Council

Council

From Page A1

May 14 meeting was an inquiry regarding the manufacturing processes of the HardiPlank siding and EcoStar Majestic Slate roofing by Claudia Mitchell and a comment on the lack of character of the polymer “slate” shingles because of their uniformity.

Treasurer Jerry Goebel attacked the proposed house on an architectural compatibility basis, questioning its compatibility in 30 years “when all the other houses fall apart” and it remains in good shape because of the durability of its components.

Council member Jeff Benson lauded the decision of the ARB and made a presumption about the positions of the residents in attendance, telling the applicant and his attorney that, regarding the proposed materials, “Most people wouldn’t touch it.”

Comments during the public hearing were weighted slightly in favor of approval, with five speaking in support and four in opposition (excluding comments from the applicant and family, his attorney, and building product representatives) to the Worley home.

Expressions in support of the applicant included a written and oral presentation from architect and historic preservationist Buddy Darden of Flint Hill who noted that the Code of Virginia requires preservation of historic structures and “new construction that is architecturally compatible within the Historic District.”

Darden concluded that the proposed home is architecturally compatible. He included photographs of homes and architectural details in the Town of Washington to support his contention.

“In the final analysis, I want to leave you with this fact:

“The tradition of using alternative composite materials is a long one. None other than George Washington used wood scored into block patterns at Mount Vernon and painted with sand-impregnated paint to imitate cut ashlar stone,” said Darden.

County resident Hank Gorfein suggested that it was possible for the ARB “to make a mistake.” He said that on his frequent walks and drives through the town he has seen many different styles and con