The Historical and Architectural Review Board unanimously signed off on vinyl decal signage for B & P Polish Deli at the Nov. 3 in-person, live streamed, meeting. Representing the deli at 99 W. Broad St. were Pawel Dankowski and Jovel Lee.

The red “B & P Polish Deli” logos incorporating the white eagle with yellow crown are displayed in two outer storefront windows and on the glass of the recessed double entry doors.

A red stripe runs across the bottom of the outer windows and recessed storefront windows that flank the entrance. White lettering spells out: “Homemade Polish Food” and “European Market • Deli & Catering” across the stripes.

The COA stipulated that off-white be used instead of a bright white.

Formerly Kavva’s Polish/European Market, the renamed business is located in a brick commercial building owned by Arthur and Tammy Schmidt.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things,” remarked Vice Chair Marsha Fritz about the deli’s reputation.

Jeffrey A. and Susan F. Parks were unsuccessful with their proposal to replace a worn wooden front porch floor with a composite material at their house at 223 E. Church St. Approval to remove its deteriorating railings and decorative spindles was also denied.

The commissioners were split on whether to allow the use of the new Azek Porch Vintage Collection Coastline composite material as an alternative to wood.

Chairperson Beth Starbuck said that, if approved, the tongue-and-groove composite flooring should be installed smooth side up with any visible edges milled to or covered with bullnose edging. Although a smooth finish is more historically appropriate, Joe McGavin and others opined the flooring should be installed rough side up, citing safety concerns. The vote was 4-3 on not allowing the installation of the Azek Porch product.

A motion to deny the Parks permission to remove, without replacing, the carpenter bee ravaged railings and spindles, was supported 5-2.

All were in agreement that, as a board, they need to seek additional direction from the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission on the rules about the use of newly developed materials in historic districts.

A rescheduled council meeting bumped the commission from meeting in the Rotunda to a cramped conference room near the entrance to City Hall.

The Historical and Architectural Review Board regularly meets the first Wednesday of every month to review all exterior changes proposed to buildings in the Bethlehem Historic District north of the Lehigh River. When a proposed project receives a certificate of appropriateness from the board, applicants must wait for city council to vote on it before proceeding.