Historic commission approves rear vinyl siding, allows synthetic wood option for Main Street façade at 38–42 North Main St.

The Town of Port Deposit Historic Area Commission on Feb. 19 approved a set of repairs and material changes for 38–42 North Main Street, a fully occupied commercial-residential building owned by DIR Properties, Inc.

Applicant Greg Cullison told the commission he had noticed gaps in the building’s siding that allowed outside air into tenant spaces and “the openings allow various pests to come into the building.” He also said the rear portion of the roof is not asphalt and may be at risk of leaking. Chair Harbold emphasized that the commission’s concern was limited to the elevations visible from Main Street — the north and front facades — and not the abutting south side or the rear.

Commissioners asked whether Mr. Cullison would consider a synthetic, wood-like composite on the north and front elevations as a closer visual match to the building’s original wood siding; Mr. Cullison said he would consult his contractor. Chair Harbold also stated that paint color was “entirely up to the homeowner.” Commissioners discussed replacing first-floor shutters so they would match the second-floor shutters.

On two unanimous votes, the commission approved vinyl siding on the rear-facing portion of the structure and separately approved repair or replacement with in-kind materials on the first floor while allowing the north/front wood to be retained or repaired or replaced with a synthetic wood-like product. Both motions carried without recorded opposition (meeting attendance lists five commissioners present). The minutes record the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.