523 South St. Joseph Street_COA 2025-0923-2 (DENIAL)

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Page | 2 house, installation of proper flashing and/or rain caps over doors and windows is the best solution for the long-term preservation of this house. Based on the standards and guidelines and on the information received prior to this report, Staff make an UNFAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION for installation of vinyl siding. The applicant was represented by: Edgar Medina, 523 South St. Joseph Street, South Bend, IN, appeared in person to speak as the applicant. The public was represented by: There was no one from the public to speak in regards to this application. After due consideration the following action was taken: Upon a motion by Kathryn Hough, seconded by Peter DeKever, and carried by vote, the Historic Preservation Commission DENIES Certificate of Appropriateness Application #2025- 0923-2. Commissioners are required to state their reasons for denial. Roll was called. Commissioner Fowler: AYE: The issue of water damage, the fact that putting the vinyl siding over replacing the siding would necessarily negate all the current water damage that is happening. Commissioner Skaggs: AYE: Primary for me is the standards on page 106reagrding wood siding and trim, and I certainly sympathize with the financial aspects of of this project. The problem that we face is that our job is to disregard the financial aspects because that's an impossible standard for us to figure out and would require so much more information than we have. The ability to look. So the standards and guidelines question is behind my name. Commissioner DeKever: AYE: The standards and guidelines. Commissioner Hough: AYE: I believe that if the clapboard can be restored that it is most in line with the Standards and Guidelines. And, to put the siding over it is not what these standards and guidelines exist for, and when you purchase a property it is the responsibility of the property owner to avail themselves of the nature of the property they are purchasing. Commissioner Andrews: NAY Vote: 4-1. Four in favor, one opposed. COA 2025-0923-2 is DENIED. Pursuant to South Bend Municipal Code Section 21-13-02(e)(5)(B), an applicant may appeal a denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness by the Historic Preservation Commission to the Common Council, which shall make a final determination of the application.