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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-06 HPC MIN HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES September 6, 2012 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Chairman Lieberman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chairman Lieberman, Commissioners Zahren, Johnson, Larson, Goodman, Brach, Krakowski, and Council Representative Micky Cook Absent: None Staff: City Planner Michel Pogge APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Chairman Lieberman, seconded by Commissioner Goodman, to approve the August 6, 2012 meeting minutes. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. DEM/2012-30. A demolition request for a single family home located at 604 Fourth Street South in the RB, Two Family Residential District. St Paul Lutheran Church, Kevin Urhammer, applicant. Continued from August 6, 2012 meeting. City Planner Pogge reviewed the request. At the August 6 meeting, the Commission tabled action and requested that the applicant, St. Paul Lutheran Church, submit a master plan for the entire site. The Church submitted a plan that proposes removing the homes at 604 4th Street South and 216 Willard Street West and converting them to open space uses, relocating the existing church garage to former 216 Willard Street West property, converting the old garage slab to a covered picnic shelter, adding curbing along the parking lot next to the property at 604 4th Street South which previously was not installed, and landscaping the property. Applicant Kevin Urhammer reviewed the landscaping plan designed by o expansion of the existing parking lot planned; the site is designed as a multi-functional green space which will be accessible to non-church members. Donald Empson, 1206 North Second Street, who has been a historical consultant to the city, referred to a comment from former HPC member Brent Peterson stating that in 1998, Pastor Bill Schoenbaum promised the HPC that the church would not tear Heritage Preservation Commission September 6, 2012 the homes down but leave them as a buffer between the parking lots and the neighborhood. Mr. Empson urged the commission to deny both demolition permits because Stillwater is defined by its old houses and historic neighborhoods. He questioned why the church has not repaired and maintained the homes since it has owned them for the past 15 years, adding that the estimate for home repairs seems inflated. back from the church on his offer to look at the houses to see what kind of shape rged the commission not to grant the demolition permits because the loss of the two homes would have a negative impact on the neighborhood. Joan Simonet, a member of the last family that lived in one of the homes, asked why the church let the condition of the home deteriorate. She said she feels that the demolition erodes the sense of community in the neighborhood, and there are people who would help rehabilitate the home which could be used for unwed mothers, single mothers, or others who need assistance. Gene Leatherman, 222 West Willard Street, told the Commission he has looked at long it will take to complete the landscaping. He opposes moving the garage because he has trees and grass there now. Jan Brewer, 215 West Willard Street, across the street from the parking lot, said plans that would improve her view from across the street. She expressed concerns about lighting, trash, and screening. Mr. Urhammer addressed the concern about reviewing the homes, saying there are still tenants in both houses who have asked the church not to go in until they are out. Kevin Schuberg, attorney for the applicant, stated the church is not opposed to letting someone remove the homes from the site to another location. He added that the church has spent money every year maintaining the homes but it has become too expensive. Many options were considered but none were feasible to retain the houses. The church bought the properties because it has always been the intent to own the entire area. It is a normal function of a church to look at what its property can be used for. Commissioner Zahren asked why it would not be appropriate to rehab the two homes? Mr. Schuberg stated the cost to rehabilitate the two houses would be about $180,000 each. While the church is concerned with providing housing to homeless Page 2 of 8 Heritage Preservation Commission September 6, 2012 individuals, it was felt more appropriate to contribute to St. Andrews and Guardian Angels because they have facilities for those purposes. Chairman Lieberman encouraged everyone to temper their comments as this is not an inquisition and should not be an adversarial process. Mr. Schuberg assured the neighbors the church has no problem modifying plans for landscaping if requested. The master plan will be done over a period of time, with screening around the perimeter being done sometime this fall or this spring. Mr. Leatherman stated he would be concerned about living next to homeless housing. Mr. Schuberg stated that per minutes, it was always intended for the church to utilize the whole area. He was not privy to the comments made by Pastor Schoenbaum. Commissioner Johnson recalled that when the other homes were demolished, the homes now eyed for demolition were going to be preserved and maintained for people in need. He was on the Commission at the time. He commented that he is equally disappointed in the deterioration of the homes. He has nothing against the church but feels it needs to be committed preserving the neighborhood. Commissioner Brach parking lot, if previous plans were not followed. Commissioner Johnson stated unfortunatel term master plan for the site. Mr. Schuberg responded that the current use was supported by the congregation scope of the HPC. Chairman Lieberman recognized that one of the responsibilities for granting a demolition permit is to review the reuse in extensive detail. Mr. Urhammer commented that the church is trying to work within its budget and needs space for activities - it currently rents tents for festivals in its parking lot. the church, but she is disillusioned that the church has removed three homes and now wants to remove more. Commissioner Larson pointed out that there will always be tension with institutional should be preservation. Page 3 of 8 Heritage Preservation Commission September 6, 2012 e of the residential neighborhood and suddenly there are big holes in the neighborhood. Individual houses may not be particularly worthy but they all contribute to the fabric of the neighborhood. Ms. Brewer to compel the church to rehabilitate the houses? There are re limited. dollars, but also the value and contribution to the neighborhood. The church is expected to be a good neighbor. Chairman Lieberman commented that the arguments on all sides are very agrees with those who say loss of each historic property erodes the neighborhood. It would be useful to have greater community input on the design and reuse aspect of the project. He is intrigued by the concept of the church trying to help make money available to move the houses, but feels the proposal needs more work. Commissioner Goodman remarked that gradually extending parking lot and green space over a whole block adversely affects the appearance and flavor of the whole neighborhood. Commissioner Brach expressed concerns that, while the church currently has no plans for the brick house, over the long term, it too may ultimately be demolished and it is a real treasure. Commissioner Johnson clarified that being on the National Register does not prevent a home from demolition. Chairman Lieberman closed the public hearing at 8:24 p.m. Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Zahren, to deny demolition based on the ordinance and the fact of criteria 1 and 3 . Commissioner Larson remarked that the Fourth Street house seems to anchor the plan. Saving the house on Fourth Street and demolishing the Willard Street house may be a livable compromise. Page 4 of 8 Heritage Preservation Commission September 6, 2012 Commissioner Johnson pointed out that the ordinance gives rationale for demolition of an historic resource and asks, are there feasible alternatives to demolition? In this case the reason for demolition is not very strong. Alternatives really have not been brought forward. The building is an historic resource. City Planner Pogge explained that denial would send the application automatically to the city council. Hearing notices would be published and mailed to neighbors. The council could uphold the denial or issue the demolition permit. It if upholds the denial, the City would begin the 180-day process of designating the property as an historic resource, which would involve analysis by a historian, a report, another public hearing and another commission recommendation to the council. The council would hold a public hearing and then take action - if it denies local designation, that automatically would grant the demolition permit. The church has right to take this to district court if they feel it violated the state historic preservation act. They have a lot of rights and recourses. All in favor. Case No. DEM/2012-31. A demolition request for a single family home located at 216 Willard Street in the RB, Two Family Residential District. St Paul Lutheran Church, Kevin Urhammer, applicant. Continued from August 6, 2012 meeting. Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Zahren, to deny the demolition request based on the ordinance the basis of criteria 1 and 3 of tAll in favor. Case No. DR/2012-34. Infill design review for a single family home located at 317 William Street North in the RB,Two Family Residential District and the NCD, Neighborhood Conservation District. Shannon Mulvehill, applicant. Continued from August 6, 2012 meeting. Commissioner Johnson said the new design does a good job facing Williams street. Chairman Lieberman closed the public hearing at 8:40 p.m. Commissioner Larson commented the streetside elevation shows nice detail and asked if the same trim and finish will be on all sides? Ms. Mulvehill stated yes, there will be shakes and gables on the other sides also. Commissioner Larson said the railing on the porch may not be required. Chairman Lieberman complimented Ms. Mulvehill on her efforts to work with the Commission. Page 5 of 8 Heritage Preservation Commission September 6, 2012 Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Zahren, to accept the new design as conditioned, with trim shown on the west elevation to be consistent on all sides, and a wood fronted porch, not concrete, and the railing is optional. All in favor. DESIGN REVIEWS There were no design reviews. NEW BUSINESS Best Buy Mobile Sign Discussion City Planner Pogge stated that Best Buy is planning to locate in the old Timberlodge building next to Caribou Coffee. The requirement that words be in channel lettering presents a unique challenge with their trademark logo of the Best Buy ticket. This is not a formal submittal - a formal design review will be held at the October meeting. At this point they are looking for feedback. Kristine Lindeman Mazurek, 511 West Moore Street, representing Best Buy Mobile, is important to include to avoid confusing customers. Commissioner Johnson said the commission would probably want the lettering to be dimensioned as Ms. Lindeman Mazurek indicated. Kickoff and discussion with Daniel Hoisington on 2012-2013 CLG Projects. City Planner Pogge handed out information on the downtown video podcast project which will highlight 12 locations or buildings. Mr. Hoisington stated he would like to convey the heart and soul of Stillwater and building is a good opportunity to talk about the lumber industry; the lift bridge tells the story of Stillwater, and so on. The commission agreed that the list should include: The Lift Bridge The Washington County Historic Courthouse The Freight House The Staples Sawmill The Bourdaghs House and the Brunswick Inn The site of the Territorial Convention - birth place of Minnesota (where the plaque is) Page 6 of 8 Heritage Preservation Commission September 6, 2012 The Joseph Wolf Brewery (site was actually where Oasis is, not at bottom of Main Street Stairs) The Commander Elevator The Old Post Office The Lowell Inn/Sawyer House The Gazette Building which may have been a brothel Mr. Hoisington stated when done, the City will have about 12 three-to-four minute videos which could be downloaded by the public on smart phones so they can sit in front of a building while on a walking tour and hear a story about it. The videos also could be shown o QR codes could be put on the sites to alert the public. Also a map will be done showing the sites. City Planner Pogge said the CVB and schools also will promote awareness of the videos. An educational guide will be created as part of the project, to promote awareness of historic preservation. but historic sites are not highlighted enough. Moving on to the Designation District, City Planner Pogge presented a tentative schedule for the process. Mr. Hoisington recommended doing all the background work on the historic designation before promoting it to the neighborhood. He would draft the report and run it past SHPO. He also would draft design guidelines for the district. Chairman Lieberman said he fears the designation may not be warmly welcomed by residents in the district - there will be a lot of questions and if the first meeting goes badly, the commission will have a struggle. Neighbors will think there are now to anticipate the concerns of private property owners in the neighborhood. City Planner Pogge commented the City will have to anticipate very specific questions from residents and the process should be collaborative. He provided a list of residents in the area, as well as a list of residents who have signed up to be an Heirloom Home. The commission should find advocates in the neighborhood to promote the project before having a neighborhood meeting at the Chilkoot Cafe. Mr. Hoisington suggested March or April would be a good time for a series of neighborhood meetings where residents can ask questions informally. Perhaps Page 7 of 8 Heritage Preservation Commission September 6, 2012 workshops could be held once or twice a year with discussions on what residents can do with their homes. Chairman Lieberman commented in this economy, residents will likely respond to monetary incentives. Commissioner Johnson said even though the City may not have money to provide financial incentives, there may be other entities that could be presented as part of the program. The City could provide information on possible funding sources for residents. The point is to encourage people who want to do a good job on their home. Councilmember Menikheim commented that he is becoming much more aware of the importance of history and would like to help with the program. City Planner Pogge asked commissioners to let him know who they know on the list of homeowners. He also will get Mr. Hoisington a copy of the infill design guidelines to review. Commissioner Johnson said it would be good to combine the infill guidelines with design guidelines for the proposed district. 2011 Preservation Awards Per City Planner Pogge, this will be discussed next month due to the lateness of the meeting. HPC Submittal Deadline Discussion City Planner Pogge said some applications have been submitted with very tight up submittal deadlines and wanted to make the commission aware. The deadline is usually the third Friday of the month but it depends on when the first Monday is. The deadline is posted on the web site. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business. ADJOURN Chairman Lieberman adjourned the meeting at 10 p.m. Page 8 of 8