Commission backs synthetic slate‑look product for 744 Neil Avenue but debate surfaces over asphalt replacements

The Victorian Village Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace deteriorated scalloped slate on the main house and carriage house at 744 Neil Avenue using a product from the commission's approved roofing shingles list (the applicant confirmed use of the Certainty "Carriage House" shingle in Stonegate Gray). The motion included standard conditions such as installing a metal ridge roll and submitting any additional roofing, gutter or siding work as a separate application for staff review.

During discussion, commissioners raised concerns about the visual authenticity of asphalt‑type replacement products. Commissioner Reed Sprite said the commission should pursue materials that better match historic slate: "I have a problem with the replacement product ... asphalt shingles are not a suitable replacement for slate shingles," he said, advocating for synthetic or rubber products that more closely resemble slate. Staff and other commissioners noted that the approved shingles list was developed to provide compatible options for slate that has reached the end of its life and that commissioners can consider other test cases in the future.

The applicant (Paul) told the commission that much of the existing slate is deteriorated — "my 40‑year‑old slates been replaced... storm late before snow ... took out 250 my slates" — and that he was seeking a durable, visually compatible replacement to avoid continued leakage and loss of shingles. The commission approved the application with conditions requiring the approved product and additional submittals for any separate work.

Next steps: Applicant to submit final material selections and ridge detail for staff review and to follow staff instructions on submitting any additional work as separate applications.