Planning commission sends proposed house at 409 N. Power St. back to design review board

The Port Washington Plan Commission voted to refer consideration of a proposed new single‑family residence at 409 North Power Street back to the Design Review Board rather than take action.

Bridget and Troy Bridal are the applicants for the lot in the St. Mary's neighborhood preservation overlay. Planning staff told the commission the Design Review Board had recommended denial based on the proposal's relationship to surrounding structures. Staff recommended referral back to the Design Review Board to allow the applicants time to submit revised materials.

Applicant Troy Bridal said he had provided three neighbor support letters and a photographic survey of the block showing varied house styles. He said the applicants had planned design tweaks suggested by the Design Review Board, including trim changes, but could not update the renderings in time for the board meeting. Bridal said he tried to avoid designs that would "take away from the beauty of the lighthouse" and planned to revise the house to reduce its massing and exposure to the east.

Mr. Ehrlich, who identified himself as an architect during remarks to the commission, advised the applicants to consider gabled roofs rather than shed roofs, increase the prominence of the main entry and incorporate porch elements so the house better fits the neighborhood pattern. Planning staff and the commission said they generally honor the Design Review Board process and expected more specific direction to be provided to the applicants before the next review cycle.

A motion to refer the matter back to the Design Review Board was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote. Commissioners noted the Design Review Board meets the second Tuesday of the month and the Planning Commission meets the following week; staff said the board's specific direction would be provided to the applicants.