West Market Street Properties Manager Brett Irwin had partial success with proposals he presented to the Historical and Architectural Review Board at the Aug. 4 regular meeting held in the Rotunda.

Representing 30-32 W. Market St., Irwin was granted a certificate of appropriateness for one part of his 3-part proposal to renovate the large red brick house built circa 1868. The commissioners approved repairing and repainting 11 pairs of wooden shutters to match the existing trim color. Replacing a few missing shutters “in kind” was authorized.

Swapping out the original wooden windows with Marvin Elevate fiberglass composite windows and the installation of half round gutters was tabled. Irwin described the 36 existing windows as “beyond repair.” He explained that years of neglect by the previous owners resulted in “wood rot, warping and water infiltration” and it must be addressed “to preserve the integrity of the structure.”

During public comment, one of Irwin’s West Market Street neighbors, Martin Romeril, spoke out against the proposed replacement windows. “Replace wood with wood windows,” said Romeril as he encouraged the applicant to get cost estimates on repairing the existing windows.

Board members agreed and instructed Irwin to return with quotes on repairing and repainting the windows as well as alternative replacement solutions.

The board also needed additional information regarding gutter repair on the side of the building which is visible from the street. There had been issues with the downspouts previously being connected to the property’s now collapsed sewer line. To keep the basement from flooding, a temporary system was set up. Upon examining photos of the temporary fix, the commissioners asked the applicant to find out what is behind the temporary gutter before they can rule on what to replace it with.

West Market Street Partners LLC owns the historic property.

Nicholas Taylor scored a COA for his proposal to replace worn slate roofing with GAF Slateline antique slate shingles at the rear of his residence at 30 E. Wall St. He was authorized to remove an unused modern steel chimney at the rear of his house as well.

The circa 1860 Federal style Colonial is owned by Nicholas and Jamie Taylor.

Homeowner Robert Cornelius won approval to replace his worn fiberglass shingle roof “in kind” with GAF Timberline shingles in Fox Hollow Gray for 229 E. Wall St.

The circa 1950 two-story brick house is owned by Robert and Angelika Cornelius.

All voting 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.