The Historical and Architectural Review Board elected officers and granted certificates of appropriateness for two proposals at their Feb. 5 meeting held at City Hall’s Rotunda.

Quinn Graham from Highview Construction LLC successfully assisted building owner Brad Mulkern with a roof replacement proposal for 459 Main St. The applicants made the case that replacing the deteriorating slate roof on the venerable building with slate was not only prohibitively expensive, but difficult to install because of its weight.

They also spoke about delays associated with the importation of slate from Canada, as well as the Trump administration’s threats of high tariffs on Canadian imports causing potential supply disruptions and uncertainty.

The applicants had requested that the failing slate and asphalt shingles be replaced with Corning Duration shingles in Estate Gray. The commissioners balked at that, citing the building façade’s high visibility. The applicants agreed to replacing the slate on the prominent front sections of the roof with DaVinci Synthetic Slate, a faux slate product similar to what had been installed on the Musselman Jewelers building farther down the street.

The other, less visible sections with existing asphalt shingles are to be covered in GAF Slateline shingles in Antique Slate with copper flashing. The snowguard rails will be repainted gray or black and reinstalled.

The replacement of an existing skylight with one that is similar in size was allowed.

Homeowners Scott and Lisa Hummel scored a COA for a front entryway redesign for 415 Long St. The couple own a circa 1985 Cape Cod style house with a solid door at the center of its symmetrical façade.

The solid wood paneled front door is to have its two top panels removed and replaced with a pair of glass windows measuring 8 inches by 12 inches. A new storm door with a full-glass panel was approved. The commissioners were assured the reconditioned front door behind it would be visible.

Installing two black wrought iron railings on the brick stoop and the replacement of a plastic outdoor light with a lantern style fixture passed muster.

Prior to reviewing proposals, Chairperson Connie Postupack and Vice Chair Diana Hodgson were quickly re-elected to their positions.

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.