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Historic District Commission accepts as‑built roof at 107 Main as a test case; requires future replacement in approved color
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to accept an as‑installed architectural shingle at the individually significant 107 Main (Zacchaeus Macy Reuben Joy house) as a "test case" while requiring the property owner to replace the roof with an HDC‑approvable dark color on the next full replacement.
The Nantucket Historic District Commission on March 18 agreed to accept an as‑built architectural shingle color at 107 Main Street while designating the installation a "test case" and recording a condition that the roof, when next replaced, be in an HDC‑approvable dark color.
Contractor Beau Wilson told the commission the work was done without prior HDC review or a building permit to stop an active leak; the installed shingle was described in staff comments as a Georgetown Grey architectural shingle. Preservation planner Holly described the house as an individually significant structure (the Zacchaeus Macy Reuben Joy House) with existing historic fabric and recommended an approvable dark roof color – she listed acceptable colors in staff guidance as charcoal black, colonial slate, moray black or similar.
Commissioners discussed the tradeoffs between requiring immediate removal of the new roof product versus the practical and environmental cost of ripping out relatively new material. Commissioners also noted the owner had paid a $300 citation for the work. After debate, Commissioner Abby moved to approve the as‑built work on the record while making the application a test case: the commission will record that the current roof color is tolerated as an as‑built but that when the roof is replaced it must be replaced by an HDC‑approvable dark color. Another commissioner seconded the motion and it carried unanimously (Ayes: Angus; Abby; Connie; Joe; Ray).
The HDC recorded the following clarifications: the violation had triggered a stop‑work order; the owner paid the Town citation; the commission treated the matter as a one‑time test case rather than precedent-setting approval of Georgetown Grey across the district. The board said staff may work with the owner on technical options and that if a future technical problem prevents the use of an exposed aggregate or other approved finish, staff should bring alternatives back to the commission.
Speakers included Beau Wilson (applicant’s agent), Holly (preservation planner), and Commissioners Abby (mover) and others. The commission’s action was narrowly limited to the as‑built roof color at 107 Main and to the recordation of the test‑case requirement for the next replacement.
