HPRB Denied Ramp to Elderly Couple
A couple in their late 80s who could no longer climb the stairs wanted to remain in the historic-district house they had occupied for 46 years -- since long before it was a historic district. They sought a ramp, then other options to allow them front access to the basement, where they had moved. HPRB said no and fought the couple for two years. HUD finally filed an antidiscrimination complaint, but it is not clear if relief was ever obtained or, if so, whether it came in time for the couple.
Homeowner Submits Two Proposals . . . HPRB Says No
The homeowner here submitted two proposals for a new basement entrance, one that the homeowner wanted and another that the Historic Preservation Office had itself suggested. HPRB rejected both, including the one its own office had suggested! There is no record of the time and resources the homeowner spent on this fruitless effort, but it likely was substantial. Will Chevy Chase actually be better off if we give an unelected agency this kind of control over whether and where we build new basement entrances (or virtually any other exterior change to a house)?
Flagstone Instead of Concrete . . . No Way ( Windows Too!)
Some homeowners saw neighbors with flagstone walks and decided to replace their own walk with flagstones. 35% of the houses in the their HD had flagstones. They were cited for a violation, so the homeowners went through the arduous process of bringing their case before a hearing of the HPRB itself. Two neighbors voiced their support; none objected. HPRB ordered them to rip up the walkway and, by the way, to get rid of a new one-paned third-floor window sash that had replaced the original 15-pane sash.
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