Commission reopens Birch Street case after images, approves revision built after prior approval

The commission extensively debated revisions at 2112 Birch Street (SA 2512) after commissioners raised that certain exterior changes appeared to have been constructed following earlier approvals. Commissioners and the applicant described material changes — including switching to a thin brick, adding stone at the garage to emphasize massing, and removing limestone panels — and several commissioners said the work "got changed" and "got built" after the previous approval.

Because the built condition prompted uncertainty, the commission initially voted to continue SA 2512 so commissioners could drive by the site and the applicant could supply images. Later in the meeting a commissioner called the case back, projected photos taken by a commissioner, and moved to reopen the case. Following review of images presented, the commission voted to approve SA 2512 "as presented." Commissioners instructed staff to file the images and approval in the permit record.

One exchange captured the concern: a committee member said, "It got changed. It got built," noting the work appeared executed prior to final commission confirmation. Another commissioner stressed the limits of ex-parte collaboration, noting commissioners must not coordinate outside the meeting when deliberating cases.