Commission defers pergola/walkway at 1002 Fair Street after accessibility and visibility concerns; applicant to return with revised covered proposal

The Historic Zoning Commission voted to defer a decision on a proposed covered pergola walkway and a pea‑gravel rain garden at 1002 Fair Street and asked the applicants to return with revised drawings and additional information at the Sept. 8 meeting. Staff recommended approval of the pea‑gravel rain garden because it is not visible from public view and does not remove historic features. Staff recommended denial of the covered pergola walkway because the proposed design would be visible from the street and the flat‑top pitched pergola form is not typical in the district; the guidelines favor site alterations that are not visible from public view. Applicant contractor Jeff (identified in the record as the contractor) and owner Randy Thompson explained the pergola/breezeway was intended to provide sheltered, accessible passage from a cottage to the main house for three adult family members who use electric wheelchairs; Thompson described mobility needs and why keeping the path covered matters for safety and dignity. Commissioners indicated the project might be more appropriate if revised as a covered breezeway rather than the visible flat‑top pergola shown; they recommended the applicant attend the Design Review Committee for detailed feedback. The commission voted to defer to the Sept. 8 meeting to allow the applicant to supply additional renderings, clarify whether the walkway would be fully covered or open pergola, and work with staff on guideline‑appropriate solutions. Next steps: Applicant to meet with staff and DRC, submit revised design (renderings and specifications) showing a covered breezeway option and details on materials and visibility, then return to HZC for a decision.