Modern technology met historic preservation during a swift meeting of the town’s architectural oversight committee on Monday, as members utilized artificial intelligence and drone-view perspectives to clear a slate of residential improvements. The most extensive project involved a total transformation of a property at 16 ID Street, where contractor Dana Pickup of Carefree Homes presented an AI-generated rendering to illustrate a shift from a drab brown exterior to a gray and white palette. Pickup explained that the project includes PVC trim, Hardy siding, and composite decking designed to maintain a historic aesthetic while reducing maintenance. The gray color is what porches were normally painted, Pickup said, adding that the AI imagery helped clarify that the house’s configuration would remain unchanged despite the visual overhaul. Motion Made by Speaker 04 to approve application 26-029. Motion Passed 3-0.

The use of the digital rendering proved pivotal for the committee. One committee member noted, Thank you for the AI rendering. It was helpful to see what it's going to look like. Property owner Mark Muac also clarified ongoing landscape work at the site, noting he was previously advised that ground-level hardscaping did not require a formal Certificate of Appropriateness. I was told I didn't need a permit because you guys don't cover ground-level items, Muac said, referring to the replacement of failing railroad ties with granite steps.

The committee also made quick work of a solar installation at 160 Summer Street. Michaela, representing Trinity Solar LLC, described the project as an 18-panel, south-facing system that is entirely hidden from the public way. I will note that this is not viewable from Route 6A. It's in a pretty secluded area as well, she said. One committee member agreed, joking that you need a drone to see it, while the Chair suggested the project was so unobtrusive it could have bypassed a full hearing. I actually—this is water under the bridge—this could have easily been an exemption request and I would have granted it, the Chair remarked. Motion Made by Speaker 09 to approve application 26-026. Motion Passed 3-0.

Structural changes were sanctioned for 162 Thatcher Shore Road, where George Davis of George Davis, Inc. presented plans to convert a seasonal porch into a four-season room. The project involves raising wall heights and relocating a second-floor window. We're going to pick up the wall heights; they are going to be a normal wall height, Davis explained. During the discussion, one member recalled a different project for the same family where a window removal was denied, leading to a unique copper-bottomed well installation. It's an alternative to moving the window. But here you can, whereas in my house you couldn't, the member noted. Motion Made by Speaker 04 to approve application 26-027. Motion Passed 3-0.

Rounding out the agenda, Jean Bowen of Capezy Home Improvement secured approval for a refresh of 9 Brave Farm Road North. The plan includes removing white paneling in favor of cedar clapboards and painting the home in Bleecker Beige and Van Courtland Blue. The rest is regular cedar, Bowen said, noting that the new configuration would provide a more consistent look across the front elevation. Motion Made by Speaker 09 to approve application 26-028. Motion Passed 3-0.