Owner says vinyl siding was replaced; commission approves 9 Cherry Street application

The Newport Historic District Commission voted to approve the application for 9 Cherry Street, a non‑contributing structure, after the applicant described material changes and corrections to the previously filed plans.

Applicant John Vicens said he had selected vinyl siding in error and immediately removed it, replacing it with cedar clapboard to match neighborhood character. He also explained a change in window product and the selection of Anderson architectural series windows in a 6‑over‑1 pattern. “I selected a vinyl based product for siding, thinking that that was okay in a non contributing home,” Vicens said. “That was wrong.” The commission discussed decking materials and accepted that wood railings and wood handrails would be used while allowing composite treads in limited locations for durability and snow removal.

Preservation commissioners asked for clarification about a proposed stone veneer on a chimney; one commissioner said a stacked‑stone veneer “would not typically be seen” on chimneys and suggested brick or a more appropriate veneer. The applicant said the chimney finish was included in the January filing and that the selected sample was intended to resemble a traditional gray stone. After discussion, a motion to approve the application as a non‑contributing structure, with the materials and conditions presented, passed by voice vote.

The approval records the commission’s reliance on the preservation planner’s findings of fact and applicable Newport standards for non‑contributing structures.