The Stratford Historic District Commission voted unanimously Jan. 9 to approve a certificate of appropriateness allowing work at 78 White Street to proceed, Chairman Ryan Arnaud said.

The matter matters to neighbors and the town because the property is inside Stratford’s historic district and earlier work began without an approved permit. The owner, represented at the special meeting by Daniel Thomas of City Lending Group LLC, stopped all exterior work after the commission raised concerns in a December meeting and returned with revised plans that incorporate the commission’s recommendations.

Daniel Thomas introduced the application and said the current contractor who began earlier work did so before a permit was issued. “My name is Daniel Thomas. … I represent City Lending Group LLC, the owner of 78 White Street,” he said, and told the commission the owner stopped work after the matter was raised.

Commissioners had previously recommended materials and details including wood or wood-composite siding and six-over-one windows. Thomas said the revised application includes renderings that reflect those recommendations and that the existing vinyl siding will be removed. “All work was stopped … we haven't touched the house, you know, waiting for your approval to move forward,” Thomas said.

Commissioner Xi moved to approve the certificate of appropriateness for replacing siding, windows, the front door and the roof; Commissioner Zara seconded. The commission approved the motion unanimously.

Arnaud said the commission would notify the building department that the COA has been approved but reminded the applicant that a certificate of occupancy will not be issued until all work is completed and inspected. Thomas acknowledged that and said the owner understood the sequencing.

The special meeting lasted under 10 minutes and adjourned after the vote.