Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Roofing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
First Baptist Church to test synthetic faux‑slate after engineer flags rooftop weight concerns
Summary
First Baptist Church at 4895 Main Street proposed replacing an aging slate roof with a lighter synthetic faux‑slate after an engineer recommended reducing roofing weight; the congregation voted for the synthetic option and the board requested additional material samples for a follow-up review.
The First Baptist Church at 4895 Main Street presented an application (S-2026-64, Tax Map: 32-50-64.00) to replace an existing slate roof with a synthetic faux‑slate alternative. The applicant said the congregation voted to move forward with a synthetic material to preserve the original slate appearance while addressing structural concerns.
When asked whether a structural engineer produced a report, the applicant said the report indicated that “the weight of the roofing materials needed to be reduced.” Board members discussed alternatives, including a lighter standing‑seam option or reinforcing sheathing to allow real slate. Staff said they spoke with Mr. William Badger of the historical society, recounting that he “did not seem to feel the product was bad just that he had limited knowledge of it and the sheen was also something that was not optimum.”
Chair John Watanabe proposed holding a follow-up meeting once the applicant provides additional samples; staff will set a date when those materials are available. The minutes record no formal vote at this meeting and list the item for further review.
