Commission approves certificate of appropriateness for 104 Academy Street porch repairs

The Poughkeepsie Historic District and Landmark Preservation Commission on June 12 approved a certificate of appropriateness for exterior repairs at 104 Academy Street, allowing the property owner to replace a failing front-porch roof, gutters and associated trim.

The decision clears the way for the owner to apply for any building permits needed to complete work that commission members said is necessary to stop ongoing water damage to the structure.

Applicant Eric told the commission the porch roof and gutters were “at the end of its life” and described water damage and rot under the porch. “All I'm trying to do is, I have a front porch roof that is at the end of its life ... and I just need to replace it with asphalt shingles to match the Second Floor,” Eric said. He said gutters and trim also must be replaced because previous temporary repairs left tar in the gutters and accelerated rot.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about materials and appearance, and the applicant said his roofer, G. Katos, advised using asphalt shingles that are rated for the roof pitch and have a longer life than EPDM. The applicant proposed a bronze downspout to match trim color; commissioners did not require additional changes to the submitted design.

A motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness carried on a voice vote; the chair called for a voice vote and commissioners answered “Aye.” Staff said they would email the signed certificate of appropriateness so the owner could pursue necessary building permits.

The certificate permits only the work as approved by the commission; any change from the approved materials or design will require the applicant to return to the commission for further review.