WINDOW WAR: Help of WLDC as third party hasn't resulted in an agreement yet

The flap over windows on a Court Street building continues.

Building owner Stephen J. Bradley met Wednesday with representatives of Neighbors of Watertown, the Watertown Local Development Corp. and Watertown Savings Bank to try to settle the controversy over the smaller windows that Mr. Bradley was installing on the third floor of the restoration project at 150 Court St.

“Nothing was resolved,” he said.

As a result of the meeting, Mr. Bradley must submit changes he made from the original windows to Neighbors Executive Director Gary C. Beasley to consider. Mr. Beasley has said he objected to the smaller windows because they are not architecturally and historically correct.

Two weeks ago, Mr. Beasley issued a stop-work order on the building because the windows do not comply with strict guidelines under the New York Main Street facade program. The WLDC’s board then suggested that the two sides meet to discuss the issue.

Mr. Bradley has argued that the windows should not fall under the jurisdiction of Neighbors officials. He contended that the windows are not a part of the facade.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Mr. Beasley told Mr. Bradley that he would not approve the new windows, the building owner said. If he does not, the state’s historic preservation office would get involved and decide the matter.

On Friday, Mr. Beasley declined to comment, saying that he has not received Mr. Bradley’s proposal for the changes.

“There’s nothing to discuss,” he said. “I’m waiting for Mr. Bradley’s submission.”

Mr. Bradley said he had to use the smaller windows because of the juxtaposition of the ceiling on that floor and he had to follow state fire codes. He also said that he has tried to maintain other historical characteristics of the building during the project.

Besides making improvements to the facade, Mr. Bradley is converting the upper floors of the building into 10 apartments. Last March, the trust approved a $200,000 loan to Mr. Bradley to help finance the renovation project.