Planning board recommends porch repairs at 612 North George and approves ADA ramp at Zion Church

At its July 14 meeting, the City of Rome Planning Board recommended that two historic-district projects proceed: porch repairs at 612 North George Street and an ADA ramp and entry improvements at Zion Church on West Liberty Street.

Tom Bruggnano, who said he and his wife live at 612 North George, told the board that porch pillars have been “kicking out” during recent winters and that the porch flooring is cracking and rotting. He described a plan to remove and rebuild the porch structure, save and repaint salvageable pillars, and replace the flooring and steps with pressure-treated lumber or similar materials. Bruggnano provided photos of the desired appearance and noted that one image was AI-modified and did not reflect the final door location.

A committee member moved to recommend the project as presented; the vice chair seconded and the motion passed. Planning staff said a recommendation letter would be provided the next day so the applicant could pursue permits.

Later in the meeting, Mike Resigno, treasurer at Zion Church, presented plans prepared with March Associates to build a 24-foot ramp, add composite decking and composite steps, and retain matching wrought-iron railings to preserve the building’s appearance while improving accessibility for congregation and community uses (the parish hall also serves local groups). Staff discussed material options and the board agreed that composite decking was acceptable given cost constraints. A motion to recommend the Zion Church project passed; staff again said an approval letter would be issued to facilitate permitting.

Both recommendations were procedural actions from the planning board to forward approvals and enable permit processing; no public objections were recorded in the meeting transcript.