Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Signed Minutes - September 21, 2020

Home Browse Search

PETITIONER COMMENTS: Ms. DeCola apologized that Mr. Nowicki (the property owner) was traveling for business and was unable to attend. She disclosed that she is the owner of Baranay's Windows and Doors and that Mr. Nowicki was her parent's neighbor and a longtime family friend. Ms. DeCola explained that Mr. Nowicki fell and broke his neck three years ago, he has full function and is able to move, but has physical limitations to getting on a ladder and switching out the existing wooden storms. Mr. Nowicki is the second owner of the house and he purchased it from a 95 - year -old woman who never opened the windows in at least twenty years. Ms. DeCola expressed thanks that Staff had recommended approval of an aluminum storm window but stated that she felt that aluminum storm windows are that much different than replacement windows but would ask that the existing windows be replaced with something else entirely. Commissioner Gelfman asked if the windows were restorable. Ms. DeCola stated that the windows are original windows, with ropes and weights, that some of the ropes are broken, and that some of the wood is deteriorated. That they had a restoration contractor come out and state that the project was too big for them, and they may be able to get to it next year, that H.G. Christman had been contacted, and another gentleman out of Plymouth. Ms. DeCola stated that Mr. Nowicki was approved for a metal roof, which she believed was more out of character than replacement windows, and that the Wayne Street District wasn't a district until the 1990s, and that a number of the houses that are similar to Mr. Nowicki's house have replacement windows. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko stated that the Commission was very familiar with the process for restoring windows, and that there are projects do `slip by' without being reviewed, and that some window replacement occurred before the establishment of the district, but that the Commission is charged with protecting the historic character and workmanship of the district. Commissioner Ponder asked about the cost of the storm windows. Ms. DeCola stated that the storm windows would cost approximately $300-$350 a window, and that no one could give definite prices for restoration, but it would range from $300-$850 a window, with the expectation that it would be higher than that. Mr. Nowicki is looking into a pretty significant investment. Commissioner Deegan stated that for restoration and the storms it would be approximately $28,000. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko stated that she was restoring the windows in one of her properties and it is costing approximately $400 a window and $150 for a storm window. Commissioner Gelfrnan asked if it would be appropriate for the homeowner to contact [Commissioner Downs-Krostenko]'s contractor. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko stated that she could not speak to her contractor's capacity but wanted to clarify that it is not technologically difficult to restore windows. Commissioner Downs- Krostenko stated her opinion that metal storm windows are visually different than what is historically appropriate, as well as described her struggles to have new manufacturer -made windows fabricated to her specifications. Commissioner Deegan asked the applicant if they believed that replacement windows would match the existing windows. Ms. DeCola responded `yes.' Commissioner Downs-Krostenko asked if it would have divided light between the glass. Ms. DeCola responded `yes.' Commissioner Downs-Krostenko stated that she did not believe this would replicate the existing windows. Ms. DeCola stated that Pella windows offer alternatives for the window design that could replicate the window details. Commissioner Stalheim stated that he would be in favor of restoration with new storm windows. Commissioner Wyncott stated that he would be in favor of restoration with new storm windows, and that the storms could be modified so that you could replace the screens with glass from the inside.