Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation Arb topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council remands ARB appeal over painted brick after heated public debate
Summary
Property owner appealed an Architectural Review Board decision denying painting of historic brick; council heard detailed preservation guidance, neighbor testimony on inconsistent enforcement, and ultimately remanded the ARB decision for reconsideration.
Hopewell City Council took up an appeal of an Architectural Review Board (ARB) decision after weeks of neighborhood discussion about whether a downtown commercial building may be painted.
Planning staff and the ARB told council that painting previously unpainted historic brick is generally discouraged because non‑breathable coatings can trap moisture and accelerate deterioration; staff noted the secretary of the interior’s guidelines and the city’s obligations as a certified local government. The ARB had approved painting a stucco portion of the building but denied painting the brick, a decision the property owner (Kevin Randesi) appealed.
The applicant argued the ARB applied inconsistent standards, noting dozens of painted‑brick buildings in the same B‑1 district and claimed a conflict of interest by an ARB member who acknowledged owning painted brick property. Multiple residents and business owners testified: some urged flexibility and the use of breathable masonry coatings; others supported preservation standards and the city’s newly achieved certified local government status.
Councilors questioned whether exceptions or more specific local design guidelines could resolve disputes. Vice Mayor Joiner moved and Councilor Ellis seconded a motion to remand the ARB decision to the ARB for reconsideration; council proceeded by roll call.
The remand sends the application back to the ARB for further review and possible modification consistent with council guidance and any locally developed downtown design review guidelines.
