Historic District Commission Regular Meeting – August 11, 2026

The Newport Historic District Commission met on August 11, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI. All seven commissioners were present (Jim Madsen, Frank Bala, Ray Goddard, Brooke Bricter, Jan Don Tremont, Ben Willett, and Kelly Moran). The meeting lasted approximately 90 minutes and covered one continued application, three new applications (one agenda item was not discussed), and a new business item.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the July 14, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote.
• Staff Findings of Fact: A motion to accept all staff findings of fact as the commission’s own was approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

Continued Application C-1 – 77 Kay St (Thomas Woll)

• Proposal to convert an existing garage into an accessory dwelling unit. The applicant presented updated photos of the structure. Commissioners raised concerns about: raising the garage 32 inches (which would alter scale and proportion), replacing the slate roof with asphalt shingles (desiring slate repair or a slate substitute), and lack of material cut sheets for windows, garage doors, and the side door. The commission supported the concept but required more detail. The application was continued to the September 14, 2026 meeting by unanimous vote.

New Application N-1 – 39 Elm St (Jeffrey Nadeau and Sarah Mongan)

• Request to replace a deteriorating wooden bulkhead with a flat metal diamond-plated door. Several commissioners objected to the industrial aesthetic of the diamond plate, suggesting a wood veneer or painting to mitigate the shiny appearance. The applicant agreed to work with the preservation planner on final finish. The application was approved with that condition (vote: all in favor).

New Application N-2 – 59 Bridge St (Nancy Flynn)

• This item was listed on the agenda but was not discussed or voted on during the meeting, as per the transcript. The reason for its omission is not documented.

New Application N-3 – 21 Clay St (Julian Wassenaar)

• Multi-part proposal: replace one window on the rear elevation; alter the carriage house/garage (remove a chimney, replace one dormer and add three new dormers, relocate the hayloft, replace two doors on the south façade, add a skylight); and replace the asphalt roof of the gardener’s cottage with wood shingles. The applicant provided a detailed historical statement and exhibits. The commission found the arguments for window changes compelling (restoring symmetry per original architect George Champlain Mason). All roofs would be returned to wood shingles. The application was approved unanimously as presented.

New Application N-4 – 562 Bellevue Ave (Carbonview Limited LLC)

• Proposal to construct an outdoor tennis court, restore a bay window, remove and replace windows and doors, replace railings and a Juliet balcony, and replace chimney caps with copper. The applicant, represented by architect Peter Booher, presented a comprehensive window inventory showing 70 total openings, with only 30 original windows and 11 in fair/good condition, and 8 original doors (1 in good condition). The commission debated the window replacement issue: the need for hurricane impact-resistant glass (due to recent code changes) conflicted with preserving historic sight lines. Commissioner Frank Bala expressed strong opposition to accepting simulated divided light windows, citing past bad outcomes. The commission voted to split the application: all windows and doors were continued to the September 14, 2026 meeting (vote: 1 opposed, likely Frank Bala), while the balance of the project (chimney caps, copper louvers, railing, tennis court, bay window removal/restoration) was approved unanimously.

New Business – Utilities Department Invitation

• The Director of Utilities invited the commission to be a consulting party for stormwater infrastructure work in the north end, funded by federal money, triggering Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The work is outside the local historic district and not within 250 feet of any National Register properties. Staff found no adverse effect. The commission accepted the invitation without objection.

Key Outcomes

• Continued: Application C-1 (77 Kay St) and the windows/doors portion of N-4 (562 Bellevue Ave) – both to the September 14, 2026, meeting.
• Approved: N-1 (39 Elm St) with condition; N-3 (21 Clay St) as presented; the non-window/door portion of N-4 (562 Bellevue Ave) as presented.
• Not Discussed: N-2 (59 Bridge St) was on the agenda but not addressed in the meeting.
• New Business: Accepted invitation to be consulting party for stormwater project.
• Meeting Adjourned: Approximately 8:00 p.m.