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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-14-02 HLC Minutes*MINUTES* HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION January 14, 2002 City Council Chambers - 3:30 p.m. The January 14, 2002 Historic Landmark Commission meeting was called to order by Chairman Tracy Richardson. Commission members present: Commission members absent: Councilmembers present: Chairman Tracy Richardson Commissioner Leonie Bodin Commissioner Eric Belt Commissioner Ralph Jordan Commissioner Marie Broussard Commissioner Denise Shelton Commissioner Felix McFarland Commissioner Dale Hallmark Commissioner Philip Long Commissioner Shaheen Farah Commissioner Julia Levy Commissioner Terrence Holmes Councilmember Andrew P. Cokinos Courâ–ºciImember Lulu Smith Staff present: Steve Richardson, Planning Manager; Nancy Nicholas, Recording Secretary; Cheryl Robinson, Senior Planner; Adina Abshire, Planning Technician. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES TES Chairman Richardson asked for approval of the minutes of the November 14, 2001 meeting. Commissioner Broussard made a motion to approve the minutes and was seconded by Commissioner Shelton. The motion carried 10:0. Historic Landmark Commission Meeting Minutes January 14, 2002 REGULAR MEETING Loan Report Mr. Richardson reported that approximately $62,000 was available. 2. Chairman's Report Mr. Richardson reported the History Conference was well attended. He also reminded everyone to turn in their registration receipt for reimbursement. OTHER BUSINESS 1. Approval of the Historic Landmark Commission calendar for year 2002. Chairman Richardson asked for approval of the Historic Landmark Commission for the year 2002. Commissioner Farah made a motion to approve the calendar and was seconded by Commissioner Hallmark. The motion carried 10:0. WORKSHOP Mr. Richardson welcomed Neighborhood Association representatives to the meeting. I. Promotion of Existing Historic Loan Program Mr. Richardson distributed copies ofthe Historic Loan Program application and explained the process. In addition, he stated that other structures may be considered for a loan other than those in the historic district if they have a historic designation or are in the local inventory of historic places. 2. Local Historic Designation The Commission is interested in any structure that may be considered for a historic designation. Commissioner Broussard stated that she felt residences should be considered before they get in such disrepair. Mr. Nisby addressed the Commission. He thanked the Commission for inviting all the Neighborhood Association's to participate in the workshop. Mr. Landry addressed the Commission. He said he welcomed the opportunity to attend the workshop. Mary Reeder, Habitat for Humanity, addressed the Commission. She stated that she was interested in how their organization could be of assistance. historic Landmark Commission Meeting Minutes January 14, 2002 3. Creation of a Salvage Warehouse for Historic Building Materials Dr. Lulu Smith stated that she had spoken with Mary Reeder concerning their warehouse and the availability of storage. Mrs. Reeder stated that they have a 15,000 square foot warehouse that is filled to capacity. However, there is a parcel of land behind their warehouse that could possibly house a storage building. Any transaction would have to be approved by the Board members of the Habitat for Humanity organization. Commissioner Broussard stated that she had talked to Nell Truman of the Beaumont Heritage Society and their organization was interested in the project. She also stated the possibility existed that their Board would consider being the 501-C-3 agent so people could donate materials and receive a tax donation. Chairman Richardson asked if materials were available to the public and inquired about the location and times available. Mrs. Reeder stated the warehouse is open to the public and located at 610 Trinity. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30p.m., Wednesday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. Commissioner Shelton asked Mrs. Reeder to explain what the Restore was. She replied that materials obtained are sold and the money is retained by Habitat for Humanity for rehabilitation purposes. The repair work on items is performed by prison inmates. Other issues discussed included receivership of structures scheduled for demolition and preservation of architectural aspects. Commissioner Jordan stated that he would like to see any items donated for restoration purposes, be used in local projects. The demolition process was discussed. Pam Loiacano, Clean Community Division, stated that only 15 - 20% of tagged structures are rehabilitated under the work program. Linda Pete, MLK Neighborhood Association, addressed the Commission. She stated that an elderly citizen had complained that she had not received any help on repairing her home at 880 Concord. Chairman Richardson asked Mr. Richardson if he would check with the Housing Department as to the status of the request. Roberto Flores, Avenues Neighborhood Association, addressed the Commission. He expressed his concern about a house being repaired that is possibly historically significant. Chairman Richardson stated that a historic designation for the structure might be possible and suggested that he contact the county or state historical society. Commissioner Broussard told Mr. Flores if he had documentation of any kind for a possible historic designation to bring it to the Planning Office. Mr. Flores also expressed concern about the lengthly process of demolition and work programs. 4. Revised Paint Program Mr. Richardson reviewed the paint program that the Clean Community Department sponsors every year. The City may wish to expand the program whereby qualified citizens would be eligible to receive free paint, but must supply the labor. There are volunteer organizations that can help with such projects. Historic Landmark Commission Meeting Minutes January 14, 2002 The possibility of neighborhoods getting together and helping one another with projects such as painting was discussed. Chairman Richardson suggested that a representative of the Neighborhood Association's visit the Commission meetings on a rotation basis to report on their activities. He also asked that someone follow up with Habitat for Humanity. 5. Historic Renovation Programs Mr. Nisby addressed the Commission. He asked about the age a building must be to obtain historical status. Mr. Richardson replied that a certain criteria must be met for such a designation. ADJOURN With no further business, Commissioner Jordan made a motion to adjourn the meeting and was seconded by Commissioner Belt. Motion carried 10:0.