Hotel owner told to pursue wood, true‑divided windows after asbestos found in glazing; commission sets conditional approval

Jeff Moniz, speaking for KHP Capital Partners, said an environmental inspection found asbestos in glazing and putty on windows at the large, contributing building at 1 Bellevue Avenue. Environmental consultant Jeffrey D'Arrigo summarized laboratory sampling and the regulatory implication: "Once you get a positive, you have to assume that it's present on all those windows," he said, explaining that glazing and caulking samples that test positive are treated as a homogeneous asbestos‑containing system.

Commissioners debated several mitigation paths: leaving the glazing in place with an operations‑and‑maintenance plan (as schools sometimes do under AHERA), installing interior storm panels to restrict access, pursuing phased abatement, or removing and replacing sashes. Several commissioners said they would prefer retention and in‑kind repair where possible; others said abatement realities and building‑code requirements (impact/laminated glazing for a commercial building) make full replacement likely. The building representative said the hotel will close for renovation and the owner seeks to complete work before next summer.

After extended technical discussion about sampling, patching, code waivers and impact glazing, the commission voted to approve the application on a condition: the applicant must pursue an all‑wood, true‑divided‑light replacement window solution and work with the preservation planner and building official to determine whether impact‑rated glazing can be accommodated. If staff and the building official determine the required safety or energy standards cannot be met with true‑divided wood units, the applicant must return to HDC with the justification and an alternate proposal. Commissioners stressed documentation of sampled materials and any removed fabric.