City planning staff briefed council that an applicant is appealing an Architectural Review Board (ARB) denial of replacement windows at 709 West Princess Anne Road. Bobby Tahan said the applicant replaced 32 windows without prior ARB approval; the ARB approved most other exterior improvements but denied the window replacements on an 8–1 vote, finding the new windows did not match the historic character and lacked internal consistency (some operable, some full panes, differing muntin patterns).

Tahan presented comparative photographs showing original window patterns on the left and the replaced wood-clad/aluminum windows on the right and said the ARB’s denial is grounded in the board’s finding that the replacements disrupted the historical patterning of the front façade. Staff noted the item is on the council agenda as an appeal and reminded council members that the public hearing will give the applicant an opportunity to explain why the appeal should be granted; staff advised against council pre-judging the appeal during the briefing.

No council decision was made at the work session; the appeal will be considered at the public hearing listed on the council agenda for the evening meeting.