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Kingston historic commission approves three certificates of appropriateness for storefront and facade work
Summary
The City of Kingston Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission on March 6 granted certificates of appropriateness for exterior work at 27 West Chestnut Street, 33 North Front Street and 5 O'Neill (Beale Street), finding each proposal compatible with the Stockade historic district and subject to conditions and required permits.
The City of Kingston Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission on March 6 approved three certificates of appropriateness for exterior alterations at properties in the Stockade Local, State and National Historic District, including a conversion of a basement entry to a window at 27 West Chestnut Street, reconstruction of a vehicle‑damaged shopfront at 33 North Front Street, and exterior painting, signage and an awning at 5 O'Neill Street (Lower Broadway/Beale Street).
The decisions came after staff presentations and applicant explanations. Commission members said the work, as described and conditioned, meets the compatibility standards cited in the City of Kingston form‑based zoning code and related guidance. Each certificate is valid for one year and does not replace required building permits or other agency approvals.
Votes at a glance
- 27 West Chestnut Street (owner/petitioner identified in the record as the applicant): Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness to convert an existing wooden basement entry door on the northeast elevation to an arched, salvaged wood window (31 3/4 inches wide by 28 inches tall) set within salvaged brick infill. Conditions in the motion require use of salvaged brick from elsewhere in the structure, lime‑based mortar in historically appropriate proportions, retention and storage of the original door and frame, retention of existing shutters, paint and finish to match existing fenestration, and that the certificate be used as a component of the property owner’s application for the city’s 10‑year graduated rehabilitation tax abatement program. Motion (record): moved by Robert (last name not specified), seconded by Eric Mitchell. Roll call recorded unanimous affirmative votes by Eric Mitchell, Robert (lastname not specified), Andrea Pewds, Kevin Mclebone and Chair Mark Grumbla. Outcome: approved; certificate valid for one year.
- 33 North Front Street (applicant John Perry): Commission approved reconstruction of a storefront that was severely damaged by a vehicle in November 2024. The approved scope follows the submitted elevation by Frank Wellington Dunn, RA, and calls for replacement display and transom windows and an aluminum‑and‑glass storefront door in a style matching the elevation, a new drip edge below the windows, and window sill and display window dimensions that comply with the referenced code sections. Motion (record): motion and second noted in meeting minutes; roll call recorded unanimous affirmative votes (Eric Mitchell, Robert (lastname not specified), Andrea Pewds, Kevin Mclebone, Chair Mark Grumbla). Outcome: approved; certificate valid for one year.
- 5 O'Neill Street / Lower Broadway (Sabrina’s Gelato tenant): Commission approved exterior painting, trimmed color scheme and a new awning for the ground‑floor commercial space, accepted specified Benjamin Moore paint selections (body: HC‑174 Lancaster Whitewash; trim: Castleton Mist) from the applicant’s submission, and recommended approval of the applicant’s minor waiver request that would allow a second window sign. Conditions require the applicant to carry insurance naming the City of Kingston as additional insured in accordance with section 358‑1 of the city code and to secure any required building or right‑of‑way permits before sidewalk or projecting‑sign work proceeds. Motion (record): motion and second noted in meeting minutes; roll call recorded unanimous affirmative votes (Eric Mitchell, Robert (lastname not specified), Andrea Pewds, Kevin Mclebone, Chair Mark Grumbla). Outcome: approved; certificate valid for one year.
Commission findings and code citations
In each action the commission cited compatibility with the historic district under the City of Kingston form‑based zoning code, specifically section 405‑26l and its relevant subsections (the commission read findings pursuant to subsection 13(a) and noted completeness under subsection 11). For the 33 North Front Street action the commission referenced window and storefront dimensional compliance with section 405.14(d) and related subsections. For the 5 O'Neill approval the applicant was directed to comply with City Code section 358‑1 regarding insurance naming the city as additional insured for projecting elements over the public right of way.
What the approvals do and do not do
Commissioners repeatedly noted that the certificates of appropriateness are limited to the exterior work described in the applications and conditioned motions; they do not substitute for the building permit process, nor for approvals from other coordinating agencies. Any changes beyond the submitted materials will require further review by the commission prior to work being carried out.
