The Historical and Architectural Review Board for Central Bethlehem reviewed three work requests from residents at its Sept. 3 meeting. The topics of discussion included replacing a small section of siding on the rear of a residence, a yard lamppost, and roofing material on a carriage house.

The board’s purpose is to decide if materials to be used on a historic structure fit within the parameters of the historic district. If the materials are acceptable, then residents are granted a certificate of appropriateness. Residents must obtain a certificate and appropriate and zoning permits before work can be done, according to city guidelines.

The first property on the agenda was 27 E. Church St., owned by Mark and Alane Nebbia. The house needs to have a 480-square-foot section of siding replaced in the rear of the building.

George Donovan, historic officer, told the board that he went to the property and the section in question is very difficult to see from public areas. Mark and Alane Nebbia agreed saying there isn’t any road or alley behind the house. Large hedges and a garage also block much of the view of the house.

The Nebbias said their architect suggested a product called Azek siding. Donovan said it is a solid polymer product that provides weather tight insulation. HARB member Beth Starbuck said one drawback to the product is that it expands and contracts greatly with the temperatures. Donovan agreed, saying he has seen white lines appear where painted Azek expanded, making the areas not covered with paint visible.

HARB recommended to the Nebbias to use Harbie board instead of Azek. Hardie plank siding comes in a smooth surface, which is more historically accurate for the 120-year-old house, versus a wood grain siding. The board also recommended the siding be four inches wide to match the smaller scale of the house.

“I’m going to put on the best product that is advised to us,” Mark Nebbia told the board.

The board granted the certificate of appropriateness for the use of 4-inch-wide, white Hardie board siding.

Second on the agenda was the installation of a lamppost in the front yard of the home at 129 E. Market St. in Bethlehem. It was a pretty quick approval for owner Bruce Campbell. He told the board the lamp post will be 81 inches tall with a 21-inch bronze fixture. Campbell said he actually prefers black, but the bronze matches fixtures on the house.

Campbell also told the board that he and his wife intend to install small lights behind the ornamental grasses to highlight the brick wall behind the vegetation. The board liked what they heard and gave the plans a unanimous yes.

Last was the slate roof issue on the carriage house at 404 Center St. Owner Bruce Lawrence brought in a sample of the slate roofing for which he was seeking approval. Lawrence wanted to use a product made by EcoStar, which makes an imitation slate that is very durable.

“The roof is shot,” Lawrence said. “I have to replace that roof.”

He explained to the board that the house has been losing slated shingles every year.

“A bunch of slate left loose last year,” Lawrence said. “It’s at a place now where it needs replaced.”

HARB members liked the EcoStar slate, and Lawrence said he plans to get it in federal gray, which is a dark gray matching what is currently on the house. Lawrence agreed to keep all of the useable snow guards currently on the house and complete the project with copper flashing. The project was unanimously approved by HARB.