with a condition that a wrought iron railing be used. Commissioner Bala suggested iron railing; applicant agreed to a removable iron railing for moving furniture. Approved citing Newport Standard 17 TAC 80 060 A1,3,4,5,7.

N2 (46 Corne Street) – Kji & Rebecca Kelly

Applicant sought to replace kitchen doors, install a window, and replace downspouts. Commissioner Bala requested wood windows instead of fiberglass. The applicant agreed. Approved with condition that windows be all wood. (Motion, second; all in favor.)

N4 (353 Gibbs Ave) – John Quinn

Applicant (represented by Matt Rinaldi) requested replacement of wood clapboard siding with Hardie board (horizontal). The commission debated orientation: Commissioner Bala and others preferred vertical to match the existing character of the non-contributing building. The commission approved with condition that siding be installed vertically (not horizontal). Commissioner Moran expressed concern about setting a precedent for Hardie board. Approved citing Newport Standard 17 TAC 80 060 B1,2. (Motion, second; 2 against? The transcript shows all in favor after the motion.)

C-1 (8 Beacon Hill Rd) – Luke Fleury (continued application)

Applicant (represented by Jay Russell Jackson, architect Mark Rapp) proposed converting a two-family to single-family, adding a portico, replacing windows, constructing a two-car garage with ADU, and installing a pool. This was the third appearance. The commission split the application: Part 1 (east elevation and pool) was approved; Part 2 (garage) was continued to November 10, 2025, due to concerns about massing, scale, and dormer design. The commission requested revised garage plans. The pool and east elevation changes, including a reduced roof over the entry, were approved.

C-2 (1 Bellevue Ave) – T-Mobile LLC

Applicant proposed replacing six antennas on a contributing building (Viking Hotel). Commissioners expressed concerns about mounting antennas on the balustrade, citing damage to historic fabric and visual impact. The commission requested alternative mounting solutions, such as setting antennas back and raising them, or exploring stealth options. The application was continued to November 10, 2025, to allow the applicant to present alternatives.

C-3 (37 Sherman Street) – Karen Windley

Applicant represented by Mr. Crimmins sought to replace 11 windows on a contributing building. Staff reported that a window evaluation indicated nine of the 11 windows could be repaired. The commission explained that policy requires repair before replacement. The application was continued to November 10, 2025, with guidance that the applicant could work with staff to amend the application to align with the evaluation and potentially obtain administrative approval.

C-4 (61 Second Street) – Daniel Petashnick

Applicant (represented by Daniel Petashnick and Mark Westnedge) requested replacement of 12 original windows with Anderson 400 inserts. The applicant stated windows had already been ordered. The commission noted that a complete window evaluation was required, especially for a contributing property. The application was continued to November 10, 2025, and the applicant was advised to submit a window evaluation to the preservation planner.

C-5 (16 Barney Street) – Michael Strongin & Barbara Granoff

Applicant requested a carport (12' x 10' x 8'). Commissioners debated whether the structure was temporary or permanent; most felt it was permanent and not compatible with the historic district. The applicant asked to withdraw the application. The commission accepted the withdrawal. (Motion, second; all in favor.)

C-7 (19 Catherine Street) – Jeffrey Nace & Kelli Nace

Applicant (represented by Peter Regan and Mark Horrin) proposed removing a non-historic vestibule, reconstructing a front entry, replacing a rear bay window with French doors (later changed to folding windows), and other work. After discussion, the commission approved with conditions: the front entry shall have a flared roof (matching the rear) and no pilasters; the rear bump-out shall maintain the existing roof profile with flare; the Juliet balcony and French doors shall be replaced with two-over-two windows. Approved.

C-6 (1 Wetmore Ave) – Mary Stuart Emerson

Applicant (Mary Emerson) sought to replace asphalt shingle roof with standing seam metal roof (verdigris green). The commission had split the application last month; Part 1 (chimney) was approved; Part 2 (roof) was heard tonight. After discussion, the commission approved the metal roof with the condition that the applicant provide a final cut sheet of the material to the preservation planner. Voting was in favor; one commissioner expressed concern about the color but acknowledged no purview over color.

C-10 (73 Catherine Street) – Shelley Mahood, Marie Mahood, Michael O’Connell

Applicant (represented by Sean Harris) returned for Part 2 of an application for a wraparound porch. The commission approved the proposed covered porch on the second floor, noting precedent studies and the unique character of the building. The certificate of appropriateness for the first part was nearing expiration; the applicant was advised to contact staff for an extension.

N3 (216 Spring Street) – Gentile Properties LLC

Applicant (represented by Mark Rapp) proposed interior and exterior alterations, including skylights, deck replacement, door changes, and window restoration. The commission approved with conditions: remove the three skylights proposed on the west (street-facing) elevation; replace only the existing skylight on the east elevation; change the French door on the south elevation to a half-light wood door. (Motion, second; all in favor.)

N5 (34 Castle Hill Ave) – Steven Windwer

Applicant (represented by Mark Horn and Gregory Sanford) proposed an outdoor kitchen, pergola, fire pit, and outdoor shower. The commission approved with the condition that the pergola height be reduced to approximately 8 feet (to minimize street visibility). Other elements (fire pit, shower) were approved as presented.

N9 (1 Cherry St) – 41 Washington LLC

Applicant (represented by Jay Russell Jackson and Chris Fagan) proposed adaptive reuse of a historic warehouse into a single-family residence, including window changes, dormer restoration, skylight, sunroom, and chimney work. After discussion about preserving the original warehouse character, the commission approved the application as presented, noting the north elevation retains original windows and the arched brick detailing will be maintained. (Motion, second; all in favor.)

New Business

Chair Amarilla reported on progress regarding the lead mitigation guidelines project in partnership with the Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF). The final draft has been reviewed by the state; a presentation is scheduled for the November 10, 2025 meeting, with potential adoption in December. Commissioner Moran thanked staff (Jill and Timberly) for their work. Commissioner Goddard raised the possibility of establishing a fine structure for violations of the historic district regulations, suggesting funds could support grants for historic preservation. Staff noted that a code enforcement officer position has been budgeted for the next fiscal year. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:20 PM.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: C-9, N6, N7, C-8 (with condition), N2 (with condition), N4 (with condition), C-1 Part 1 (east elevation & pool), C-7 (with conditions), C-6 (with condition), C-10, N3 (with conditions), N5 (with condition), N9.
• Continued to November 10, 2025: C-1 Part 2 (garage), C-2 (T-Mobile), C-3 (37 Sherman), C-4 (61 Second).
• Withdrawn: C-5 (16 Barney Street).