The Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission tabled a storefront and signage proposal for The Pizza Joint at 325 Broadway during the June 17 meeting held in the Rotunda.

Representing the 3-story building sandwiched between Seven Sirens Brewing Company and the Flat Iron Building, were East Spruce LLC architect Elliot Nolter and restaurant owner Dino Carlino.

While in favor of the direction the redesigned store façade is going, the commissioners were unanimous in agreement that the applicants need to provide cut sheets, dimensions and other details, especially for a proposed motorized, retractable awning that protrudes seven feet out from the building’s façade.

The existing storefront system is not original to the circa 1900 building, including the deteriorating decorative cornice that was installed post-1950. Nolter and Carlino received assurances these can be removed.

The renovation project involves demolishing the exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), adding a new awning and signage for a new tenant in the space that once was home to a Metro by T-Mobile store. Plans also include ADA upgrades to bring the entrance into compliance, and a new raised concrete stoop that allows wheelchair access from across the front of Seven Sirens, its neighbor to the southwest.

The applicants were advised to do some exploratory work to see what is behind the modern EIFS before returning next time.

The property is owned by Sycamore Hill Farm Development.

Accompanied by developer John Callahan, sign maker Ed Reed was successful in his signage proposal for 311 E. Third St. this time. Reed’s internally-lit, thick blade sign design for “Taylor Flats” had been tabled at the April HCC meeting. The board had objected to the thickness of the two-sided blade sign, the internal lighting, and direct attachment to the corner of the building without a scroll bracket.

A certificate of appropriateness was granted for the signage redesigned as a 3-foot-6-inch by 20-foot wall sign that wraps around the southwest corner of the newly-constructed 44-unit apartment building. The pin-mounted letters spelling out “Taylor Flats” are to be backlit with LED lights not exceeding 3000 kelven. The vertical backer boards that join at the corner should not exceed 4 inches thick.

A smaller horizontal “Taylor Flats” sign for the sign band over the entrance to the apartment lobby facing E. Third Street was approved. It is also of backlit pin-mounted letters. The commissioners pointed out the gooseneck lights already installed in the sign band were not in compliance with historic district guidelines.

It was stipulated that details, including what contrasting colors are chosen for the signage be submitted for final approval.

PD Taylor, LLC is listed as the owner of the new five-story mixed-use building.

Representing 128 and 130 Rink St., Larissa Woods obtained permission for replacing the roofing on the pair of twin residences with GAF Slateline antique slate. The existing roof over 128 is asphalt shingles and 130 still retains slate shingles. Generally, the commissioners would ask that worn slate be repaired, not replaced. In this case they allowed for full replacement for both adjacent properties due to the contiguous nature of the roofing.

Approval was also granted for painting all previously painted surfaces, including stucco masonry, with Benjamin Moore charcoal slate, with window trim and eaves to be painted black. All brick and masonry surfaces not previously painted are to remain as is. If any of the gutters are to be replaced, they would need to be half-round.

Luis Rivera is the owner of the mirror twin houses build circa 1910. Larissa Woods lives in one of the rooming house units.

Although the proposals were similar, each were issued separate COAs as per city rules.

All voting was unanimous.

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.