Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-23-94 HLC MinutesThe May 23, 1994 Historic Landmark Commission special meeting was called to order by Chairman Mary Jane Buttrill. The following Commissioners were present: Chairman Mary Jane Buttrill Commissioner Elmer Embs Commissioner Jessica Foy Commissioner Terrence Holmes Commissioner Sam Pullig Commissioner JoAnn Stiles Commissioner Walter Sutton Commissioner Dorcy Watler The following Commissioners were absent: Commissioner Raymond Chaison Commissioner Bruce Hamilton Commissioner Debra Kay Johnson Commissioner Becki Stedman Staff present: Stephen Richardson, Secretary; Murray Duren, Senior Planner; Patsy Ellis, Recording Secretary; Kimberly James, Planning Technician; Tyrone Cooper, Legal. Also present: Councilman -at -Large Andrew Cokinos; Councilmember Lulu Smith. REGULAR MEETING 1) CA-56: A request to consider a certificate of appropriateness for the enclosure of a garage by replacing the existing garage door with a 36 inch X 80 inch door and two windows for property within the Oaks Historic District. Location: 2263 Long Avenue; Applicant: William Anderson. Stephen Richardson stated that the applicant wishes to enclose the garage by removing the existing garage door and replacing it with two windows and a 36" X 80" door. The applicant states that due to past construction in the garage, the garage door can only be partially opened. Floor joists and center beam were installed which prohibit the garage door from opening properly. NEINVI s Landmark Commission Meeting Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness. Staff feels that the proposed remodeling will not adversely effect the looks of the structure and would not be detrimental to the surrounding properties and would not violate the intent of the historic district regulations. Mr. Richardson stated that a Certificate of Appropriateness was issued by the Planning Division. However, on further investigation, it was decided that this work would change the character of the house enough that it warranted review by the Historic Landmark Commission. He therefore asked that a stop work order be issued for that construction and we are here today at this special meeting to consider the proposed work on the garage. Slides of the structure were shown. Mr. Richardson concluded the staff report and asked if there were any questions. Commissioner Embs asked if the windows on the front of the house were aluminum or wood. Mr. Richardson stated that they are aluminum. He also stated that a Certificate of Appropriateness was issued in October, 1993 to install the windows. Mr. Richardson stated that recent approval was given to paint, replace shutters on the front and replace the wrought iron fence with a white picket fence. Chairman Buttrill asked if the door to be replaced matched the main front entrance. Mr. Anderson stated that the front door is a six-lite door and another door to match could not be purchased. The applicant, William Anderson, 96 North 7th St., Beaumont, Texas, spoke in favor of the request. Mr. Anderson stated that his intent with the garage situation is to provide a secure place for the people who are going to rent the property to have some secure storage. The garage door that existed was not hung squarely, would not open all the way and would not close all the way. To make the front of the structure look as like -kind to the rest of the building, he proposes to add the two windows. The windows are not necessary for the purpose of the garage, but his feeling was that if they were added and put shutters on them, they would resemble and balance out the upstairs and not be offensive. Mr. Anderson stated that at this point he had spent approximately $450.00. Chairman Buttrill asked for comments from the audience. David Bradley 615 N. 5th St. Beaumont, Texas Mr. Bradley stated that his concerns are not directed to the applicant but to the 2 M U TIPS Landmark Commission Mceling April 11, 1994 Commission and the Planning Division. He stated that the applicant and he have discovered that they own joint property so I would like very much to get along. The original home, when it was purchased, had wood windows all the way across the front of the home. The windows were removed in construction. I personally notified the Planning Division at that time, that the windows were being removed. The Certificate of Appropriateness was issued after the fact. In reading in the staff recommendations, the ordinance states that the design for alterations should be such that they do not destroy the significant historic, but also the architectural material. Mr. Bradley stated that he renovates old homes and he knows the expense of renovating windows or replacing, wood windows and would be glad to provide the Landmark Commission with bids and expenditures and price sheets on wooden windows. Mr. Bradley said he wanted to defend the ordinance. It is something that Council approved unanimously and as the ordinance is written, it should be enforced. If there needs to be changes to the ordinance, that certainly does have discussion, but we do have ordinance and we would like it enforced. 1 also understand that we are having some growing pains with the ordinance. We are willing to work to try to streamline the system, to try and work with the Landmark Commission, Council and the property owners, but he asked that the City support the ordinance. Mr. Bradley asked to see the slides of the structure, again. He again stated that all the windows were removed before the Certificate of Appropriateness was issued. That was done in arrears. Also, he stated that there are four pane windows on all the windows; the center windows upstairs that has the shutters are aluminum brushed finish, the middle window on top is bronze. It also has a greater number of panels than all the others. So there is a difference that stands out. Also, the window beneath it, behind the shrubbery, is an original wood window with even more lites or panes. So we now have three different styles and we haven't seen the windows that are going to go on either side of the door downstairs. There are different finishes, different number of panes, and I also have to say that some of the windows upstairs, even though they were reinstalled, aren't even level. Thank you very much. Other citizens who want to voice their support of the ordinance. Ralph Jordan 2300 McFaddin Beaumont, Texas Owns property at 2165 Harrison and 110 N. 71h, which is adjacent to a piece of property that Mr. Anderson owns. Kay Golightly Virginia Jordan 2205 Hazel 2300 McFaddin Beaumont, Texas Beaumont, Texas 3 Mike Bonnett 2350 Pecos Beaumont, Texas Merle Crepper 1825 Harrison Beaumont, Texas M]NUTEs Landmark Commission Meeting April 11, 1"4 Barbara Carville 2188 North Beaumont, Texas Susan Crepper 6th & Hazel Beaumont, Texas Chairman Buttrill stated that there are growing pains with the ordinance. There are a lot of things that have come up that were not foreseen. She stated that JV Mr. Anderson could perhaps get together with Mr. Richardson and make some compromises that would unify the look of the property. Mr. Anderson stated that he was not informed, when he bought his property, of any ordinances or mandates attached to this property. He stated that the ordinance is making it cost prohibitive for people to improve the property other than sitting there and rotting down and being an eyesore by trying to uphold a few peoples ability who have the money and can do what they wish to do with it. There was a discussion between Councilman Lulu Smith and Mr. Anderson about the future use of the property. Commissioner Foy stated that she resented being placed in the position of having to go back and deal with a situation where the property owner has already started work. She asked for more information on the Certificate of Appropriateness itself. She stated that she would like the reasons why the CA was approved. Stephen Richardson stated that at the time it was first reviewed, staff felt it was all right to sign off on it. When it was brought to Mr. Richardson's attention, he felt, in fact, that it did warrant a Certificate of Appropriateness issued by the Historic Landmark Commission. Bruce Partain, a lawyer who represents Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, pointed out that under the review procedures for Certificates of Appropriateness, certain authority has been delegated to city officials to issue Certificates of Appropriateness. My clients have complied with that and have obtained their Certificate of Appropriateness. He stated that he is looking specifically at Section 30-21.1, Subsection H, Subpart 1. He feels that once a Certificate of Appropriateness is issued by the appropriate city office, which my clients obtained, there is nothing in this particular ordinance that deals with going back after the fact that states that it must be reviewed by staff and have it reviewed by the Landmark Commission. He stated that his clients have complied with that request. Commissioner Pullig made a motion to approve staffs recommendation for a 4 MINUlm Landmark Commission Meeting April 11, 1994 Certificate of Appropriateness for Mr. William Anderson to complete the work he has started with the proviso that the windows be trimmed out as previously noted and that they be painted to resemble as closely as possible the replaced windows and that the shutters be installed to match the main portion of the house; and, the siding that is used to cover the walls be of such like and kind. And, even though it isn't included in CA-56, that the other windows on the house be painted out and make them look as much as possible like the others. Commissioner Watler seconded the motion. Motion passed 8.0. Mike O'Rear, 2301 Long St., spoke in favor of the ordinance. OTHER BUSINESS 1) Restoration of George O'Brien Millard Statue Stephen Richardson stated that preliminary approval had been granted by the Texas Historic Commission to restore the George O'Brien Millard statue through the use of ISTEA funds. He said that there is a local match of approximately $1,600 that must be raised. He asked the Historic Landmark Commission for their help. The Commission stated that Instead he should talk to Bruce Hamilton with the Jefferson County Historical Commission. Mr. Richardson, after discussion with the Landmark Commission, stated that he would turn the information over to Bruce Hamilton of the Jefferson County Historical Commission. Chairman Buttrill stated that a brief discussion was in order to educate the Oaks residents about the ordinance. Mr. Richardson stated that the Planning Division has a one -page "What is the Oaks Historic District", that doesn't go into a lot of detail but gives brief information about the district. He stated that he will get with David Bradley and work with their association to see that at least one of these pages is put on every doorstep. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.