Blackstone Restoration granted certificate for gutters and slate work at 28 West Broadway after conflict-of-interest review

The Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for exterior work at 28 West Broadway (Whitney Park Historic District) on April 16, 2026, allowing removal of crown trim and installation of copper-lined wooden gutters and round copper downspouts.

Commission members revisited potential conflict concerns because Commissioner Peter Keebler rents workshop space to Blackstone Restoration. Legal counsel questioned whether Keebler received any incremental financial benefit from the project; Keebler said his tenancy is a flat rent and would not change if the company did or did not get work. The commission voted on a motion alleging a special interest and did not find grounds to disqualify Keebler, permitting the application to proceed.

Jed Nickerson, representing Blackstone Restoration, presented slides showing the proposed gutter alignment and explained that two slate courses would be temporarily removed (two courses restored, one converted to the gutter line). The wooden gutters will be treated with linseed oil and painted to match existing trim. The commission moved through required findings under the historic-preservation standards and granted the certificate.

The consultant confirmed the scope is limited to the gutter/ramp element and asked the applicant to confirm treatment and painting; the applicant confirmed the wooden gutters will be painted to match existing trim. The commission recorded affirmative votes on the findings and issued the permit.