Commission allows asphalt roof at Addisley Park house but orders replacement of red vinyl siding

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on April 8 approved the legalization of roof and siding work at 114‑18/170 Ninth Street in the Addisley Park Historic District, finding the replacement asphalt shingle roof acceptable given district context but directing the owner to remove red vinyl siding from the street‑facing and side facades and replace it with painted wood or fiber‑cement board (HardieBoard) to better match historic materials.

Owner Saskamora Ravi Rampasad described emergency repairs made after purchasing a heavily deteriorated house, saying the new asphalt roof and vinyl siding were installed after urgent roof failures and water infiltration; he said the repairs cost roughly $25,000 and that a slate roof and wood siding would add an estimated $35,000–$45,000 more, a cost he said he could not bear. The Victorian Society testified in opposition, urging restoration of stained shingle gable ends, dark painted metal gutters and downspouts, and reinstatement of a slate roof.

Staff presented a district survey showing a significant number of houses already have asphalt roofs; commissioners reviewed precedent and context. The Commission’s finding stated the slate roof was deteriorated and that asphalt shingles in a neutral brown would not draw undue attention given the prevalence of asphalt on the block. Commissioners unanimously approved the application with the requirement that the bright red vinyl siding at the street be replaced with painted wood or fiber‑cement to match historic profiles and colors; staff will work with the owner on acceptable materials and colors. The vote was 9–0.

Next steps: Owner must work with staff to remove and replace the red vinyl siding with approved material and coordinate additional corrective work now under staff review; the Commission noted the benefits of a windows/roof master plan but cannot compel the building’s coop board to adopt one.