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Smart Growth Committee recommends HARB certificates for several storefront and preservation projects; approves temporary COA for History Center pavilion
Summary
The committee recommended certificates of appropriateness for four HARB applications — signage and façade work at West Gay and South Church addresses, shutter and brick repairs at 21 S. Church, and a temporary COA for a cannon exhibit pavilion at the History Center — all conditioned on HARB recommendations and building‑permit compliance.
The committee reviewed Historic Architectural Review Board recommendations and advanced several Certificates of Appropriateness to borough council with conditions.
HARB recommended approval of a hanging sign at 139 West Gay Street with a revised off‑white background and a second square sign meeting minimum dimensions; the committee endorsed the recommendation conditioned on the listed design changes. For 21 South Church, HARB praised the thoroughness of the applicant’s submission for shutter replacement, brick repair and rear‑entry deck work, and recommended careful mortar replication and noted potential ADA ramp length issues that will be resolved in the building‑permit process.
At 27 West Gay, HARB endorsed a projecting blade sign, recommended retaining and storing the existing fabric awning on‑site and provided specifications for storefront framing and mounting heights; the committee recommended approval pending compliance with those conditions.
The History Center’s proposal at 225 North High Street to install a 1776 cannon and small pavilion drew strong committee support. Staff described the project as an exhibition pavilion; HARB recommended a temporary COA while designers reduce the pavilion’s visual impact and make adjustments to front pillars to minimize obstruction of the cannon. “This is the one I want more than anything else,” a staff member said, expressing support for the exhibit. The committee recommended approval with the stated conditions and to proceed to council for final action.
Committee members noted that zoning and building permits will govern impermeability, ramp design and ADA compliance as the projects proceed to the building‑permit stage.
All HARB recommendations will be included in the council packet for formal action by borough council.
