The Virginian-Pilot
©
CHESAPEAKE
Jessica Sterger returned from Navy deployment in December to find when she walked in her house that her upstairs walls were wrinkled from where her metal roof had leaked over the months.
She has been living with mold spores, unable to get her roof replaced at a cost she can afford. Sterger lives in Historic South Norfolk, where residents must follow set guidelines of the city’s Historic and Architectural Review Board when it comes to exterior home improvements.
Last month, she petitioned the City Council-appointed board to allow her to replace her metal roof with shingles that would cost her about half as much as metal roof. In keeping with the guidelines, the board declined Sterger’s request. The roof should be replaced with material similar to the original to keep up the historic character of the neighborhood, the board told her.
Tuesday, Sterger appealed that rule to the City Council. In her specific case, the City Council voted to allow her to replace her roof with shingles, overturning the board’s decision. Sterger told the council she had achieved the "American Dream" of homeownership when she bought her South Norfolk home. “Please don’t take that away from me,” she told them.
According to estimates included in the council documents, a new roof with shingles would cost her less than $8,000. A metal roof would cost more than $16,000.
Council members said the leaking roof and mold is a health concern. They also deemed Sterger’s case one of financial hardship. They voted 7-1 in her favor. Councilwoman Debbie Ritter voted no and Vice Mayor John de Triquet was absent.
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Metal Verses Shingle
There is a bigger issue here. The Historical Board is consistently demanding extremely expensive metal roofs, that are 3 to 4 times as much as shingles, be put on inexpensive homes. They do this even though Council approved guidelines that allow subsitute materials. Yet neither the City nor the Board is responsible for paying the extra cost, and homeowners cannot afford it. Even if they could it is a waste of money because metal roofs do not increase their property's value.
Debbie Ritter voiced concern that there was a bigger issue that must be resolved, not only the case at hand. Debbie was apparently in favor of a motion to continue this until it could all be addressed.
But thank goodness Ms. Sterger got the roof she asked for!
Councilwoman Debbie Ritter was my favorite!
Well, Councilwoman Debbie Ritter, you were favorite but now I have to reconsider.
This history stuff is often just wishful thinking. Many times "historic" means old and crappy. If you let the roof leak for a long time the whole thing might be gone.
Good decision by the City Council, sorry Debbie.
Debbie Ritter is directly involved with the AR Board
Councilwoman Ritter is one of 2 liasons on city council to the Architectural Review Board. This likely influenced her vote. Still, inexcusable, and shame on her. Rick West is the other liason and deserves recognition for bucking the political appointees on the ARB. Good job! I'd like to see the ARB dissolved and let citizens do what they have to do to maintain their homes. At least one ARB member lives in South Norfolk and guess what kind of roof she has on her house - shingles. These people need to back off and let people live. Also, how many metal roofs are left in S. Norfolk. Look around and you'll see precious few. Who really cares what's on a roof if it looks good and is kept in repair. Gees! Histric District is a joke. S. N. is a slum
South Norfolk should not be classified as a
historic area. Has anyone ever heard of a famous structure that they would like to see or tour in South Norfolk? Old buildings should be maintained to the best ability of the owners (under city code) not some set of historic guidelines drafted by folks who have spare time on their hands. Areas like Ghent, Olde Towne, and Freemason (and VB, too) do have some historic structures worthy of special attention. Thank you City Council for using some common sense.
Aside from being an abuse of
Aside from being an abuse of power, the metal roof most likely could be repaired. Many review boards will not allow it but if the roof is not visible in the repair area you can make an exception.
Vote the Last
Debbie Ritter needs to re-evaluate her priorities. There are many options in roof shingles that would be tasteful in an historic scense.
Seperate note: As far as elections go, I say on every election over the next few years, we vote for the person last on the ticket. This will help vote out the people who buy their way into office, and replace them with less financially fortunate people, who will most likely value a dollar better. As least that is the theory.
Let's all sing - "We go this way and thay way..."
Hmmm.. City Council appoints an Architectural Review Board but gives it no power. Guess the Architectural Review Board doesn't vote but we know that citizens do...
How can you say the Council gives the board no power???
Do you have data showing how many board decisions have been appealed to the Council and how many of those appeals have been resulted in the reversal of the Board's decision? No? Thought so. In that case, your accusation is baseless.
Certainly the board should NOT be given all powerful control over people's private homes. That means there must be an appeal process.
In this case, I applaud the Council and suggest that home owners not vote for Debbie Ritter when she is up for reelection. How can you be so harsh on this poor homeowner? She has a staggering problem even with the board's favorable decision.
wow.....
what an article. Any more facts and my head would be swimming with all the detail.
better
thanks for a little more meat to the story.