Historic Preservation Commission approves small front patio and rear addition COAs

The Town of Newburgh Historic Preservation Commission on March 6 approved two Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior changes to residences.

During the meeting the commission reviewed a request from Janet Richards to install a paver patio across the front of her house and add six stone steps from the patio down the side toward the backyard. Staff presented a site plan and photos; staff and commissioners noted the area is largely not visible from the street and cited precedent for pressed-concrete pavers along State Street. "I personally have no problem with this," David Wills said before moving the motion to approve; a colleague seconded and the commission voted in favor, with Chair concurrence.

The commission then considered a separate application for a full rear addition to extend a kitchen. Staff reported the addition would be constructed of materials intended to match the existing house (polymer shingles and vinyl shake siding) and said the house itself is not individually historic though it lies within a historic district. Commissioners discussed precedence and the visibility of the addition from public rights-of-way; one member noted that existing siding matches the proposed materials. A motion to approve was made and seconded; the commission voted to approve the COA.

Both approvals were recorded as routine, unanimous votes and the chair thanked staff for providing clear application materials. The commission noted that when a variance or other reviews (stormwater, BZA) are required, applicants may still need to appear before those bodies even after HPC approval.

The commission handled these votes as part of its regular agenda and moved on to other items.