Commission approves composite decking as test case at 1478 Brighton Road, continues remainder of porch application

The Historic Resources Commission on Jan. 21 granted a conditional approval recognizing the composite decking installed at 1478 Brighton Road as a test case, and continued the remainder of the property’s Certificate of Appropriateness application to allow the applicant time to submit revised drawings and details for railings, posts and other elements.

Staff had recommended continuing the application to allow the owner to provide revised drawings and details showing historic-appropriate railing profiles and post treatments. At the meeting, the owner, Elaine Brule Paris, explained she had installed composite decking and vinyl elements while working to maintain the property and said she would be willing to remove or revise elements as recommended.

The commission’s action was two-part: (a) approve the existing composite decking as a limited test case, subject to color and facing details being reviewed and approved by staff; (b) continue the remainder of the application so the owner can return with detailed drawings for replacement railings, post coverings and related site work. Commissioners urged the applicant to work with staff to prepare a phased plan and a simple set of drawings so the scope of work can be completed sequentially without imposing an immediate requirement to finance a full reconstruction.

Commissioners emphasized concern about precedent and asked the applicant to document wood members beneath the vinyl where possible, to trim oversized posts to conform to typical historic proportions, and to provide material cut sheets and drawings for the replacement door and new facing materials. The applicant said she would remain in contact with staff while attending to family health matters and would return with the requested drawings.