The Crown Point Historic Preservation Commission on June 23 approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing removal of a deteriorating brick chimney and replacement with a capped metal vent at 218 East Clark Street.

Josh, a staff member, presented on behalf of petitioner Kenneth Turner, who was not present, and said the existing chimney is collapsing and located at the rear of the house where it is not visible from street level. Staff described the proposed metal cap as approximately 18 inches by 18 inches at the footprint and about 24 inches tall; Blake, a planning staff member, confirmed the cap as proposed should not extend above the roof ridgeline so it would remain largely out of view from the street.

Commissioners moved quickly on the item, noting the work was primarily functional and intended to restore safe ventilation and airflow. Commissioner Jim Kendall made the motion to approve removal of the existing brick chimney and replacement with the metal capped vent per the proposal; the motion passed on roll call with recorded yes votes from the commission.

The approval was conditional on the work matching the dimensions and placement discussed at the meeting and following any applicable administrative standards for installation. Staff recorded that this request could have been handled administratively but the owner elected to present the proposal to the commission to ensure full compliance with preservation procedures.