On November 3, 2020, a member of the Historic District Review Board, while snooping around Monroe Ave., found a contractor in the process of
replacing wood windows with vinyl on the first floor of the single-family residence.
The window contractor was confronted and told that the work being done needed the Zoning Administrator’s approval, a Certificate of Appropriateness, and work needed to stop immediately.
At a pre-application meeting conducted on November 17, 2020. The board requested the following: (i) the condition of the existing wood windows be determined or evidence that they were unrepairable; or (ii) propose another window option in-kind to what existed.
At the Regular Meeting and Work Session on December 1, 2020, the applicant stated that the proposed project had not changed and would like to finish replacing the remaining wood windows with a lower maintenance window. The Historic District Review Board denied the application.
Thursday, granted relief to the resident, mainly noting that applicant had done due diligence, and was acting in good faith when working with the contractor. During discussion, it became apparent that members of Town Council were getting frustrated with the process of trying to make repairs and renovations in the historic district.
At issue was that the guidelines are not well understood, and that residents trying to make repairs which actually are helping the town, are being bullied and punished for their efforts.
Maybe it is time to dissolve the HDRB or simplify its guidelines. The use of modern construction materials can preserve and retain the original look of the historic buildings while providing the homeowner with a cost effective alternative to original material. If a wood window can be replaced with a vinyl window of the same style and characteristics of the original window it should be permitted. A little common sense is needed on this issue.
Agreed
Get rid of the council
Cape Charles should be glad it has someone who wants to fix things up and not discourage them..I can remember when Main Street looked like a ghost town.
Makes sense to Scotiagirl, but what could she possibly know? She is only a “come here” but she spends a lot of time at the Harbour, Oyster, Machipango…looking at the boats and related gear and she doesn’t see a lot of wooden boats, never sees wooden traps. Is this something that the “Historical Society” should look into?
Absolutely agree folks should be able to upgrade their homes with modern materials that look just like the original. We replaced our windows some years ago (before the HRB was in power) with vinyl and not a single person has said -hey, your windows don’t look to be 100 years old! The comment that we don’t want to live in a museum is correct, nor should we need to spend every last dollar replacing and replacing and replacing the same thing! We as a town should be grateful people care enough to make improvements!
I second that. I don’t think the HDRB realizes that they hinder residents who want to make much need repairs & maintenance to their home. The thought of having to go through the lengthy & bureaucratic process deters a lot of people. It certainly keeps the town down.
Defund the HDRB!!!!!
Agree with all the above. I can understand some quidelines on style of house but modern materineed to be used. A little common sense would go a long way.
Years back, when historical societies first started to protect what they considered the look, appearance and curb appeal of properties, the best materials were woods for continuity of the historical look. In the past 30 years though, many smart manufacturers have created high quality vinyl and aluminum replacements for all kinds, or almost every kind of historical look. The new materials do last longer and therefore better maintain a consistent quality look and enhance the property and town value. Why not support that side of the equation ? Many historical societies have learned and accepted this. It sounds like quite a few Cape Charles residents wish this would happen there.
Maybe HDBR
Needs to think Green
Most of the materials used today are of recycled material
Wood is removing of trees
Also
Until they pay your mortgage and property tax
They have no say
Can only suggest