Council HARB COA Summary for Council January, 20, 2026
Item 2. Sara Walker
844 West 3rd Street
65-004-103 1895 Brick, two and one half story Victorian eclectic house with a multigabled
(partial) slate (partial asphalt) roof. Roof dormers with mullioned windows. Two story
protruding bay in front, and on each side. Wrap around porch/square posts, enclosed at the
bottom with fish scale siding.
A. On east side of property, in same location as existing metal accessory structure, remove
the torn cover and install a new canvas cover over the top and all four sides of the metal frame.
recommended for denial by HARB. See minutes
HARB MINUTES
Meeting called to order at 6:44 pm. Trade Transit 2, 144 West Third Street.
Present: Anthony Visco, Mary Rucinski, Hannah Ramsauer, Dante Elion.
Intro: Property owners in the Historic District must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness
(COA) before performing exterior alterations, repairs, improvements, demolitions, or
construction. There is no fee for a COA. Applications are available at Historic Architectural
Review Board (HARB) – City of Williamsport Applicants should include photos, drawings,
and any information to clarify a project. Submit at least one week before the HARB meeting.
Meetings are held monthly, usually on the 3rd Tuesday, in Trade & Transit II-144 West Third
St. at 6:30 PM. A representative of the applicant should attend. City Council issues COA’s.
Applicants can discuss a request with Council if they disagree with HARB’s recommendation.
Item 1. Review minutes from December 16, 2025
Motion by Hannah Ramsauer to accept minutes. Dante Elion seconded. Mary Rucinski pointed out
revisions to 2 dates, March meeting moved to March 10th, September meeting corrected to September
15th. All ayes.
Item 2. Sara Walker
844 West 3rd Street
65-004-103 1895 Brick, two and one half story Victorian eclectic house with a multigabled
(partial) slate (partial asphalt) roof. Roof dormers with mullioned windows. Two story
protruding bay in front, and on each side. Wrap around porch/square posts, enclosed at the
bottom with fish scale siding. Photos attached
A. On east side of property, in same location as existing metal accessory structure, remove
the torn cover and install a new canvas cover over the top and all four sides of the metal frame.
.Possible Standards to Consider: #9… exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not
destroy historic materials that characterize a property. New work … shall be compatible with
massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property
and its environment. Hist Pres Act 89-665: Any governing body in determining whether or
not to certify to the appropriateness of the erection, reconstruction, alteration, restoration,
demolition or razing of a building, in whole or in part, shall consider the effect which the
proposed change will have upon the general historic and architectural nature of the district.
The governing body shall pass upon the appropriateness of exterior architectural features which
can be seen from a public street or way, only, and shall consider the general design,
arrangement, texture, material and color of the building or structure and the relation of such
factors to similar features of buildings and structures in the district. The governing body shall
not consider matters not pertinent to the preservation of the historic aspect and nature of the
district. See photos for location (on property) and views
Note: This item was on the HARB December 16th Agenda and was reviewed. No
representative was present. On December 18th HARB received an e mail from Ms. Walker
saying she did not receive the e-mailed Notice of Meeting, and a mailed notice didn’t arrive
until December 17th. She requested the request be re-reviewed at another meeting so she can
attend. By pole HARB agreed. The December 16th recommendation was not submitted to
City Council and Ms. Walkers application is on the January 20, 2026 agenda.
Mrs Walker was present. Mr Visco reviewed the application including possible standards to
consider. Mrs. Walker explained she didn’t receive notice of the December meeting in time.
That is why she wasn’t present. She wants to replace a damaged carport/storage structure. It
will not be just a tarped roof, the walls would also be enclosed with the tarp material. She
doesn’t understand what the issue is. She googled Historic district rules and other places allow
this. She said codes said they can’t issue a permit until a COA is issued. Mr. Visco said there
are many historic districts, they have different requirements. Rucinski said the Possible
Standards as read have a summary of this information. There is information on the city HARB
web page that can be reviewed. Mr. Visco said state, local and the preservation act all have
information. Hannah Ramsauer explained the metal frame, covered and enclosed with material
is not compatible with the district or with the architectural features of the brick home at 844 W
3rd. HARB noted it is also is visible from West 3rd St on the front and Hadley St. on the back.
Hadley St. runs between the rear of the property and Ways Garden. Mrs. Walker asked how a
carport-could fit in the district and that she has seen carports in other locations. The Rowley
house drive up entry was mentioned and Mr. Visco found a sample photo of an attached carport
that simply reflected the attached buildings features. There are many designs that could be
compatible. He clarified that the Historic District has some different standards from the
majority of the City. HARB does not review something out of the district. The canvas carports
Mrs Walker mentioned were not in the District. Mrs. Walker said there was a garage on her
property but it collapsed around 1990. She doesn’t have funds to build a new garage. Mr. Visco
mentioned there are district properties that have old stables converted to garages and garages
that were built before the ordinance took effect. Mr. Elion asked why Mrs. Walker needs the
structure. She wants it for storage of lawn equipment and possibly a vehicle. She could access
it from Hadley St, in the rear. HARB discussed relocating the structure but that is something
that apparently requires set backs. Mrs. Walker said Codes told her the existing structure is too
close to the property line. The Building Officer conveyed they consider this an Accessory
Structure, subject to setbacks, which would affect any alternative siting. Hannah Ramsauer
made a motion to recommend the request be denied because it is not compatible with the
properties features or the district generally and it is visible from streets at the front and rear.
Dante Elion seconded. All Ayes. Rucinski explained to Mrs. Walker that HARB is making a
recommendation to Council. Council actually issues Certificates of Appropriateness. Mrs.
Walker has the right to speak to Council about her request. Mrs. Walker said she wants to do
that. There are Council meetings on February 5th and February 19th. Rucinski will contact the
City Clerk to verify a date and notify Mrs. Walker by mail and by text or phone call within the
next few days. The COA will be submitted to council for review on the available date.
.Item. 3. Any other business Adj