Politics & Government
In Brief: American Legion Can Make Building Repairs, Commission Says
Northville's Historic District Commission voted to allow for window and siding replacement at Dunlap facility.
The American Legion received what it was looking for when representatives made their first appearance in front of the Northville Historic District Commission to ask for permission to make some repairs to its aged structure at 100 West Dunlap Street.
The commission voted unanimously to approve allowing the group to replace windows and siding on the front part of the building – even though the siding would be made of vinyl, a substance typically banned by the commission.
“Right now we’re really trying to keep this within a budget,” said Dan Wiseley of the American Legion, who explained the building’s issues to the commission.
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“We found a siding called Splendor that looks like the original siding; it’s made in the Monroe area,” he added.
The Legion building – which dates back to the mid-1800s – has been reconfigured. The siding that is being replaced is aluminum, which is also a contemporary material.
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Also, the Legion has an eye towards saving money by making energy-saving changes, especially those that will not change the outward appearance of the facility. When asked if they had considered a solution other than vinyl siding, Wiseley said finances were an issue.
“We have a budget of about $2,500, and to double that to $5,000 would require that the work be delayed for another two years,” he said. Wiseley added that they investigated the likelihood of finding new panes for windows in need of repair, but had no luck.
Commissioner Mark Vernacchia said he understood the Legion’s predicament, and would not oppose its repair plan.
“I would support granting an exception [because of the vinyl] because the siding it would replace is aluminum, it’s the same style as what’s currently on there, and it won’t change the appearance of the building.”
The commissioners – including Vernacchia, Chairman Chris Johnson, Vice Chair Leanie Bayly, Joseph and Joseph Hoffman – voted in favor of the Legion’s plan. Commissioners Jennifer Luikart and David Field were absent.
