Director of Properties Jedd Foulk from Bethlehem Area Moravians agreed to check out a suggested new product for his roofing proposal at the Historical and Architectural Review Board’s July 6 regular meeting in the Rotunda.

Foulk explained that the failing slate shingles at 418-420 Main St. had reached the end of their maximum life span, and replacing them with new slate was cost-prohibitive. He added there is a material shortage as well. With the existing roof leaking and causing ceiling damage, Foulk sought approval to replace the slate with GAF Slateline designer shingles.

Board members agreed with Chairperson Connie Postupack and Vice Chair Diana Hodgson, who balked at the idea. They noted the historic building, home to Musselman Jewelers, is adjacent to the cluster of colonial structures build by the Moravians, including being next to the Central Moravian Church.

Postupack suggested replacing the slate with Ironstone porcelain tiles. She explained the material resembles slate, will not fade, is considered an affordable alternative, and would last around 75 years. Postupack noted that this product was installed on a barn roof at Burnside Plantation.

A meeting was arranged for Foulk to meet with a contractor to see samples and get an estimate. Several board members planned to tag along for a “site visit” so they could learn more about this product.

The certificate of appropriateness was issued for removing the worn slate and replacing it with the Ironstone product with open copper valleys, copper gutters and downspouts. Color is to be approved through administrative process.

Foulk could proceed with the roofing project if he and his employer like the porcelain tiles and determine the cost estimate is reasonable.

Otherwise, Foulk would need to return again to seek approval for the GAF Slateline designer shingles.

Christopher Tiscio received approval for his signage proposal for 515 Main St. The restaurateur explained that it was time for him to rebrand his Corked 2.0 bar and grill as a sports bar. “515 Main” is to appear across the storefront sign bar as stud-mounted white PVC 3D letters, and as a 2-sided circular hanging sign to be installed on an existing bracket. The background is blue with gray lettering.

He was also approved for repainting storefront woodwork blue and gray as well as all upper story window trim blue and window frames gray.

Charles Lieb scored a COA for his proposal to install a pair of screen doors at the front entrance to his circa 1890 home at 46 E. Church St. The custom made wood unit would complement the existing wooden double entry doors and is to be attached with vintage hinges and hardware. It is to match the color of the existing doors.

All voting on COAs was unanimous.

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. Meetings can be viewed on YouTube.

As the chamber was unavailable to them for Wednesday, July 5, HARB met on July 6.