Whether black and white is a good combination for a Harbor Commission building was under discussion at this week’s meeting, with Chairman Thomas Wall thanking a resident for an opinion and assuring her the Commission would take her concerns under advisement.
Mary Trank, who lives at 10 Ocean Blvd, questioned the commission’s decision to permit Evolution, the Beauty Salon on First Avenue, to paint the brick building white.
Commissioner James Krauss had noted in his report and told Trank the tenants, who were described as excellent tenants who take pride in their building, plan on painting the building white with black accents.
During the public portion, Trank opined it was “an unusual decision” and questioned why it was permitted. Krauss cited the north side of the building, the side facing the water is in bad shape and the tenant wanted to paint the entire building rather than just enhance that one side. Krauss said since they approved the tenant painting the brick, it would be included when their lease is renewed that they would continue to maintain it.
Trank pointed out all the buildings in the area of the salon are “brown or brick” and indicated she felt a white building would be out of character with the surrounding property. Trank also questioned whether brick should be painted and whether brick holds moisture.
Harbormaster Lou Fligor said he did not see a problem with moisture as long as the brick is sealed, noting it is porous now as evidenced by green mold along the bottom.
Wall said the tenant had presented a rendering of the building’s appearance when painted and commissioners found it “quite impressive.”
“I don’t think it fits,” the resident said, referring to the white paint, as she encouraged commissioners to “think about this,” because she did not feel it was the best idea going forward.
Krauss also reported a Commission committee is meeting with the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club again to continued discussion on their planned expansion on the roof of the Shore Casino.
