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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-9-98 HLC MinutesThe March 9, 1998 Historic Landmark Commission meeting was called to order by Chairman Tracy Richardson. The following Commissioners were present: Commissioner Tracy Richardson Commissioner Michael O'Rear Commissioner Julia Levy Commissioner Denise Shelton Commissioner Jamie Credle Commissioner Dale Hallmark Commissioner Shaheen Farah Commissioner Cathy Belt The following Commissioners were absent: Commissioner Terrence Holmes Commissioner Marie Broussard Staffpresent: Stephen Richardson, Secretary; Nancy Nicholas, Recording Secretary; Cheryl Robinson, Senior Planner; Pam Loicano, Clean Community Division Also present: Councilman -at -Large Andrew Cokinos Councilmember Absent: Councilmember Lulu Smith APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Levy to approve the minutes of the February 9, 1998 meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Shelton and motion to approve carried 8:0. PUBLIC HEARING Chairman Tracy Richardson opened the Public Hearing 1) File 572-OB: Request to consider amendments to Sec. 30-21.1 (g) (1) and See. 30-21.2 (g) (1)j of the Zoning Ordinance. Steve Richardson presented the staff report. For some time now, the enforceability of that section of the historic district regulations pertaining to paint colors has been questionable. The ordinance now leaves much open to interpretation. The Paint Subcommittee met several times to develop recommendations for amending the ordinance. Basically, the subcommittee recommended that the ordinance be amended to include I � an approved paint color range. Staff could approve dominant colors that fall within that color range. Anything that differs from that color range would require Historic Landmark Commission approval. The acceptable color range consists of neutral colors, i.e., various shades of white, beige and gray. The ordinance would also be amended to require a Certificate of Appropriateness for the painting of a structure. In addition, the ordinance would be amended to allow fiber cement siding products that look like wood siding as an acceptable facade material. Chairman Richardson wanted it understood that staff could approve colors within the acceptable range and any colors outside of that range would be brought before the Commission for approval. Commissioner Hallmark wanted to know if the colors in the exhibit were mainly primary colors or are they to be used for trim colors also. He also wanted to know what will be the cost to the applicant for a Certificate of Appropriateness. Mr. Richardson stated that the color chart defined the dominant colors. Trim colors would be evaluated and approved on a case by case basis. The ordinance would require trim colors that compliment the structure and the district. He also stated that there is no charge to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness. Commission Credle wanted to know what kind of historical documentation was used to determine the paint colors. Commissioner O'Rear replied that the main criteria was to pick reasonable, non-objectional colors. Discussion followed. Commissioner Hallmark wanted to know how the information would be distributed to the public. Steve Richardson stated that the information about the Historic District will be included in the water bill. Chairman Richardson asked if there was anyone who wished to address 572-OB. Sandra Lorette, 1994 Hazel, asked if a person wants to repaint and staff cannot approve the color, does a person have to wait for 30 days? Chairman Richardson stated that they would have to wait 30 days (worse case scenario) or until the next Historical Landmark Commission meeting. George Blake, 2098 McFaddin, stated that he approved of the color guide being established. There being no further discussion, Chairman Richardson closed the Public Hearing and asked for a motion. Commissioner Hallmark made a motion to approve File #572-013. The motion to approve was seconded by Commissioner Levy. The motion was approved 7:1(Credle):0. 2 REGULAR MEETING 2) CA-200: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior renovations. Location: 2660 North Applicant: Calixto Hernandez Steve Richardson presented the staff report. This item was deferred from the January 12, 1998 meeting. Mr. Hernandez is requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior renovations at 2660 North. These renovations include replacing all rotten boards, installing new windows and doors, applying fiber -cement 8" Colonial roughsawn lap siding with a 6 3/4 exposure, painting and reroofing. The exterior will be painted a beige. The roof will be reshingled with basic brown composition shingles. The windows have already been installed and are made of aluminum with a milled finish. Slides of the structure were presented. Marsha Jones of Phelan Investments and Mr. Hernandez were in the audience to answer questions. Ms. Jones stated to the Commission that they were not aware that the house was in the district and that work was immediately stopped when they were made aware of the fact. Commissioner O'Rear asked that the front arched window be framed to conform to the shape of the window. Mr. Hernandez stated that he would frame it properly. Chairman Richardson explained to Mr. Hernandez that the windows would have to be painted to conform to the ordinance and that the siding still had to be approved before he could proceed. Mr. Hernandez stated that he understood. Chairman Richardson asked if there was anyone in the audience that wished to address CA-200. There being no further discussion, Chairman Richardson asked for a motion. Commissioner O'Rear made a motion to approve CA-200 with the stipulation that the frames on the windows be painted white and that the windows, including the arched window in the front of the house, be properly framed out. Commissioner Belt seconded the motion. The motion was approved 8:0. 3.&4). CA-217:CA-218: Requests for Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior renovations. Location: 1775 & 1785 North Applicant: Mr. & Mrs. George Blake Steve Richardson presented the staff report. The work involves replacing the asphalt tile roofs with composition shingles and the installation of vinyl siding over the existing "117" siding. The vinyl siding for 1775 North will be a pale yellow with white trim. The vinyl siding for 1785 North will be a pale blue or light gray with white trim. In addition, porch rails are being reinstalled. Mr. and Mrs. George Blake own these two properties. It is their intention to renovate both structures. Both houses had foundation problems and have been leveled. Certificates of Appropriateness were granted for these structures. At that time, staff was unaware of the type of roof and siding that was on the house. Upon further investigation, the City issued a stop work order and put the request on the Historic Landmark Commission agenda. Slides of the property were presented. Chairman Richardson stated the reasons that these two Certificates of Appropriateness were on the agenda. Mr. Blake showed slides of the properties and presented the Commission members with a packet of information. He talked about the existing condition of the two structures and the problems that he has incurred in rehabilitating the structures. He also stated that he was upset with how he had received approval and was then issued a stop work order. Discussion followed concerning what had transpired and the need for complete information when applying for a certificate of appropriateness. Chairman Richardson asked if there was anyone else in the audience that wished to address CA- 217 & CA-218. There being no further discussion, Chairman Richardson asked for a motion. Commissioner Hallmark made the motion to approve CA-217 and CA-218. Commissioner Belt seconded the motion and the motion was approved 8:0. 5) CA-222: Request for a certificate of appropriateness for the demolition of a single family structure. Location: 2268 Liberty Applicant: Clean Community Division Steve Richardson presented the staff report. The City of Beaumont Clean Community Department has tagged this single family structure as substandard and in need of demolition. The structure was inspected and found to be in violation of the City of Beaumont Code of Ordinances pertaining to dangerous structures. The Texas Historical Commission conducted a review of the property and found the property to be eligible for the National Register because of its architecture. The 1989 SPARE describes this house as being of the Craftsman style and typical of middle class houses built in the 1920's. The City has determined that needed repairs would exceed 50% of the appraised value. The Historic Landmark Commission is asked to review this structure for historical significance and determine if it should be demolished. Pam Loiacano, with the Clean Community Department. stated that the demolition is now being handled in-house under the direction of John LaBrie. Because of vandalism, there is nothing left of historical value. She also noted that illegal activities have occurred on the property. The owner was properly notified and no response was received. Chairman Richardson asked if anyone from the audience would like to address CA-222. There being no further discussion, Chairman Richardson asked for a motion. Commissioner Farah made a motion to approve CA-222. Commissioner Hallmark seconded the motion. The motion carried 8:0 for approval. 6). CA-227: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to build an enclosed walkway between McManus Lamp Lighter and Select Antiques. Location: 820 N. 11 th and 2695 Hazel Applicant: Custom Construction Co. Steve Richardson presented the staff report. Both businesses are owned and operated by Jeff McManus. The historic district boundary bisects the proposed walkway. The wood frame walkway will be of pier and beam construction. Fiber cement or masonite horizontal siding will be installed. The roof will have a 1:12 pitch that will slope to the rear. The facia will be the same as on the Lamp Lighter store. A double door and concrete steps will face Hazel. The walkway will be painted a tan color to match the Lamp Lighter store. Charles Smith, the contractor, was in the audience to answer questions. Chairman Richardson asked Mr. Smith what type of siding would be used. Mr. Smith replied that it would be the fibered cement siding. Chairman Richardson also inquired about what kind of doors would be installed. Mr. Smith stated that they would be double metal doors and painted to match the doors on the Lamp Lighter building. Commissioner O'Rear asked if the walkway could be removed in the future to restore the buildings to the original state. Mr. Smith explained that the way it was going to be constructed would make it very easy to restore. Commissioner Hallmark asked the purpose of constructing the breezeway. Mr. Smith explained that the main reason for doing so was security. There being no further discussion, Chairman Richardson asked for a motion. Commission O'Rear made a motion to approve CA-227. Commissioner Belt seconded the motion. The motion was approved 8:0. 7) Revolving Loan Fund Steve Richardson reported that $30,000 is available in the Historic Loan Program. He also informed the Commission that Gulf Sierra had filed for bankruptcy. That information has been turned over to the City Legal Department. 8) Chairman's Report No report 1) Carolyn Howard of Beaumont Main Street asked for volunteers to select winners of the Preservation Awards, Chairman Richardson and Commissioner Credle volunteered to work on the committee. With no fuuther business, the meeting was adjourned.