Board of Architectural Review

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Board of Architectural Review convened on February 18, 2026, to consider a range of property modification requests submitted by residents and property owners. The board worked through 14 agenda items spanning a variety of projects, including tree removals, structural repairs, additions, and new construction proposals. Of the 14 items heard, 13 were approved and 1 — the proposal at 265 South Ashland Avenue to construct a side Porte Cochere — was postponed. Across the meeting, the board took 3 votes and heard 1 public comment.

Attendance

The following members were present at the February 18, 2026 Board meeting:

• Sarah
• Brett
• Kim Gaines
• Thomas Gaines
• Baron Gibson

No members were recorded as absent or late.

Votes and Decisions

Three actions were taken by the Board during the February 18, 2026 meeting.

• Certificate of Appropriateness – 493 West Fifth Street: The Board voted to approve the certificate of appropriateness for 493 West Fifth Street. The motion was made by Brett and seconded by Sarah. The motion passed by voice vote, with Sarah and Brett recorded in favor and no votes against. The approval was granted with the condition that the project be sensitive to all mature trees in conformity with the guidelines. 1:14:54

• 265 South Ashland Avenue – Continued to March 18: Discussion on the matter of 265 South Ashland Avenue was postponed, with the item to be continued at the March 18 meeting. No motion maker or seconder was recorded, and the postponement was approved by voice vote with no votes recorded against. 2:03:12

• Approval of Meeting Minutes – November, December, and January: The Board approved the meeting minutes for November, December, and January by voice vote. No motion maker or seconder was recorded, and no votes were recorded against. 2:03:44

Public Comment

One member of the public addressed the Board during the public comment period of the February 18, 2026 meeting.

• Kim Gaines spoke at 1:57:35 regarding the necessity of a portico share. Gaines argued that the portico share is essential for protection against weather conditions and for the safety of her dogs. She referenced past incidents involving neighbors' pets as part of her reasoning for why the portico share should be considered necessary.

Contested Items

• 265 South Ashland Avenue: Construct Side Porte Cochere — The Board engaged in a heated discussion regarding a proposal to construct a side porte cochere at 265 South Ashland Avenue. The debate centered on the appropriateness and design of the proposed structure, with considerations weighing the building's historical integrity against the functional needs the porte cochere would serve. The discussion was notably detailed, reflecting the tension between preserving the character of the property and accommodating practical requirements. No specific individuals involved in the debate or the final outcome of the vote are noted in the available record.

154 Kentucky Avenue: Remove dying silver maple tree

The Board took up a discussion regarding the removal of a dying silver maple tree located at 154 Kentucky Avenue.

• The item was listed as a discussion agenda item, and the Board considered the matter of removing the silver maple tree, which was identified as dying.
• No specific speakers were recorded in the available meeting data for this item.
• The Board approved the removal of the dying silver maple tree at 154 Kentucky Avenue.

*Note: Detailed information about the specific arguments presented, concerns raised, or the names of speakers during this discussion is not available in the meeting record for this item.*

344 Oldham Avenue: Replace front porch stairs and handrails

The Board took up Agenda Item 2, a discussion regarding the proposed replacement of front porch stairs and handrails at 344 Oldham Avenue.

The available record does not identify specific speakers who presented or debated the item during the meeting. No concerns raised during the discussion are documented in the extracted data.

The Board approved the proposal to replace the front porch stairs and handrails at 344 Oldham Avenue.

539 Russell Avenue: Remove Pin Oak tree

The Board took up Agenda Item 3, a discussion regarding the proposed removal of a Pin Oak tree located at 539 Russell Avenue.

The meeting record does not include details on the specific speakers who participated in the discussion, the arguments or evidence presented in favor of or against removal, or any concerns that were raised during deliberation. No additional context regarding the condition of the tree, the basis for the removal request, or any conditions attached to the approval is available in the provided record.

The Board ultimately approved the removal of the Pin Oak tree at 539 Russell Avenue.

416 Fayette Park: Repair/rebuild fence

The Board took up Agenda Item 4, a discussion regarding the repair or rebuilding of the fence at 416 Fayette Park. The item was brought forward for deliberation on the appropriate course of action for the fence at that address.

The available record indicates that the Board approved the matter, though specific details about the discussion — including the names of speakers, the nature of any debate, concerns raised, or the precise scope of the approved repair or rebuild — are not captured in the available data for this meeting. No key speakers are identified in the record for this agenda item.

The outcome of the item was approved.

> *Note: Transcript timestamps and detailed discussion notes are not available for this agenda item. Readers seeking the full deliberation are encouraged to consult the meeting video or official minutes directly.*

258 South Ashland Avenue: Refurbish tile Roof

The Board took up Agenda Item 5, a discussion regarding the refurbishment of the tile roof at 258 South Ashland Avenue. The item was brought forward for Board consideration and deliberation.

The record does not detail the specific speakers, presentations, or concerns raised during the discussion of this item. Following the Board's deliberation, the proposal to refurbish the tile roof at 258 South Ashland Avenue was approved.

372 South Broadway: Remove deteriorated tree

The Board took up Agenda Item 6, a discussion regarding the removal of a deteriorated tree at 372 South Broadway.

• The item was brought forward for Board consideration and discussion concerning the condition of a tree at the property located at 372 South Broadway.
• The matter was categorized as a discussion item, with the subject being the removal of a tree described as deteriorated.
• The Board approved the removal of the deteriorated tree at 372 South Broadway.

No additional details are available from the meeting record regarding specific speakers, the nature of any debate, or concerns raised during the discussion of this item.

371 South Upper Street: Restore front shutters

The Board took up Agenda Item 7, a discussion regarding the restoration of front shutters at 371 South Upper Street.

• The item was brought forward as a discussion matter concerning the restoration of front shutters on the property's facade.
• No specific speakers, presentations, or debate points are recorded in the available meeting data for this item.
• The Board approved the request to restore the front shutters at 371 South Upper Street.

No additional details regarding the scope of the restoration work, materials, conditions of approval, or concerns raised during discussion are available in the meeting record for this item.

3041 Old Todds Road: Extend driveway, construct garage, install new fence

The Board took up discussion of a proposal for 3041 Old Todds Road involving three related improvements: extending the existing driveway, constructing a new garage, and installing a new fence on the property.

No specific speakers, presentations, or debate points are recorded in the available data for this agenda item. The meeting record does not detail particular concerns raised or arguments made during the discussion.

The Board approved the proposal.

*Note: No transcript timestamp is available for this agenda item. Additional details regarding the discussion, including any conditions attached to the approval, are not reflected in the available meeting record.*

417 Fayette Park: Construct sunroom addition

The Board took up a discussion regarding a proposal to construct a sunroom addition at 417 Fayette Park. This item was listed as a discussion item on the agenda for the February 18, 2026 meeting.

The application was ultimately approved by the Board. No additional details are available in the meeting record regarding the specific speakers who presented or participated in the discussion, the design details of the proposed sunroom addition, any conditions attached to the approval, or concerns that may have been raised during deliberation.

Residents or researchers seeking more detail on this item — including any plans, staff reports, or public comments — are encouraged to consult the full meeting record or contact the relevant municipal office directly.

493 West Fifth Street: Construct free-standing residence

1:14:54

The Board took up Agenda Item 3, a discussion regarding a proposal to construct a free-standing residence at 493 West Fifth Street. Key speakers during this item included Sarah and Brett.

The item was listed as a discussion, indicating the Board engaged with the proposal's details before moving toward a decision. Specific details of what was presented, any concerns raised, or the substance of the debate are not available in the provided materials.

The Board ultimately approved the proposal to construct the free-standing residence at 493 West Fifth Street.

145 Lackawanna Drive: Enclose screen porch

The Board took up Agenda Item 4, a discussion regarding a proposal to enclose a screen porch at 145 Lackawanna Drive. The application was approved by the Board.

No additional details are available in the meeting record regarding the specific speakers who participated in the discussion, the materials or plans that were presented, or any concerns that may have been raised during deliberations. Timestamp information for this agenda item was not recorded.

1849 Pensacola Drive: Remove deck and concrete pad; construct new sunroom

The Board considered a request for the property at 1849 Pensacola Drive involving the removal of an existing deck and concrete pad and the construction of a new sunroom in their place.

No specific speakers, presentation details, or debate points are recorded in the available meeting data for this agenda item. The record does not capture particular concerns raised or the specifics of what was presented to the Board during the discussion.

The Board approved the request.

116 Suburban Court: Change Opening

The Board took up Agenda Item 6, a discussion regarding a proposed change to an opening at 116 Suburban Court.

The available record indicates that the item was considered and ultimately approved by the Board. No additional details regarding the specific nature of the opening change, the parties involved, arguments presented, concerns raised, or the vote breakdown are available in the provided record. No key speakers are identified in the meeting data for this item, and no transcript timestamp is available to direct readers to the relevant portion of the meeting video.

• Agenda Item: 6
• Address: 116 Suburban Court
• Item Type: Discussion
• Outcome: Approved

265 South Ashland Avenue: Construct side Porte Cochere

2:03:12

The Board took up Agenda Item 7, a discussion regarding a proposal to construct a side Porte Cochere at 265 South Ashland Avenue. Key speakers on this item were Baron Gibson and Kim Gaines.

The available record indicates this item was brought before the Board for discussion; however, following that discussion, the Board ultimately postponed the matter. No further details regarding the specific arguments presented, concerns raised, or conditions attached to the postponement are available in the meeting record.

Interested parties should monitor future Board agendas for the rescheduled consideration of this proposal.