ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Alexandria's Board of Architectural Review spent most of its 16-minute meeting Wednesday, Nov. 4, on the wording of staff reports. Chair Andrew Scott asked staff to stop labeling a section "staff findings," arguing that findings are the board's to make.

It's really for the board to make findings," Chair Scott said during the meeting. Scott compared the board to a jury and said the label could put the board "in an uncomfortable position" if a board decision is appealed to City Council. Another board member suggested headings like "staff recommendations" or "staff analysis" instead.

Board members also said they miss the detailed building histories the old reports included, especially for older buildings. Staff said some buildings' histories are easy to document and others take much more research. The board took no vote, and staff said it would take the feedback back.