York City Historic Architectural Review Board unanimously approves repair plans for three properties

The York City Historic Architectural Review Board on March 26 unanimously approved three separate applications for exterior repairs and alterations, after members pressed applicants on materials and structural safety.

Board members confirmed a quorum at the start of the meeting, accepted the minutes and then reviewed applications for 35 North Queen Street, 132 South George Street and 158 South Persian. Each application was approved by voice vote with all four members present indicating "I."

At 35 North Queen Street, the applicant provided photos and a written quote describing work to stabilize and reconstruct areas where original materials have deteriorated. The discussion focused on what the applicant called "petrification," which board members clarified refers to the use of consolidants — epoxy-based products such as West System or Abatron — to solidify loose wood fibers and stabilize deteriorated board rather than use actual petrified wood. A board member noted another local project had been stopped for using improper methods; after the applicant provided proposed after-photos and assurances the work would follow accepted conservation practice, a board member moved to accept the application as presented and the motion passed unanimously. City staff member Nancy said the project permit will proceed after the next York City Council meeting, expected the first Tuesday in April, and that contractors may pick up permits once council action and the resolution are processed.

Contractor Christopher Bermire, representing the 132 South George Street application, told the board the building’s front framing/awning is not attached properly and is unsafe; he said removal and careful inspection are necessary and that replacement will use modern materials on this non-contributing mid-20th-century building. Bermire said the structure includes a mural; he described plans to remove the failing element, inspect the wall behind it and then repaint or create a finished surface. The board agreed the building is non-contributing and approved the application as submitted. A board member added the board will be notified if any historic fabric is discovered during the work.

For 158 South Persian, a representative who stepped in for the primary applicant after a family emergency described damage from a vehicle collision that crushed part of a corner and downspouts. The representative said repairs would use reclaimed historic brick measuring about 8 1/4 inches and a highline mortar mix to match existing units. The board treated the work as in-kind masonry repair, moved to approve the application and passed the motion unanimously. The board and staff noted one interior condition the inspector had observed but said it did not alter the scope of the approved exterior repairs.

All three approvals were procedural and included direction on permits and inspections. The board instructed applicants to proceed with appropriate materials and to notify staff if any unexpected historic material is uncovered during demolition or repair. The meeting adjourned after the approvals.