Commission tables COA for 175 Wilcox Street after staff recommends denial over scale and window details

Staff opened the review of 175 Wilcox Street (COA 2026-2-314) by recommending denial, saying the proposed rear addition and new detached garage did not meet design guidelines because of massing, inconsistent window sizes and an overall lack of conformity with the existing historic house. Amber, a planning staff member, told commissioners the rendering ‘‘remains untrue to the existing structure’’ and highlighted concerns about wall-to-window ratios and the scale of the addition.

Applicant Tom Carney identified himself to the commission and described changes he and his builder, Craig Hamlin, made since an earlier concept review: revised rooflines, reused windows where possible, and matched Dutch-lap siding. ‘‘We did talk about the windows... we changed that,’’ Carney said, adding the project was intended to make his home more livable and accessible.

Commission discussion focused on whether the addition reads as subordinate to the historic house and whether elevations and window proportions were accurately represented by the applicant’s modeling software. Several commissioners said elevations appeared ‘‘off’’ or out of scale in a way that affected their judgment about conformity with guideline F (massing of additions).

Rather than deny the request outright, commissioners offered the applicant the option to table the application to provide clearer, to‑scale drawings and additional documentation. The applicant agreed. The commission then moved to table the COA; that motion carried unanimously. The commission instructed the applicant to work with staff on clearer elevations and to return with documentation addressing massing, window rhythm and garage roof form.

The COA was tabled; no final approval or conditions were adopted. The applicant may return with revised drawings and supplemental materials for reconsideration.