Historic district commission approves several roof permits, defers two items

The Natchitoches Historic District Commission met in a short session and acted on multiple property applications. Commissioners voted to defer approval of the meeting minutes until they can be transcribed and approved at the next meeting. They ratified a roof replacement at 441 Williams Avenue, approved reroofing and exterior repairs at 218 Second Street and at the Steamboat House (200), and postponed consideration of two other items for the next meeting.

Commissioners opened by noting a quorum and asking to defer the minutes "until our next meeting," a motion that was moved by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner Horton and approved by voice vote. The first substantive item, application 11O301 for a roof replacement at 441 Williams Avenue (applicant listed as Georgia Russell), was presented as a like-for-like replacement of the existing roof; the commission ratified the application after a motion by Commissioner Horton and a second by Commissioner Wilson.

At 218 Second Street (application 110302), applicant Ed Creighton appeared and described the request as a reroofing of the house across from the cemetery. Creighton said the work will use architectural shingles in a gray color (Williamsburg gray). Commissioner Horton moved to approve the application; Commissioner Robinson seconded, and the motion passed on a voice vote.

The commission addressed item 110303 for 208 Coit Street (Frank Griffin). The applicant was not present; commissioners agreed to move the item to the next meeting.

Item 110304, an application from Saint Denis Place Condominium (780 Front Street) seeking to install a gate in a breezeway, did not have a representative present. Commissioners discussed the proposal’s intent — a keypad on the exterior and a panic bar on the interior to allow egress while restricting public access — and agreed to wait briefly for a representative. When the representative did not appear, the item was set aside for the next meeting.

Kristen Palmer appeared for application 110305 concerning the Steamboat House (200). Palmer said the existing, rusted tin roof will be replaced with the same style of tin in white and that some decking boards on the first and second floors will be repaired and touched up with the same paint colors previously submitted. Commissioner Robinson moved to approve the application; Commissioner Wilson seconded, and the motion passed by voice vote.

There was no other new business. With no further items to consider, a motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved.

Votes at a glance: - Defer minutes until next meeting — moved by Commissioner Wilson; seconded by Commissioner Horton; outcome: approved (voice vote). - 11O301 — 441 Williams Avenue (Georgia Russell), roof replacement — moved by Commissioner Horton; seconded by Commissioner Wilson; outcome: ratified (voice vote). - 110302 — 218 Second Street (Ed Creighton), roof replacement with architectural shingles (Williamsburg gray) — moved by Commissioner Horton; seconded by Commissioner Robinson; outcome: approved (voice vote). - 110303 — 208 Coit Street (Frank Griffin) — applicant absent; outcome: deferred to next meeting. - 110304 — Saint Denis Place Condominium (780 Front Street), gate in breezeway — representative absent; commissioners described proposed keypad exterior entry and interior panic bar; outcome: deferred pending representation at a future meeting. - 110305 — 200 (Steamboat House) (Kristen Palmer), tin roof replacement to white and decking repairs/touch-up paint — moved by Commissioner Robinson; seconded by Commissioner Wilson; outcome: approved (voice vote).

Commissioners referenced submitted materials (photographs and paint samples) for the Steamboat House and confirmed that proposed work matches the previously filed exterior color samples. Several items were deferred because applicants or representatives were not present.