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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-11-05 HPC MINCity of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission Nov ember 5 , 2 0 07 Present: Jeff Johnson, Chairperson, Phil Eastwood, Robert Gag, Gayle Hudak, Larry Nelson, Roger Tomten Staff present: Planner Mike Pogge Absent: Howard Lieberman and Scott Zahren Vice Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes : Mr. Tomten, seconded by Mr. Eastwood, moved approval of the minutes of Oct. 1, 2007. Motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. DEM/07 - 50 Demolition request for a single - f amily residence at 1509 W. Pine St. Robert Stanlislaw, applicant. The applicant was present. He stated he purchased the house in 1997 with the intention of remodeling, and has done a number of projects during the past years. However, he stated the main pa rt of the foundation is crumbling badly. He reviewed the information included in his permit application. Mr. Johnson asked whether there were any outbuildings or trees that would have to be removed. The applicant stated there are no outbuildings, and no tr ees will be removed in the demolition, but there might be a need to remove one tree in order to meet setbacks to construct a replacement structure. Mr. Johnson asked about the reason for demolition. In addition to the state of the foundation, Mr. Stanislaw noted that replacement of windows was a challenge as the studs are of no structural value, nothing is square or level. Mr. Johnson pointed out that fiberboard siding was put on the structure, and on the garage addition, dormers and other shapes not compli mentary to the shape and massing of the main structure have been added on over the years. Mr. Johnson asked about the alternative to demolition. Mr. Stanislaw explained that the windows need to be replaced, which would require the removal of all the plaste r and lathe, and the structure reinsulated. The siding on the outside also would have to be removed, the applicant stated, and the entire structure lifted and new basement constructed. Mr. Stanislaw said that because there have been so many additions to th e structure, the original beams in the basement might make it impossible to lift the structure. Mr. Johnson asked how long the structure had been advertised for sale; Mr. Stanislaw responded that it has been adver tised for a little over a month Mr. Johns on clarified that the intent would be to for the applicant to construct a new single - family structure for his family and continue to stay on the property. Mr. Stanislaw said he thought what they are proposing to build will fit very nicely with the neighbor hood. Mr. Johnson noted that this property is outside of the area subject to the City’s infill design guidelines, and there is a mix of architectural styles in the neighborhood. Mr. Johnson pointed out that the City does recommend that an historian look at a property to determine historical significance. Mr. Stanislaw said he did speak with historian Don Empson who stated that the property is outside of any of the City’s historic districts and he did not see any issues related to historical significance, bu t that couldn’t be definitively determined unless a complete history is researched. Mr. Johnson pointed out that a contractor who does renovation work had looked at 1 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission Nov ember 5, 2 0 07 the structure and p rovided an estimate for the cost of renovation/restoration as required by the ordinance. Mr. Johnson op ened the public hearing. Barry LaGrave , 1517 W. Pine, a neighboring property owner, stated he and his wife are in favor of the request and plans for the replacement structure. Mr. La Grave said he had spoke with two neighbors who were unable to attend the HPC meeting who indicated support the plans. Mr. Johnson noted the HPC could not consider comments from those folks not in attendance. No other comments were received, and the hearing was closed. Mr. Eastwood spoke of the completeness of the application and said he thought it was a reasonable request given the nature of the property and neighborhood. Mr. Eastwood also said he didn’t think moving the struc ture to a different location is a viable option given the condition of the structure. Mr. Johnson also spoke of the many modifications which have altered the character and features of the original house. Mr. Eastwood moved to approve the demolition permit . Mr. Nelson seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Pogge noted the annual report to SHPO was included in the agenda packet. He pointed out that the HPC considered two more cases than the previous year, and it was a big year for demolition requ ests, with 12 requests received, of which 11 were approved – 10 for outbuildings and 1 for a single - family home. He noted the report includes the annual HPC awards and work items. Mr. Johnson asked about the total number of cases; Mr. Pogge stated there were 51 total cases, including design reviews and the demolition cases. It was noted there were only two denials. Mr. Pogge stated, with the Commission’s blessing, staff would like to begin doing some long - term planning with the Commission -- rather than look at things from a case - by - case view, look at the long - range effects. He said next month’s topic will be the housing crunch and foreclosures. Property maintenance codes and good infill designs for downtown are other potential topics, he sai d. After general discussion about issues such as “demolition by neglect” and related code issues, Mr. Pogge said, unfortunately, the City doesn’t have the funding to institute a maintenance code enforcement program. Mr. Eastwood suggested that if the City does get to the point of a maintenance code, it should not use point - of - sale as an enforcement mechanism. Ms. Hudak suggested the City might not have such maintenance issues if it were able to put together a grant program to assist homeowners. Mr. Tomten n oted that Mr. Empson had done considerable research into the issue of tear - downs and demolition by neglect. Mr. Pogge gave some information about MLS listings for Stillwater. Mr. Johnson asked for an update on responses to the e - mail regarding what Commis sion members would like to see included in the Heirloom Home website. Mr. Pogge stated Mr. Johnson was the only member who had responded to date. Mr. Pogge said most of the items suggested by Commissioners during the previous discussion will be included, other than information on grants and funding. 2 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission Nov ember 5, 2 0 07 Mr. Johnson noted it is time to reapply for members whose terms are expiring Dec. 31. Mr. Pogge informed Commissioners that within the pas t day, a barn on the North Hill, North Fifth and Hazel, was demolished down to and including the foundation work. He said the City likely will be seeking misdemeanor charges. Mr. Pogge said the demolition was done by a contractor who had been advised he ne eded to obtain a demolition permit. Mr. Pogge said the afternoon of the meeting, a garage on Martha Street was partially demolished before the City was able to stop the work . Mr. Pogge noted the December meeting will be held on the first Tuesday of the mo nth due to the City’s Truth in Taxation hearing. He also reminded members of the joint meeting with the Council and other commissions regarding the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Tomten stated that before Ms. Fitzgerald left, she had been working on an outdoor l ighting ordinance and asked that that item be kept active. There was discussion of the lighting at Washington Square. Mr. Eastwood, seconded by Mr. Nelson, moved to adjourn at 8 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary 3