Board of Historic & Architectural Review

The Smithfield Board of Historic and Architectural Review (BHAR) held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 18th, 2023 at the Smithfield Center. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Members present: Trey Gwaltney – Chairman Julia Hillegass – Vice Chair Russell Hill Justin Hornback Gary Hess Julie Hess Members absent: Judith Lally Staff present: William H. Riddick, III – Town Attorney Mark Kluck – Planner Tammie Clary – Director of Community Development and Planning Nadya Jaudzimas – Administrative Assistant Press: None Citizens: 2 Chairman Gwaltney welcomed all attendees to the meeting. Planner’s Report: Mark Kluck, Planner, gave the reminder that there would be a Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) meeting held following the BHAR meeting. Tammie Clary, Director of Community Development and Planning, reported that Town Staff had met with the consultants who would be assisting in the update of the Historical District Guidelines, as well as the Entrance Corridor Overlay (ECO) Guidelines update with the Planning Commission. She stated that they would like to schedule the consultant group to attend the Tuesday, September 12th, Planning Commission meeting and would like to schedule a BHAR meeting for Wednesday, September 13th. She explained that this would allow the consultants, who were traveling from out of town, to be able to meet in person with both bodies. Mrs. Clary requested feedback from the Board members if they would be available for a meeting on that day. Vice Chair Hillegass inquired if it would be a joint meeting with both Boards attending. Mrs. Clary clarified that the meeting on the 13th would only be between the BHAR, Town Staff, and the consultants. She added that the meeting could be scheduled when the Board members came to a consensus on a time they were available. Chairman Gwaltney asked if the meeting would be open to the public. Mrs. Clary reported that it would be open for public attendance and advertised as a Special Meeting of the BHAR. She stated that if the Board members would like to include a section for citizen feedback on the guidelines in the meeting, then Town Staff could facilitate that as well. Board of Historic and Architectural Review July 18th, 2023 Public Comments: Chairman Gwaltney reported that there was no sign-ups to speak. Board Member Comments: Vice Chair Hillegass reminded the members that The Grange project would have a public hearing at the August 1st regularly scheduled Town Council meeting. Material Change (Windows) – 210 Cary Street – Contributing – Bob Dolensky, applicant: Mr. Kluck reported that the applicant was seeking approval for a material change to replace fourteen (14) six-over-six double-hung vinyl windows with fourteen (14) six-over-six composite Renewal by Andersen windows. He stated that the proposed windows would be made out of Fibrex, which is a composite material made from reclaimed wood fiber blended with a polymer. He detailed that there were four (4) windows located on the front of the dwelling, two (2) windows on the right side, and five (5) windows on the left side of the structure, with the remaining three (3) windows located on the rear of the structure. Mr. Kluck stated that all trim will be replaced with the same materials and colors. He reviewed that the application was tabled at the June 20th BHAR meeting to allow for clarification, adding that Town staff recommended approval from a zoning standpoint and deferred to the BHAR for architectural discretion. Chairman Gwaltney reported that the applicant was present to answer any questions that the Board may have. Mr. Hill confirmed that the window color would remain white. He stated that several houses in Smithfield had this type of window, and it was a very nice, top-of-the-line window. Chairman Gwaltney pointed out that the applicant had included that they were trying to replace what was on the house currently. Mr. Hess noted that it sounded like an upgrade. Vice Chair Hillegass made a motion to approve the application as presented. Mr. Hornback seconded the motion. Chairman Gwaltney called for a collective vote, all members were in favor, with none opposed. The motion passed. Color Change (Siding) – 304 Main Street – Contributing - Geraldine Holmes-Barnett, applicant: Mr. Kluck reported that the applicant was seeking approval of a color change to the light blue colored siding of the single-family dwelling to a navy-blue color, known as Dark Iris. He detailed that there were no proposed color changes to the soffits, fascias, and trim materials which would remain white, with the burgundy color featured on the front screen door and used as an accent color remaining the same as well. Mr. Kluck added that Town staff recommended approval from a zoning standpoint and deferred to the BHAR for architectural discretion. Geraldine Holmes-Barnett reported that apart from repairing some rotten wood on the siding, that the only large change would be to the color of the house. She explained that she chose a darker blue as the current light blue siding easily became dirty from the traffic on Main Street. 2