Television show has South River council dissecting its development rules
By Olivia Bradbury/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The picturesque community of South River is going to get a little television exposure thanks to a renovation project underway by Rock Solid Construction.
The residence at 34 Salmon Cove Road will be featured on the home renovation television series Rock Solid Builds. Renovations inside the home have already begun, and a request for exterior changes was submitted to the town council for discussion at its January 8 public meeting.
The request is for permission to build an extension on one side of the house, construction of a front deck, and the extension of the roof to cover said deck. While the first two items posed no issue, it turns out that extending the roof would violate the Town’s regulations. It was also noted the roof is already non-conforming. Councillor Pat Curran allowed that non-conformity with modern regulations is an issue often encountered when people are renovating older buildings.
Councillor David Petten said he would like to see the requested renovations completed as they would look very appealing and would increase the property value of the house.
“And it’s going to secure longevity in taxes for that property because if it’s not done it’s probably just going to be another abandoned house eventually,” argued Petten.
Mayor Bev Wells agreed the changes and additions would look nice.
Town clerk and Manager Marjorie Dawson pointed out that, if it were to approve the request, council would be going against its own regulations.
Councillor Ryan Snow said the Town can’t approve the request simply because the home is going to be featured on Rock Solid Builds.
In the end, council decided to approve the extension to the side of the house as well as the addition of the deck, but it denied the roof extension. Members discussed the idea of a motorized awning as a possible alternative deck cover.
Councillor Eric Snow said he is confident the applicant will adhere to the rules and regulations.