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Owner told to replace permeable commercial pavers with traditional brick for 936 Fair Street walkway
Summary
Owner Suzanne Groupie told the Design Review Committee that emergency utility repairs prompted replacement of a deteriorated aggregate walkway at 936 Fair Street with a permeable concrete paver; the committee recommended traditional brick instead.
Suzanne Groupie, the owner of 936 Fair Street, told the Design Review Committee she replaced a deteriorated aggregate concrete walkway with a permeable paver product after emergency water and sewer repairs shortly after she purchased the house.
Groupie said she relied on advice from her contractor and an architect and brought a sample of the Belgard 'Aqua Brick' permeable paver to the meeting. She also noted a small front patio/stoop and foundation work had been done before she purchased the house.
City staff told the committee that 936 Fair Street is a contributing property in the Hinchey Boulevard National Register Historic District and that the design guidelines recommend historically typical sidewalk materials such as concrete, brick or stone. Staff said the permeable paver material would be acceptable in principle but that a full‑size, traditional brick in a herringbone pattern would better match the house’s historic character than the larger, commercial‑scale permeable paver the owner had installed.
DRC members agreed: - Commissioners recommended a traditional brick paver—smaller, residential‑scale bricks in a herringbone pattern—to match porch and stoop materials and the district character. Several reviewers noted color and mortar joint width should be chosen to blend with the existing stoop. - The committee directed the owner to include the unapproved front patio/stoop alteration in a follow‑up application so staff and the Historic Zoning Commission can review it; staff said additional departments may need to be involved on the patio/stoop enforcement and next steps.
Brian (DRC member) asked whether the brick patio on the stoop could be removed without damaging the underlying material; staff recommended the owner return with photos and documentation so the commission can assess repair options. The owner said the permeable jointing material is a nitro sand designed for permeable systems.
No formal enforcement action was taken at this DRC session; staff advised the owner to submit a single application covering the walkway and the stoop/patio so the Historic Zoning Commission can consider the installed work and proposed revisions.
