The Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission issued a certificate of appropriateness for property owner John McGeehan at the Feb. 26 meeting held in the Rotunda.

Accompanied by contractor James McCooe, McGeehan found success with his proposal to erect a 6.5-foot by 6.5-foot addition to the rear of the north wing of his home at 375 13th Ave. He explained the addition is needed to house a self-contained residential elevator connecting the first floor to the second floor.

The elevator would be accessible from the interior of the dwelling via closet doors on both stories.

“I may not look it but I’m 100 percent disabled from combat,” said McGeehan. He added that he and his wife are in their 80s and are planning ahead. “I want to keep the house in the family,” said the homeowner.

The COA allows for a siding or stucco finish for the exterior walls. It stipulates the applicants set the addition back 4 inches from the side façade of the house and retain the existing cornice and brackets and supply Historic Officer Jeffrey Long with a scale drawing with additional details.

Chief Building Inspector Mike Simonson informed them that he will need to see “the guts of the project,” as a zoning requirement.

McGeehan mentioned that he has planted 125 trees and 300 bushes around his circa 1910 Colonial Revival frame house situated on nearly two acres in the Mount Airy historic district. With 25 of his trees reaching 100 feet, McGeehan identifies his historic property with a sign reading, “Tall Trees.”

“Thank you very much for looking over our city,” said McGeehan as he was leaving.

As there were no applicants for the canceled January meeting, Chairman Gary Lader pointed out the election of officers had been postponed as a result. Since there were two commission members absent, it was decided to postpone it again.

The Bethlehem HCC is charged with the task of determining if new signs or other alterations to a building’s exterior would be an appropriate fit for the neighborhood in one of three designated historic districts.

Obtaining a certificate of appropriateness is only a first step for business owners and residents in a designated historic district who wish to make alterations to a building’s exterior. The commission’s recommendations are later reviewed, and then voted on by city council before any project is allowed to proceed.