HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPC 2020-01 (Resolution written statement of denial of retaining wall HPC 2020-03)
RESOLUTION NO. HPC 2020-01
CITY OF STILLWATER
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
RESOLUTION ADOPTING WRITTEN STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR DENIAL
PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES, § 15.99, SUBD. 2, FOR A DESIGN
PERMIT APPLICATION FOR A RETAINING WALL ADJACENT TO THE SOUTH
MAIN STREET PUBLIC STAIRWAY
HPC CASE NO. 2020-03
WHEREAS, the City of Stillwater received a Design Permit application from the
City of Stillwater’s Public Works/Engineering Department for work completed adjacent to
the South Main Street public stairway, in the National Register-listed Stillwater Commercial
Historic District; and
WHEREAS, the application requested the Heritage Preservation Commission’s
approval of the design of an unpermitted concrete redi-rock wall system and for the
Commission to determine the appropriate wall stain color; and
WHEREAS, the Heritage Preservation Commission reviewed and considered the
request based on the related documents shown in the application at their regular meeting on
February 19, 2020; and
WHEREAS, at the February 19, 2020, Heritage Preservation Commission meeting, a
motion was made by Commissioner Larson and seconded by Chairwoman Mino to deny the
application. The Commission voted 7 in favor, with none opposing, and the motion passed;
and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Statutes, § 15.99, Subd. 2(c), provides that “[i]f a
multimember governing body denies a request, it must state the reasons for denial on the
record and provide the applicant in writing a statement of the reasons for the denial. If the
written statement is not adopted at the same time as the denial, it must be adopted at the next
meeting following the denial of the request but before the expiration of the time allowed for
making a decision under this section. The written statement must be consis tent with the
reasons stated in the record at the time of the denial. The written statement must be provided
to the applicant upon adoption.”
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Heritage Preservation
Commission of the City of Stillwater hereby adopts the following written statement of the
reasons for denial stated on the record at the February 19, 2020, regular Heritage Preservation
Commission meeting by Commissioners voting to deny the requested Design Permit
amendment:
1. The requested Design Permit was not consistent with all the standards for
granting a Design Permit as described in Section 31-209, Subdivision f, (1)
through (8) of the Stillwater Zoning Ordinance. More specifically, the Heritage
Preservation Commission members voting against the requested Design Permit
stated on the record at the February 19, 2020, regular Heritage Preservation
Commission meetings that the request was not justified for the following reasons:
a. The Heritage Preservation Commission reviews and approves Design Permits
for consistent, uniform, fair, and attractive development in and near the
Stillwater Commercial Historic District.
b. This location is a historically important place in Stillwater, right at the
entrance to the historic district, containing some of the oldest buildings
downtown. The location of the wall in combination with the chosen design
negatively impacts the historical structures, vistas, and sties within the
vicinity.
c. The wall’s design is not in keeping with the spirit and intent of the Downtown
Design Review District guidelines and detracts from the historic character of
the Stillwater Commercial Historic District as:
i. Compatibility with similar exterior construction materials in the
immediate area is recommended in order to maintain the distinct
character and harmony of the area.
ii. The wall is uncharacteristic of any wall along Main Street.
iii. While concrete has been used for other public improvements in the
area, the combination of the material with the size of the block sticks
out in this area, flanked my stacked limestone on both sides.
iv. A stone wall that is in character with the stone on either side. Worth
pointing out is those are small stones, very small on the right and a
little larger on the left. What belongs there is something that is similar
in character to what is on either side.
Adopted by the Heritage Preservation Commission of the City of Stillwater this 18th day of
March, 2020.
____________________________
Amy Mino, Chair
Attest:
____________________________
Abbi Jo Wittman, City Planner