HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-11-97 HLC MinutesThe August 11, 1997 Historic Landmark Commission meeting was called to order by Acting Chairman
Tracy Richardson.
The following Commissioners were present:
Commissioner Michael O'Rear
Commissioner Marie Broussard
Commissioner Tracy Richardson
Commissioner Julia Levy
Commissioner Cathy Belt
Commissioncr Shaheen Farah
Commissioner Denise Shelton
Commissioner Terrence Holmes
Commissioner Dorcy Watler
Staff present: Stephen Richardson, Secretary; Nancy Nicholas, Recording Secretary;
Maria Trapp, Planning Technician
Also present: Councilman -at -Large Andrew Cokinos
Councilmember Lulu Smith
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
A motion was made by Michael O'Rear to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. The motion was
seconded by Denise Shelton. Motion carried 8:0.
PUBLIC HEARING
Acting Chairman Tracy Richardson opened the Public Hearing on HLC D2. Steve Richardson presented
the staff report regarding the request for the designation of a Historic -Cultural Landmark Preservation
District for an area located approximately between First, Fourth and Eleventh Streets and Broadway and
Smart street. The properties are within the Averill, Palm Place, Oaks, Parkdale and McFaddin Second
Additions.
There were 957 notices sent to property owners within the district and within 200' of the boundary lines.
There were 45 responses received in favor of which 43 were within the district and two outside of the
boundaries. Eight responses were received in opposition with six within the district and two outside the
boundaries. Also received were 243 signatures on petitions in favor of the district.
Sheryl Boyd made a presentation for the neighborhood association.
There were several people who spoke in opposition of, in favor of, or had questions regarding the
proposal.
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Mr. Dick McDougal, 2575 Broadway, wanted more information with regards to regulations. Mr.
Richardson asked that he come by the Planning Department and he will be given a copy of the
regulations. Mr. Richardson also explained that this is the first of three meetings where this proposal will
be considered. The proposal will be on the agenda at the next joint meeting of the Planning Commission
and City Council on August 18, 1997, at 3:45 p.m. in City Council Chambers. City Council will then
consider this item on August 26 or September 2.
Mr. Charlie Wienbaum, who owns a lot of property on Fourth Street, was concerned about the zoning
regulations and being able to make changes in his property. He stated that he did not want his property
to be within the proposed district.
Jack Bertrand operates a business within 200' of the district. He questioned whether or not he would be
affected by any of the Historic regulations. Mr. Richardson assured him he would not.
Henry Fracht owns property within the proposed district and wanted to know what the benefits are in
having a historical district. Mr. Tracy Richardson stated that some of the benefits are an increase in
property values and improving the exterior of the homes. Mr. Steve Richardson then explained the need
for a Certificate of Appropriateness in order to make changes to the exterior of the buildings.
Commissioner Terrence Holmes arrived.
Connie Riley, Rusk Street, stated that she was in favor of the district being created. She hopes that people
who own property in the district will now take the time and money to improve their rental property and
also to get to know the people that they rent to.
David Bradley , 615 N. 5th Street, spoke. He stated that in order for the district to work will require a
joint effort by the City and the residents. He also stated that the creation of the Historic District on the
North Side of Calder gave them pride, incentive and security to improve their neighborhood.. He also
slated that the rental property in the district had improved and things are much cleaner.
Mark Paladino, 2265 Angelina, spoke in favor of the district and hope that several places would be
cleaned up. He also requested more information.
Mayor David Moore arrived.
Alan Reeder spoke in favor of the district being created.
Rhonda Buchanan, Angelina Street, wanted to know if the creation of a new district would have any effect
on the speed limit around Central School. Mr. Richardson stated that the Historic Commission does not
deal with speed limits. Mr. O'Rear suggested to Ms. Buchanan, that she attend a neighborhood meeting
as the police attend these meetings and can address these needs.
Josie Perio, 2400 Rusk ,spoke in favor of the proposal.
Salena Valdez, 2225 South. She stated that she has been so discouraged that she does not want to live
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in Beaumont, wants to sell her property and leave town. She cited numerous examples of complaints and
how none of them have been addressed by the police.
Jack Carville, Old Town Realty, slated that the first district had all the problems that now face the
proposed district, but because of its inception, it is now a nice place to live.
Angie Bonin, stated that she is a landlord and hopes the district is established so that all the problems may
be addressed. She stated that its takes the residents and not just the City to make things better and take
pride in their neighborhood.
Mr. Tracy Richardson asked Steve Richardson if it were possible to amend the boundaries of the
proposed district and take Fourth Street out of the overlay. He stated that it was.
Maxine Harris asked if she would have to remove her privacy fence. Mr. Steve Richardson assured her
that she could keep the fence up.
Dorcy Waller stated to the audience that demolition of homes is not permitted unless it is brought before
the commission.
Barbara Corville spoke in favor of restoring homes within the district.
Darrell Troppy asked how long it would take to get a request for improvements to be approved. Steve
Richardson explained the process of making a request and getting it approved before the commission.
Chairman Richardson closed the Public Hearing.
Michael O'Rear made a motion to approve HCL-D2 with an amendment to delete the properties on both
sides of Fourth Street by drawing the district lines along the rear lot lines of said properties. Marie
Broussard seconded the motion. Motion was approved 9:0
Michael O'Rear encouraged everyone to attend their local neighborhood associations.
Mayor Moore addressed the meeting. He asked that the various complaints he heard today, be directed
to the City Council. He asked that these persons meet with him after the meeting so that their needs
could be addressed.
REGULAR MEETING
1) CLG Workshop - Lubbock: Steve Richardson reminded the Commission of the CLG
Conference in Lubbock. Cathy Belt stated she would like to attend.
2) Revolving Loan Fund - Steve Richardson gave a status report on the Loan Fund. The amount
available for loans is $5,467.67. Shaheen Farah asked about the status on the KCS Depot. Mr.
Richardson stated that at the present time, there is no paying tenant. There is a possibility of a
city organization utilizing the building. He also stated that Gulf Sierra Enterprises has started
work on their facility.
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OTHER BUSINESS
Steve Richardson gave a report regarding Historical District paint colors for houses in other cities. He
gave each member of copy of an article regarding a house that had been painted purple.
He also informed the Commission of the deadline for CLG funding is September. The Commission
instructed Mr. Richardson to request funding for next year's CLG Conference.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned.