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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-14-94 HLC MinutesThe March 14, 1994 Historic Landmark Commission 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 JoAnn Stiles Commissioner Walter Sutton Commissioner Dorcy Waller Commissioner Sam Pullig Commissioner Becki Stedman The following Commissioners were absent: Commissioner Debra Kay Johnson Commissioner Raymond Chaison Commissioner Bruce Hamilton Staff present: Stephen Richardson, Secretary; Nicholas Karavolos, City Planner; Patsy Ellis, Recording Secretary; Kimberly James, Planning Technician; Bonnie Simien, Zoning Enforcement Officer; Lawrence Baker, Field Supervisor -Demolitions. Also present: Councilman -at -Large Andrew Cokinos; Dwayne Jones and Bruce Jensen, Texas Historical Landmark Commission. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Commissioner Embs made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 13, 1993 meeting. Approval of the minutes was seconded by Commissioner Sutton. Motion carried 8:0. MHRJ BS Landmark Commission Meeling March 14, 1994 PUBLIC HEARING 1) File 30-HC-L: Request to consider an Historic -Cultural Landmark overlay (HC-L) for property within the McFaddin Second Addition to the City of Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas. Location: 1792 Broadway Applicant: Rette Browning. Nicholas Karavolos stated that staff recommends approval of this request because the subject property meets the established standards as outlined in Section 30-39, Subsection C, paragraph 3, regarding historic significance. The site is known as the Stewart Smith house and was constructed circa 1902 shortly after the second Spindletop boom by one of Beaumont's most prominent businesspersons. The structure is a colonial revival with a two-story structure with most, if not all, of its architectural details still intact. The house is structurally sound and generally maintained; interior architectural details are reportedly intact and the house is a very good example of this particular architectural style. According to accounts, the structure was constructed by the Smiths in the turn of the century. Mr. Smith was a prominent Beaumont attorney and politician. Mrs. Smith, a renowned naturalist, designed the house and landscaped the grounds with plants native to East Texas. All the fireplace mantels were designed by a Norwegian cabinet-maker. The house is listed in the SPARE Beaumont Survey, 1977 and 1989. Current restorations are within the specifications of state guidelines. The applicant is seeking designation of historical significance according to Sec 25-28 of the zoning ordinance. The subject property is south of the Oaks Historic District and is within a potential district in and of itself. The home is projected to provide living space for the applicant. Mr. Rette Browning spoke in favor of the request. He informed the commission that his intention is to methodically renovate the building which may take up to two (2) years to finish. Ms. Linda Bullard spoke in favor of the request and urged the support of the commission to allow Mr. Browning to re-establish and reclaim this property. Motion was made by Commissioner Foy to approve staffs recommendation to designate 1792 Broadway as a historical cultural landmark. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Holmes. Motion carried 8:0. 2 MINUTES Landmark Commission Meeting March 14, 1994 REGULAR MEETING 1) 1994 SPARE Ranking System Nicholas Karavolos stated that in the interest of attaining a more accurate SPARE inventory, Staff recommends using the SPARE Beaumont Evaluation Index. This index will be used in the ongoing effort to complete SPARE Inventory for properties constructed prior to 1945. The interns hired to complete the survey will be trained and supervised by Staff. Each intern will apply a standardized evaluation system to determine which properties should be listed in the SPARE survey. The proposed system resembles the system employed in the 1977 SPARE Survey. Each structure must score at least 70 points to be eligible for listing. Properties previously surveyed will not be surveyed again. Staff asked for a motion to approve the numeric system checklist. A motion was made by Commissioner Watler to approve Staff's recommendation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Holmes. Motion carried 8:0. 2) File CA-28: Request to reconsider a Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition of a main structure within the Oaks Historic District. Location: 2550 Hazel; Applicant: The City for Victoria Cosby. Staff recommends approval of the request although the subject property is contributing structure within the district. The structure is owned by Mr. James Debes of Beaumont. Mr. Debes refuses to either improve, sell or donate the property in question; has actively sought demolition of same and refuses to discuss the matter further with staff. All options having been spent, the structure will continue to deteriorate to a point where imminent demolition is required. Staff is recommending the structure be eliminated, its foundation removed and its lot cleared of debris, dirt and other materials. At the request of several area citizens, the City of Beaumont wishes to demolish the structure to remedy the safety hazards it now poses. Slides of the structure were shown. A motion was made by Commissioner Pullig to approve Staffs recommendation to demolish the structure at 2550 Hazel, MINU M Landmark Commission Meeting March 14, 1994 The motion was seconded by Commissioner Embs. Motion carried 5:3. 3) File CA-38: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for construction of an accessory structure (Aluminum Carport) for property within the Oaks Historic District. Location: 2634 Harrison; Applicant: James Cooper Staff recommends conditional approval of this request because the aforementioned request fails to meet all established standards outlined regarding historic districts but may be adjusted to do so. Conditional approval is based upon the applicant's willingness to modify his construction plans in order to accommodate the district regulations. The carport may not exceed the building setback line of the main structure. Second term of the Planning Division is the carport roof must compliment the main structure in terms of height and color and the front pillars of the carport must be fashioned to appear like wood siding or pillars. The applicant wishes to expand an existing aluminum carport in order to provide sheltered parking for his wife, who is disabled. The applicant has indicated that the front of the expanded carport would abut the front of the main structure and not exceed it. Construction nor advance planning have yet been initiated as the carport requires CA approval by the Historic Landmark Commission. A motion was made by Commissioner Sutton to approve Staffs recommendation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pullig. Motion carried 7:1. 4) HCD-1.2 - Request for allocation of a preservation loan for property within the Oaks Historic District. Associated Certificate of Appropriateness (CA-37) was approved by the Planning Division. Location: 2298 Evalon; Applicant: Stephen and Clara Rivers. The applicants wish to fence and landscape the yard in order to shield neighbors and passersby from the applicant's police dog. The applicants are interested in providing a buffer, screening their property from that of their neighbors. The applicants have submitted proposed bids and have satisfied the division regarding the need to fence the property for security reasons. In an effort to mitigate any potential impacts of the proposed wooden privacy fence, the applicants have agreed to landscape their yard. The landscaping has been viewed and is quite extensive for a property the size of the applicant's. The applicant has submitted all applicable loan application materials and has met all standards. The applicants a request total of $5,000. In the interest of maximizing the effect of the loan program, Staff recommends allocation 4 MU4UTF.S Landmark Commission Meeting March 14, 1994 of $3,500. The balance of the project cost should be absorbed by the applicants. Provided the loan amount is set at $3,500, the rate of repayment shall be $116.67 monthly for a period of thirty (30) months at 0% interest. Commissioner Foy stated that she is sympathetiewith the request, but questioned the fact that the loan request has nothing to do with preserving the property, which is what the preservation loan program is all about. Mr. Karavolos stated that when the ordinance was drafted, the applicant's actions were specifically permitted in the resolution that was passed in December, 1993. The reason for this loan request was not to maintain historic preservation but to augment the improvements and to facilitate improvements to properties in the historic district. These structures are not required to comply with the stringent guidelines that were established for the mainline preservation program. Each person in the district is automatically eligible for any exterior improvements to the property, including leveling and roofing. Clara Rivers spoke in favor of the request. She stated that the police dog is kept in a kennel unless she is outside, when the dog is out there with her. She stated also that the landscaping would be accomplished. A motion was made by Commissioner Pullig to approve staffs recommendation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Watler. Motion carried 7:0. 5) File HCD-1.3 - Withdrawn. 6) File HCD-1.4 - Request for allocation of a preservation loan for property within the Oaks Historic District. Associated Certificate of Appropriateness (CA-41) was approved by the Planning Division. Location: 2355 Ashley; Applicant: David Oliver. The applicant wishes to fence his yard in order to shield neighbors and passersby from the applicant's dog while providing security for the aforementioned property. The building is a contributing structure to the historic district and is in need of the aforementioned improvement. The applicant has submitted proposed bids and satisfied the division regarding the need to improve the property. In an effort to mitigate any negative impacts of installing a chain link fence, as permitted by ordinance in this situation, the applicant has agreed to install a fence of superior quality, wrought iron. The applicant requests a total of $800. Staff concurs. Provided the loan amount is set at $800, the rate of repayment shall be $66.67 monthly for a period of twelve (12) months at 0% interest. 5 MIND _S Landmark Commission Meeting March 14, 1994 Commissioner Pullig made a motion to approve Staffs recommendation for a $800 loan. Commissioner Waller seconded the motion. Motion carried 7:1. 7) Files HCD-1.5 & CA-42 - Request for allocation of a preservation loan and an associated Certificate of Appropriateness for properly within the Oaks Historic District. Location: 2380 Gladys; Applicant: Roy Philp, Jr. Staff recommends approval of these requests because they meet the standards as outlined regarding historic district and is in agreement with the terms for approval of the certificate of appropriateness. The approval is subject to the following terms and conditions which the applicant indicated they shall meet. The existing front porch must be replaced with like kind, form, style and configuration. The roof may be replaced with like configuration and color. No restrictions are placed on the construction specifications of the rear porch other than the new construction may not be visible from the street or exceed height of the main structure. The applicant wishes to make various repairs and additions to this property in order to improve its value. The applicant recently acquired the property and plans to re -roof and paint the building. The applicant also hope to rebuild the existing portion and add a new porch on the rear. Because some of the applicant's proposed renovation work requires review of the Commission, all proposed work is submitted for review at one time. The applicant has requested designation, which requires separate action of the Commission. The applicant requests a total of $5,000. Staff recommends that the Landmark Commission allocate $2,700 from the Oaks Revolving Loan Fund. The Revolving Loan Fund has been exhausted and is no longer available to finance further projects. In order to address the remainder of the applicant's request of $2,300, the Commission may take any one of the following three (3) options: 1) The Commission may choose to allocate monies in the amount of $2,300 from the general loan fund outside the district fund, 2) The Commission may transfer $2,300 from the main program to the Oaks Fund, or 3) The Commission could make the loan in the amount of $2,700 and deny any kind of transfer, thus requiring the applicant to absorb the extra cost. Provided the loan is made in the amount of $2,700, repayment will be $112.50 monthly for a period of twenty-four (24) months at 0% interest. If the loan amount MU U` RS Landmark Commission Mcciing March 14, 1994 is set at the maximum $5,000, the applicant shall be required to repay the loan at a rate of $166.67 monthly for a period of thirty (30) months at 0% interest. Commissioner Pullig made a motion that Staffs recommendation for a Certificate of Appropriateness be approved. Commissioner Watler seconded the motion. Motion carried 8:0. Commissioner Watler made a motion that the remaining funds of $2,700 be allocated to the applicant. Commissioner Stedman seconded the motion. Motion carried 8:0. 8) Demolitions Staff performed a preliminary reconnaissance of the properties to either confirm or deny reports of criminal reports in the area. The properties in question, 2171 Liberty, 2355 Park and 1595 Grand are known gang hangouts, known areas of criminal activity and are subjects of frequent of police investigation. Each structure has demonstrated the following: Open and accessible; contain narcotics and other drug paraphernalia; showed signs of gang activity; contains alcohol beverage containers; and, contains human refuse and debris. Staff surveyed the structures and determined each is unsound and beyond the point of rehabilitation. . Staffs opinion is that these structures are threats to the health, safety and general welfare of the nearby citizens. Even though the aforementioned properties were constructed prior to 1950, Staff maintains the structures no longer retain historic value significant to warrant preservation. Staff recommends demolition of these buildings. Lawrence Baker, Field Supervisor -Demolitions, stated that he requested that these structures be presented to the Commission for recommendation. He stated that he has received numerous complaints from citizens in the areas of these structures, as well as the Beaumont Police Department regarding the activity that is occurring at these structures. Mr. Baker stated that all the structures in question are on an appeal from the state for more information on them. M"quT&S Landmark Commission Meeting March 14, 19,94 Commissioner Embs asked why it took so long for the demolitions to be approved. Chairman Buttrill asked Bruce Jensen, Texas Historical Commission, to please explain the process. Mr. Jensen explained that there is a two-step process for all the demolition programs as well as the rehabilitation projects that come to them through the city. Because federal funding is involved the city is required to consult with them on the potential effect on historical resources. The first step is identifying the historic resources that would be involved and determining whether or not they are potentially eligible for listing in the National Register. The second step is assessing the effect upon the potential of a property. If a property such as one of these was determined as potentially eligible, there would be several possible outcomes, one of which would be the approval to go ahead and demolish the building in an expeditious fashion as long as certain requirements were met. In a situation where there is a health and safety threat, even though the building is historically significant, typically the architects would work with the local community to come up with a mitigation process that might be as simple as photo documentation of the building before it went down. The determination of eligibility is not a dead-end issue for these properties where there is a life and safety threatening situation, the city is encouraged to work with the Texas Historical Commission staff in coming up with a mitigation procedure for getting something out of the necessity to go ahead and demolish a historically significant structure. A motion was made by Commissioner Pullig to approve Staffs recommendation that the three structures, one on Liberty St., one on Park St. and one Grand St. that we inquire of the State Historical Commission as to whether doing a SPARE Survey with photographic documentation of the three structures would be appropriate for them to give their expedited approval to the demolition of these buildings so that they can be removed as soon as practicable and with the proviso that the Landmark Commission receive a follow-up briefing the status of the process within 60 days. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Embs. Motion carried 8:0. 9) Chairman's Report Chairman Buttrill reminded the Commission about a Preservation Conference brochure, a copy of which is included in the packet. Approval has been met for four commissioners to attend the conference on April 28-30, 1994. The County Courthouse has an exhibit on women since March is Women's Month. 8 Mu rUis Landmark Commission Meeting March 14, 1994 A correction on the committee chairpeople - Commissioner Dorcy Watler instead of Commissioner Walter Sutton on the Marker Committee. Chairman Buttrill suggested that when there is no regular meetings scheduled, a work shop could be scheduled instead. Commissioner Stedman gave an update on the Preservation Week Essay Contest. She stated that the Landmark Commission, Beaumont Main Street and Beaumont Heritage Society co -sponsored an essay contest for the seventh and eighth grade students in B1SD in conjunction with Preservation Week. She asked for two people from the commission to serve as judges to read the essays and help rank them. All participants will receive a certificate of recognition and second through fourth place winners will receive gift certificates to Parkdale Mall and the first place winner will receive a Savings Bond from Community Bank. The top ten to twenty essays will be sent on to the National Trust for the national contest in July. 10) Bruce D. Jensen - He stated that the purpose of their being here was to have a chance to visit with Staff and discuss various issues. The Multiple Property Listing has been in production for several years and was a past grant project. That is scheduled for presentation to the state board of review in June. It will be for the nomination of the Weiss House, YMCA, Temple Emanuel and the Women's Club. The next phase of the grant is to push forward with finishing up with the SPARE project. Also, he explained the possibility of entering into a programmatic agreement with the city which would give you the legal responsibility for reviewing these properties on the city level and not sending them to Austin, and upcoming grant projects. 11) Discussion of 1995 CDBG request for historic preservation efforts Stephen Richardson discussed the request for additional CDBG funding for the Oaks Historic District. He stated that to -date, $20,800 has been requested to improve properties in the Oaks District. At this rate, the Historic Preservation Loan Fund will quickly run out of money. Based upon this analysis, the Historic Landmark Commission requests that the City of Beaumont consider a CDBG request of $50,000 for the purpose of replenishing the Historic Preservation Loan Fund. 6 MBgU I'Bs Landmark Commission Meeting March 14, 1994 Commissioner Pullig made a motion to approve Staffs recommendation to request additional monies from CDBG. Commissioner Watler seconded the motion. Motion carried 8:0. 12) Calendar of Events The calendar of events was discussed. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. 10