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Mr. Skirvin advised that it was his intention to act in good faith and in the best interest of the North
End Huntington Heights neighborhood. He believed the NEHH ARB was not aligned for the benefit
and vision of families. He shared that several families had been interested in getting solar panels
installed; however, they realized the guidelines and vision of the NEHH ARB would not allow for the
installation of solar panels. Mr. Skirvin advised that his appeal was not only on his behalf, but for his
neighbors. He admitted he was attempting to set a precedent. He understood NEHH was a historic
neighborhood and pointed out that his street (50th Street), was the southernmost street in the
neighborhood. The architecture content that 50th Street was not the same as some of the houses built
in the early 1900’s. He shared that his house was built in 1915, but did not appear as if it had any
historic significance. He did not believe that adding solar panels would decrease the value of the house
nor the surrounding homes/neighborhood. Mr. Skirvin advised that a number of sailors and Shipyard
workers walked past his house daily, and would have to stretch their neck to see the solar panels from
the street view. He indicated that affordable solar power was for a new generation due to recent
breakthroughs in technology and he wished to embrace that, and reminded that Newport News was
built on breakthroughs. Mr. Skirvin requested that City Council overturn the decision of the NEHH ARB
and allow the installation of solar panels on his property.
Councilman Long questioned the reason for the NEHH ARB recent guideline change(s) and whether
the neighbors were given an opportunity to share their input. Ms. Poissant replied that the NEHH ARB
reviewed the guidelines annually; the meeting was advertised as a public meeting; and everyone was
given an opportunity to speak during the process.
Councilman Long questioned whether there were other products available. Ms. Poissant replied that
newer products were out, technology was changing and improving daily, but the product needed to
be less intrusive.
Councilwoman Vick inquired whether any of the NEHH ARB members were present. Ms. Poissant
replied no, none of the NEHH ARB members were present.
Councilwoman Vick questioned whether the NEHH ARB would remain in the Stone Age or move into
the 21st Century. City Attorney Owens shared that he lived in the NEHH neighborhood years prior and
in accordance to the NEHH ARB guidelines, improvements could be made inside the home, but not to
the exterior without permission. Councilwoman Vick indicated Homer Ferguson, President (1915 –
1946), Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, built his home in the early 1900’s in the
NEHH neighborhood. She believed that the homeowners wanted to improve the neighborhood with
beautification and futuristic ideals, while making the area aesthetically pleasing. She advised that
there had to be progression.
Vice Mayor Bethany questioned the membership of the NEHH ARB. Ms. Poissant replied that the
membership consisted of five Resident Owners of Real Estate in NEHH, one Licensed Architect or
Engineer, and one Landscape Architect or Artist. She advised that the City’s NEHH ARB was established
by an ordinance to maintain the historic and architectural integrity of designated historic areas.
Councilwoman Woodbury shared that she supported the request to overturn the denial for installation
of solar panels for Mr. Skirvin. She indicated that people were having difficulties and had to think
outside of the box; energy would be a real concern for everyone eventually, and solar panels could
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