New Rochelle landmarks board approves replacement windows and vinyl siding at 181 Hamilton Ave.

The City of New Rochelle Historical Landmarks Review Board on Sept. 10 approved a certificate of appropriateness for exterior work at 181 Hamilton Ave., allowing replacement of existing vinyl siding with a Polaris-color vinyl siding and replacement of multiple windows, including nine wood-clad windows on the front façade.

The project, presented by contractor Gino Trippitelli of Prime Home Improvements for homeowners Mark and Denise McClain, drew questions from board members and nearby residents about which windows are being replaced, the condition of existing wood windows on the front elevation and whether the board should require documentation that those windows are irreparable.

Board members were told the house currently has older vinyl windows on most elevations, with original wood windows on the front. Trippitelli said the front windows are being replaced with wood-clad, insulated units that retain the decorative upper “diamond” mullions, and the remainder of the house would receive newer vinyl windows selected for a lower U-factor to improve energy efficiency. He said the existing siding will be removed and replaced “like kind” in a different color, and that a three-quarter-inch rigid insulation board under the siding will remain.

The board’s discussion focused on three points: whether front-facing windows should be visible wood rather than metal-clad wood; the appropriate documentation to show that original windows are “irreparable” under the district guidelines; and the exact count and visibility of windows proposed for replacement. Kevin Kane, director of planning and sustainability, noted that the Hamilton Avenue houses are “wide apart, so you do see the sides from the street no matter what you do,” and asked the applicant to be clear which windows are in view from the public way. Resident Alaina Harrison Cowie asked whether the board or an inspector verifies that wood windows are irreparable before approval; the board chair said the board may request additional documentation or ask the applicant to adjourn and return with further information if members are not satisfied.

Trippitelli described the proposed windows as Energy Star-rated, insulated units with interlocking sashes and modern seals. He said basement windows on the property are deteriorated and allowed substantial air infiltration and that replacing them would improve thermal performance. He also said replacing all the vinyl on the house with an alternative cladding (name-brand fiber cement was discussed) would substantially increase project cost beyond what the homeowners can afford.

Public comment included a neighbor request that the approval explicitly note maintenance of the decorative diamond mullions on the front windows; another resident urged the board to follow its guidelines about documenting irreparable historic fabric before permitting replacement.

After discussion, a board member moved to approve the application as presented. The board voted in favor, with one member opposed and two members absent. The chair announced, “Motion passes.”

The certificate allows the owner to proceed with the removal and replacement described in the application as presented to the board; the board discussed but did not require an on-site assessment by a certified window restoration specialist as a condition of approval. Recordkeeping in the project file includes the submitted elevation notes, supplier/spec sheets provided by the applicant, and the board’s motion and vote.

The board also noted that some elements of the rear elevation and certain rear-facing windows are outside its purview for visibility from the public right-of-way but remain part of the permit application and were discussed during the hearing.

The board’s decision resolves this single-item application on the night’s agenda and was recorded in the meeting minutes.