HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-9-02 HLC Minutes' *MINUTES*
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION
December 9, 2002
City Council Chambers - 3:30 p.m.
The December 9, 2002 Historic Landmark Commission meeting was called to order by Acting
Chairman Shaheen Farah.
Commission members present:
Commission members absent:
Councilmembers present:
Commissioner Shaheen Farah
Commissioner Marie Broussard
Commissioner Leonie Bodin
Commissioner Eric Belt
Commissioner Felix McFarland
Commissioner Julia Levy
Commissioner Philip Long
Commissioner Terrence Holmes
Chairman Tracy Richardson
Commissioner Dale Hallmark
Commissioner Denise Shelton
Commissioner Ralph Jordan
Councilmember Andrew P. Cokinos
Councilmember Lulu Smith
Staffpresent: Steve Richardson, Planning Manager; Nancy Nicholas, Recording Secretary; Cheryl
Robinson, Senior Planner; Adina Abshire, Planning Technician
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Commissioner Farah, acting as Chairman, asked for approval of the minutes of the November 13,
2002 minutes. It was noted that the name of an applicant at the Novemberl3, 2002 meeting be
corrected to read Leonora Masterson. The correction was noted and a motion to approve the minutes
was made by Commissioner Belt and was seconded by Commissioner Bodin. The motion carried
8:0.
Historic Landmark Commission
December 9, 2002
PUBLIC HEARING
1) HCD-1.22: Request for approval of a tax exemption for property.
Location: 1608 Orange (Ogden House)
Applicant: David Bienvenu
Mr. Steve Richardson, Planning Manager presented the staff report.
The Planning Manager recommends approval of this request for a tax exemption based upon
the evidence presented within the application complying with Article IV of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Beaumont. A historical tax exemption is for a term of ten years and
holds the existing taxable value of the structure at its present value. The property is currently
appraised at $125,090. The tax exemption applies to the improvements only.
David Bienvenu, the property owner, is renovating the "Ogden House" at 1608 Orange. In
November, the Historic Landmark Commission and the City Council approved a loan
application for this property.
Renovations to the three buildings on the property include repairs to both the interior and
exterior of the carriage house, servants quarters and main house. Total costs are estimated at
$155,000. The dollar amount of the improvements to the buildings exceeds the current value
of the entire property.
The Planning Manager recommends approval based upon the evidence presented within the
application complying with Article IV of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Beaumont.
1608 Orange is on the National Register of Historic Places. The property is a contributing
structure to the neighborhood. Its renovation will significantly contribute to the revitalization
of the Heart of the City neighborhood. Mr. Bienvenu has a proven track record with the
renovation of the property at 1645 Orange.
Commissioner Farah adjourned the meeting so that Commission members could tour the
structure.
Commissioner Farah left the meeting at 4:40 p.m.
Commissioner Long, acting as Chairman, reconvened the meeting at 4:45 p.m. Discussion
followed concerning the tax exemption procedure. Mr. Richardson explained the procedure.
Commissioner Long opened the public hearing. There being no one to comment,
Commissioner Long closed the public hearing and asked for a motion.
Historic Landmark Commission
December 9, 2002
Commissioner McFarland made a motion to approve HCD-1.22 for a tax exemption for
property located at 1608 Orange and Commissioner Bodin seconded the motion. The motion
to approve HCD-1.22 carried 7:0.
REGULAR MEETING
1) Historic Color Palette
A packet of historic paint colors was presented to the Commission for their perusal. After
a brief discussion and a review of the colors, Commissioner Belt made a motion to approve
the packet as presented and was seconded by Commissioner Levy. The motion carried 7:0.
The packet will be available in the Planning Division.
2) Historic Preservation Loan Report
Mr. Richardson stated that approximately $2,400 was available.
3) Director's Report
A special meeting will be held on December 18, 2002 to tour the Crockett Street
Entertainment Complex in order for the Commission to approve a tax abatement.
OTHER BUSINESS
1) Adoption of the 2003 Historic Landmark Commission Meeting Calendar.
The calendar for the year 2003 was presented to the Commission for their approval.
Commissioner Holmes made a motion to approve the calendar and was seconded by
Commissioner Levy. The motion carried 7:0.
ADJOURN
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