HARB recommends approval for 530 Hamilton roof, gutter and porch repairs

The Morristown Historic Architectural Review Board recommended that the municipal council approve a certificate of appropriateness for 530 Hamilton Street, allowing a slate roof that is “substantially in disrepair” to be replaced with slate-look architectural shingles and approving related gutter and porch repairs.

The board’s recommendation, made during its July 2025 meeting, follows an application from Genesis Housing to renovate a grant‑funded property under the county’s Whole Homes Repair program. Judy, a representative of Genesis Housing, told the board, “we're definitely doing the roof, and then we'll see what the additional work is.”

Board members pressed on repair versus replacement options, asking whether salvageable slate could be repaired rather than removed. The applicants said the upper roof slate is “substantially gone” in many areas and that full replacement by a slate‑look shingle would be more practical. Board members advised matching the color and the shape of the existing slate as closely as possible. The board also discussed persistent water infiltration and agreed replacing failing gutters would reduce porch and interior water damage.

The board’s recommendation specified: replace the deteriorated upper slate roof with slate‑look architectural shingles matching the existing slate’s shape and color; install white 6‑inch K‑style seamless aluminum gutters around the main roof while leaving the porch box gutter configuration in place (repair and paint the porch box gutter as needed); replace the porch floor with 1‑inch by 4‑inch southern yellow pine tongue‑and‑groove boards painted on both sides; and allow replacement of deteriorated wood windows “as needed” with Simonton windows that fill existing openings and match existing grid patterns.

Applicants and the board clarified limits: capping of window trim would not be allowed on street‑facing (front) elevations visible from the public way; the board indicated capping might be permitted for rear, non‑street‑facing openings. Applicants said they may not replace all windows immediately because of grant funding limits and that they sought approval to avoid returning for minor, unexpected replacements encountered during renovation.

The board voted unanimously on the recommendation (roll call: Gail Yes; Olivia Yes; Lynn Yes; George Yes), and the item will be heard by municipal council for final action. If council approves the municipal recommendation, applicants were instructed they could proceed with building‑department permits.

Details recorded in the application and discussed at the meeting include the porch floor material specification (1×4×8-foot southern yellow pine tongue-and-groove, painted on both sides), the 6‑inch K‑style seamless aluminum gutters for the main roof, and the proposed use of Simonton windows where replacement is necessary.

The board’s review was advisory; final authority for the certificate of appropriateness rests with municipal council. Pending council approval, the applicants will proceed with permitting and construction.