807 Grove Street

[05/08/01] Siding can’t be put on a home in the historic district, the Mayor and Alderman decided Monday in upholding a permit denial by the Architectural Review Board.

The 2-1 decision by the board will mean that the contractor, Pyron Construction, will not be able to complete work begun on a home at 807 Grove St. before a permit was sought.

“To me, it is pretty clear cut that the policies and practices of Vicksburg have been violated,” said Mayor Robert Walker.

The contractor had stated during an appeal hearing last week that installation of the siding was nearly half-way complete.

But South Ward Alderman Sam Habeeb, who voted with Walker, said contractors know about the permit process. “I don’t think this should be any surprise to the contractor,” Habeeb said.

When any city property owner seeks to build, expand or renovate a structure, city permits are required. If the address is in the downtown area, the application is checked for additional restrictions enforced in the historic district. One of those restrictions deals with siding materials.

North Ward Alderman Gertrude Young cast the dissenting vote, citing the inconvenience that removing the siding already on the home will cause the homeowner.

“We’re going to leave (the homeowner) at a standstill,” Young said.

In discussing the case last week, board members also said regulations governing the historic district may need to be revisited. They have not been updated to include restricting some building materials that have become available in the past 20 years.

In other matters, the board:

Authorized the city clerk to advertise for bids for construction of a retaining wall and other improvements to a downtown parking lot on Washington Street.

Authorized the city clerk to advertise for bids for tree cutting.

Approved a $100 sponsorship of a tee at the Parbusters Golf Tournament.

Approved allocation of $1,000 to the American Red Cross for services to veterans.

Approved a building facade grant in the amount of $1,000 for James A. Hankins Jr., at Monroe Court Apartments.

Accepted the certified results of the May 1 municipal primary elections in which Walker and Young were nominated for new terms.

Approved the claims docket.

Discussed personnel matters during executive session.

The Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen will meet again at 10 a.m. Thursday at City Hall.