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Council overturns HDLC denial, allows retention of windows at 119 Olivia Street after applicant counsel cites staff guidance
Summary
The council reversed an HDLC denial for retention of vinyl windows at a historic property at 119 Olivia Street after applicant counsel presented emails and phone records he said showed HDLC staff told the owner recessed screens would be acceptable; HDLC staff had recommended upholding the denial.
The New Orleans City Council voted to reverse a Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) denial and allow the retention of installed vinyl windows at a contributing historic building at 119 Olivia Street.
HDLC staff told the council the property was cited on July 24, 2024 for removing original wood windows and installing vinyl windows with internal muntins without a certificate of appropriateness. Staff said the windows were highly visible and recommended replacement that conforms to HDLC guidelines.
Mark M. Maurice, counsel for the applicant, said his client relied on communications with HDLC staff and installed recessed screens after being told the screens could be approved without full HDLC approval. Maurice said he obtained emails and phone records he said show the staff exchange and apologized that staff did not recall the conversation at the hearing. “If he puts up these screens … you can approve these. It doesn't require HDLC approval,” Maurice told the council, urging reversal on grounds of reliance and cost burden for replacement.
Council member King moved motion M26140 to grant the applicant’s request and overturn the HDLC decision. Council members adopted the motion and reversed the HDLC denial by recorded voice votes (six yays, no nays).
The council’s action replaces the HDLC determination in this specific appeal; HDLC staff had recommended that the council uphold the commission’s denial and require replacement of the most visible windows to meet guidelines.
No amendments or follow-up directives were recorded beyond the reversal and the motion’s adoption.
