The conflict between modern building materials and historic preservation standards took center stage Wednesday night as the Old King’s Highway Committee issued several denials for unapproved projects. The most significant setback involved an after-the-fact application for 10 West Great Western Road, where homeowners Brady and Alexia Doyle had already installed 6-foot vinyl fencing and 4-foot pickets. Despite the homeowners' plea that a contractor failed to warn them of local regulations, the committee remained firm on the district’s absolute ban on vinyl fencing. Brady Doyle told the committee, No one told us. We weren't aware until a neighbor tipped us when it was already 90% complete. One member named Paula shared a personal anecdote of having to remove a new fence herself to meet standards, stating, Every time we make compromise we lose footing into decisions we make down the road. Chair Robert Wilkins echoed the sentiment, noting, Vinyl fences regardless of height are prohibited in the Old King's Highway historic district. Motion Made by J. Doyle to deny the application 25-A141 without prejudice. Motion Passed 5-0.

A second contentious fencing proposal at 285 Mayfair Road was withdrawn following intense opposition from neighbors and committee members. Applicant Brandon Okoro proposed a mix of wood and vinyl fencing for a 1.5-acre lot, but neighbors John Gilligan and Kevin Pulk presented photos of clear-cutting on the property and complained about the scale of the structure. The fence is not in character with the neighborhood... It's ugly, Gilligan remarked. Pulk added that the installation disrupted access to a shared driveway, noting, This land has been clear cut. Okoro defended his property rights, stating, I see no why he's dictating for me. If I want to put it, it's my right. However, Wilkins warned that this design is in danger of looking like a fortress, leading Okoro to withdraw the application after being informed that the vinyl portions were prohibited regardless.

Energy upgrades saw mixed results based on their visibility from the public way. At 1 Dartmouth Way, an application for 27 solar panels was rejected after a 4-1 vote. Although Michelle from Empower Energy Solutions noted they moved panels to a higher dormer to mitigate visibility, Wilkins argued, Every facade is visible. There's no way to hide them. Motion Made by [Unidentified Member] to deny application 25-A125. Motion Passed 4-1 (J. Doyle voting No). Conversely, the committee allowed 33 solar panels at 28 Lookout Road because they were situated on the rear roof. Michelle explained that while the panels aren't black on black due to the gray roof, it's not visible from the road since it's on the rear. Motion Made by [Unidentified Member] to approve 25-A139. Motion Passed 5-0.

Several long-term residents received permission to swap aging wood for modern composites. Bill Ferguson, seeking to update 9 Green Teal Way, explained he had reached my limit in age and agility regarding house maintenance and requested a move to HardiePlank. Motion Made by [Unidentified Member] to approve 25-A135. Motion Passed 5-0. At 39 Gunnel Way, John Henderson described his 1974-era shingles as pretty ragged before receiving permission for a similar siding and window overhaul. Motion Made by [Unidentified Member] to approve 25-A140. Motion Passed 5-0. Richard Dinardo also secured approval for 49 Makember Drive by demonstrating a custom aluminum trim designed to eliminate the vinyl siding look around windows. Motion Made by [Unidentified Member] to approve 25-A133. Motion Passed 5-0.

Commercial signage for the historic corridor also moved forward. Greg Baziki of Lighthouse Keepers Pantry requested larger directional signs for 169 and 173 Route 6A, noting that customers drive down Route 6A a little faster than I would like them to go and often miss the parking. Wilkins cautioned against disjointed multiple signs, but the committee ultimately supported the request. Motion Made by [Unidentified Member] to approve 25-A132. Motion Passed 5-0. Additionally, Sha Linardos received approval for a whimsical round sign featuring three seagulls for a new general store at 159 Route 6A. Linardos noted, It's going to be an old-fashioned general store. Motion Made by [Unidentified Member] to approve 25-A137. Motion Passed 5-0.

Other routine approvals included window and siding work at 51 Gordon Lane, where Kyle Par proposed moving to 9-over-9 window patterns to decrease the lights and reduce visual busyness. Motion Made by [Unidentified Member] to approve 25-A134. Motion Passed 5-0. Finally, Mark Walsh of Cape Cod Fence Company secured a permit for a cedar fence at 97 Mayflower Terrace, noting it was basically for privacy purposes. Motion Made by [Unidentified Member] to approve 25-A138. Motion Passed 5-0. Throughout the meeting, Member Kathy and other board members reviewed samples to ensure all synthetic materials maintained the historic integrity of the district.