Commission approves screen‑porch COA but drops staff’s brick‑footing requirement after owner objection (6–1)

The Historic Preservation Commission voted 6–1 to approve a screened porch and overhang replacement at 2609 Henry Street while declining to adopt a staff‑suggested third condition that would have required a brick footing up to 2 feet high.

Todd Kennedy presented COA26‑29, describing a replacement overhang and screened porch to use aluminum framing, insulated roof panels, fiberglass mesh screening and a maximum two‑foot brick footing recommended by staff for compatibility with surrounding parcels. Applicant Anna Wilds told the commission she does not want a brick footing: “I absolutely do not,” she said, arguing that the purpose of a screen porch is airflow and visibility and that adding brick would detract from the porch function and that her contractor would not work with a brick footing.

Commissioners discussed consistency with neighboring features and whether the pictured brick examples were original or later additions. One commissioner moved to accept staff recommendations limited to conditions one and two (permits and materials) and to omit the brick footing; the motion passed 6 in favor, 1 opposed (Vice Chair Maben opposed). The commission recorded that any change from the previously approved design would require a return to the commission.