Historical and Landmarks Review Board Public Hearing - May 13, 2026

The Historical and Landmarks Review Board (HLRB) held a public hearing on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the council chambers. The meeting began with a moment of remembrance for board member Keith Gordon, who passed away two weeks prior. The board then proceeded with roll call, establishing a quorum, and addressed several applications for certificates of appropriateness.

Consent Calendar

• No items were listed on a consent calendar. The board voted to remove item 2.1 (HLRB 5-2026 by Walter Nestler) from the agenda without a vote on the merits, with the understanding that the applicant would return when ready.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Margaret Chabick, a neighbor at 95 Hamilton Avenue, spoke in support of the application for 61 Hamilton Avenue (item 2.2), thanking the board and welcoming the new owners to the neighborhood.

Discussion Items

• Item 2.2: HLRB 3-2026 by Robinson Taneo – Application for a certificate of appropriateness to extend a carport, add a roof side deck, repair the porch, stucco and paint, replace roof windows and doors, perform facade repairs, install HVAC unit, and remove trees at 61 Hamilton Avenue. Architect Michelle Mazzaro presented revised plans responding to prior board feedback, including switching from vinyl-clad to aluminum-clad wood windows (Pella Lifestyle) throughout, and retaining the original front door. The board discussed materials for the porch decking and railings (composite vs. wood) and the number of carport posts. The public hearing was opened and closed.
• Item 2.3: HLRB 5-2026 by Nishelle Arjun – Application for a certificate of appropriateness to construct a raised patio and detached garage in the front yard at 14 the Boulevard. The architect described the challenging site (house set far back with an 8-foot grade change). The board expressed concerns about the garage's visual impact on the historic streetscape, especially its central placement and the newly installed retaining wall. Suggestions included moving the garage to one side (requiring a zoning variance), using stucco to match the house, reducing the roof height, and adding landscaping. The applicant was asked to reconsider the design and potentially seek a variance. The application was adjourned for further work.
• Item 3.1: Presentation by Trinity Episcopal Church – No action taken; preliminary discussion for proposed removal of original cathedral glass and wood window frames and replacement with new custom wood fixed windows with clear insulated glazing at the clear story of the designated landmark at 311 Huguenot Street. Architect Thomas Monarski and Reverend Talisa presented. The board emphasized retaining the original stained glass, possibly by preparing the new frames for future reinstallation of the restored glass. The board requested a plan for restoration and reuse of the stained glass. No mock-up was authorized; the applicant was advised to submit a formal application.

Key Outcomes

• Item 2.1 (10 Manhattan Avenue): Motion to remove from agenda passed unanimously. Applicant to return when ready.
• Item 2.2 (61 Hamilton Avenue): Motion to approve as presented with conditions (trees/plantings to be located south of driveway and west of sidewalk, not encroaching on sidewalk) passed unanimously. Approved.
• Item 2.3 (14 the Boulevard): Application adjourned. Board encouraged applicant to explore alternative garage placement (potentially with a zoning variance), use materials matching the house, and provide a landscape plan. No vote taken.
• Item 3.1 (311 Huguenot Street): No action. Board requested a stained glass preservation plan as part of the application. Applicant to submit formal application for future meeting.
• Meeting adjourned by motion.