Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Historic commission approves new house at 1028 Brighton with 3-foot setback from Hodge
Summary
The Newport Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for a new single‑family residence at 1028 Brighton Street (fronting Hodge) after staff recommended Option C with a 3‑foot setback; the project will require a Board of Adjustments variance for setbacks.
The Newport Historic Preservation Commission on Jan. 22 approved a certificate of appropriateness for a new single‑family residence to be constructed at 1028 Brighton Street, a vacant lot in the Buena Vista Historic District.
Commission staff said the lot was demolished before the district was created and described the surrounding area as not highly cohesive, noting a mix of single‑story cottages, small townhouses and varied siding materials. The applicant, Brighton Properties (owner: Newport Foundation), proposed brick veneer, smooth‑side‑out hardy siding on secondary elevations, aluminum‑clad wood windows, composite porch columns, aluminum gutters and asphalt shingles. Staff recommended approval of “Option C,” which places the house with a 3‑foot setback from Hodge, and added a condition that any hardy siding be installed smooth side out.
Staff noted that modern zoning rules make a setback variance unavoidable for almost any layout on the lot and said the project’s massing, porch design and rhythm of openings are compatible with nearby properties. John Lang, attorney for the applicant, and Jim Guthrie of Halpin Weber Architects answered commissioners’ questions; Stephanie Steen, housing development director for Brighton Properties, explained that the design places the house to align better with Hodge’s street rhythm and confirmed a paved parking area will be located opposite the house and accessed off Hodge. Staff estimated the building’s interior square footage at about 1,600.
Chair Kolb moved to approve staff’s recommendation; the motion carried on a roll call with Commissioners Crocker, Fleckinger, Quinn, Vice Chair Ramler and Chair Kolb recorded as voting yes. The commission’s approval covers design compatibility under the city’s design review guidelines but does not remove the need for the applicant to obtain a Board of Adjustments variance for required zoning setbacks.
The commission said staff will follow up with permit letters and next steps.
