In a recent government meeting, the proposal for an in-ground swimming pool at the historic Gonzales Jones House, located at 56 Marine Street, was discussed. The property, situated in the Historic Preservation 1 Zoning District, features a colonial structure dating back to the First Spanish Period, along with several outbuildings.

Brian Maloney Sharkey, the applicant, presented the plan, which includes the installation of the pool in the northwest corner of the property. The design adheres to architectural guidelines that allow for pools if they are screened from view by fences, walls, or landscaping. The proposed pool will be minimally visible from the street, as it is located behind existing landscaping and the main structure.

The pool will feature a stucco finish and shell lock coping, designed to blend with the property's aesthetic. The surrounding area will remain grassy, and no additional paving or landscaping is planned. Mechanical equipment for the pool will be discreetly placed in a well-screened area of the yard.

Given the property's location in an archaeologically sensitive zone, the applicant has submitted an application for archaeological review, ensuring that excavation work, which may reach depths of up to 4.5 feet, will be monitored by archaeology staff.

Staff members indicated that the proposal meets the Secretary of the Interior's standards for rehabilitation, citing minimal visual impact from Marine Street as a key factor in their recommendation for approval. The board members expressed their support for the project, highlighting the property's beauty and the thoughtful design of the pool.

The meeting concluded without public opposition, and the board is expected to move forward with the approval process for the certificate of appropriateness for the project.