Owner of 18 Barney Street requests help; HDC continues application to allow design review and legal follow-up

The Newport Historic District Commission continued the application for 18 Barney Street to May 13, 2025 after the applicant told commissioners she had made temporary repairs and lacks energy or expertise to complete a historic restoration at this time.

Applicant Annette Pelletier described emergency measures taken after failing structural and window elements caused rain intrusion. She said workers had installed temporary windows because rain was entering the building and she did not have the resources to undertake full restoration while recovering from illness. Commissioners and legal counsel discussed the applicant’s capacity to implement any approval and the need for a detailed window-by-window evaluation to determine salvageable elements and appropriate approaches.

Peter Friedrich, the city solicitor's legal counsel in attendance, told the commission it may be helpful to explore municipal court options and to have the preservation planner (Miss Chin) assist in documenting the existing conditions; the commission recommended a continuation to allow staff to coordinate a design-review meeting or site visit and to advise the applicant on realistic next steps. The motion to continue was approved; staff will work with the applicant and, if appropriate, municipal court and legal staff to identify options for repair, temporary measures and future compliance.

The preservation planner offered to meet with the applicant or the contractor for an on-site design review and to help prepare a scope and timeline. The commission noted that some items might be repaired in kind and thus not require a full return to the board, but the continuation will allow staff to obtain the documentation needed for an informed decision.