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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-14-96 HLC MinutesA meeting of the Historic Landmark Commission was held on October 14, 1996 with the following members present: Chairman Sam Pullig Commissioner Marie Broussard Commissioner Julia Levy Commissioner Michael O'Rear Commissioner Tracy Richardson Commissioner Dorcy Watler Commissioner Denise Shelton Commissioners absent: Commissioner Terrence Holmes Commissioner JoAnn Stiles Commissioner Albert Ebow Staff present: Stephen Richardson, Planning Director; and Vanessa Golden, Recording Secretary Also present: Councilman -at -Large Andrew Cokinos; and Councilmember Lulu Smith REGULAR MEETING Chairman Pullig called the Regular Meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. and roll was called. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 9. 1996 REGULAR MEETING Chairman Pullig asked for additions/corrections to the minutes of the September 9, 1996 meeting. Commissioner O'Rear made a motion to approve the minutes as presented from the September 9, 1996 meeting. Commissioner Levy seconded the motion. Motion carried 7:0 1) FILE CA-162: Request for determination of historic significance and approval of demolitions of 5 single family structures, 1 garage apartment and 1 apartment house. (2365 Orange, 2381 Orange, 2395 Orange, 2370- 2374 Victoria, 2380 Victoria, 2390 Victoria and 2392 Victoria) Stephen Richardson reported that the structures be deemed "not historically significant" and MINUTES Hislorie Landmark Commission October 14, 1996 gave a recommendation for approval of the request for demolition. All of the structures are located in the Ogden Addition, adjacent to Ogden Elementary. The properties in question are to be used by BISD in an expansion project for Ogden Elementary. The Texas Historical Commission deemed the structures eligible for the National Register of Historic Places as part of a potential historic district, and has determined that these houses are significant as part of early 20th Century residential fabric. Mr. Richardson stated that he and Chairman Pullig have met and discussed the possibility of having the houses in sound condition moved rather than demolished. Chairman Pullig asked W. Lawrence Baker, Field Supervisor, to approach the microphone for questions. Chairman Pullig stated that four of the homes, two on Orange and two on Victoria, not including the blue stucco and the big four-plex, appear to be in good enough condition to be able to be moved. Mr. Baker stated that the houses are in solid condition and could be moved provided someone was interested in moving them. Mr. Baker stated that the blue stucco house has been vandalized and tarn apart on the inside and is not in any condition to move. He also stated that although he has not been inside the four-plex, brick building, it appears to be in solid condition, however it would be cost prohibitive to move a structure that large. Chairman Pullig asked about salvage materials on the houses that could not be moved, prior to them being demolished. Mr. Baker stated that anyone interested could have any materials needed, provided those persons contact his office and he would contact the contractor. Chairman Pullig introduced Mr. Yomi Ogunbiyi, 242 Wood Circle Lane, Houston, Texas 77015. Mr. Ogunbiyi is a property investor from Houston and has expressed an interest in moving the houses into the Oaks Historic District and on Liberty Street and restoring them. Mr. Ogunbiyi has overseen several projects in Beaumont, one of which is at the corner of 7th and Hazel. Chairman Pullig stated that staff has been working on getting Mr. Ogunbiyi in touch with the school district to proceed with the removal of the houses. Mr. Ogunbiyi stated that his primary objective is to move the houses and restore them to their original state. Commissioner O'Rear asked how many of the houses Mr. Ogunbiyi is interested in. He is looking at four of the houses. Commissioner Richardson asked what kind of time frame is needed to move the houses. Chairman Pullig suggested a 60-90 day grace period. Mr. Ogunbiyi stated that would plenty of time to get everything done. Commissioner O'Rcar asked about the stipulation with the school district. Chairman Pullig stated that according to Mr. Atterberry about the 60-90 day time period, allowing for weather and paperwork. He stated that there would be a mechanical process as to whether the Planning Division or the Demolition Department would get involved or whether it would be something strictly for the school board to deal with. He also stated that Mr. Baker would be involved with the garages and asked Mr. Baker if the school district has clear title to the houses. Mr. Baker stated that they do. According to Chairman Pullig's understanding then, there should be no problem with the school 2 r� MINUTES Historic Landmark Commission October 14, 1996 district giving authorization to deed the houses but not the land. Chairman Pullig asked Mr. Baker about previous projects similar to this one and questioned any problems encountered. Mr. Baker stated that at one time, with some houses near Crockett Middle School, some people agreed to purchase structures for $1.00 and then never moved the houses within the time limit allowed. The city then had to have the structures demolished anyway. Councilmember Smith reminded the Commission that City Council is looking at new regulations that would prohibit houses being moved unless they were brought up to code prior to the move and asked if these proposed regulations would cause a problem with this particular project. Chairman Pullig suggested that the houses that are to be moved are "twin houses" to those in the area in which they will be moved to. Mr. Richardson stated that he would speak with Don Burrell, the building official, to make sure that everything is coordinated correctly. Chairman Pullig made the assumption that part of the permitting process would include bringing the houses up to code. Mr. Baker stated that the houses involved in this project are in sound structural condition and shouldn't pose a problem with the proposed ordinance Councilmember Smith is speaking of. However, Mr. Baker reminded Mr. Ogunbiyi that once the houses are moved, he will be under the gun to bring them up to code. Commissioner Broussard asked if the houses were occupied at the time the school district purchased them. Mr. Baker stated that most of them were. Commissioner O'Rear asked about the specific locations to which the structures will be moved. Mr. Obunbiyi stated that 2381 Orange will be moved to the 2200 block of Hazel, 2365 Orange will be moved to 1409 Liberty and the two houses on Victoria will be moved to 2339 Louisiana (at 7th and Louisiana), which is a 2-1/2 acre property which he is planning on having re -platted for single family dwellings. Commissioner Richardson asked Mr. Baker that if the houses are approved for demolition with the stipulation that Mr. Ogunbiyi is given a specific amount of time to move the houses, will they be tagged by the demolition department and if so how will they be tagged. He asked if there will be any problems with vandals as in the past when houses have been tagged for demolition. Mr. Baker stated that he or his department would not get involved with tagging these structures. He said the only way he would get involved is if the work is not completed within the time frame allotted. Mr. Ogunbiyi could ask for more time, but if granted he would be under more stringent guidelines to get the work done. Chairman PuIIig explained that in order for the Commission to proceed with the scenario of allowing the four homes to be moved, they would first have to be approved for demolition. Commissioner Richardson made a motion to approve the request for demolition with the stipulation that there be a 90 day grace period for the homes to be moved, with the understanding that if the homes are not moved within the 90 days, the City of Beaumont demolition department would take appropriate action to have the homes demolished. Commissioner Watler seconded the motion. Motion carried 7:0. MINUTES Historic landmark Commission October 14, 1996 2) CA- 163 : Request for determination of historic significance and approval of demolition of a single family residential structure in the Oaks Historic District (2627 Hazel) Mr. Richardson gave the staff report and recommended that the structure be deemed "not historically significant" and approved for demolition. He stated that the property is included in the 1991 SPARE Survey and that the house was built circa 1920. When surveyed in 1991 it was deemed in poor condition and in need of major repairs, including anew roof. The house is no longer occupied, the front door is caving in and the house is covered by vines. It is in bad condition and is a detriment to the neighborhood. This request is being brought before the Commission because it is located within the Oaks Historic District. Mr. Richardson has been working with Mr. Lawrence Baker on the demolition process. Chairman Pullig requested Mr. Baker approach the microphone. Chairman Pullig stated that the house appears to have 1960 vintage siding. Mr. Baker stated that the central part of the rook and the foundation areas have completely collapsed. There is no structural support for the roof. The house is totally covered by vines. He stated that you really can't tell there is a house at the location unless you are really looking for it. Mr. Baker stated that he has not heard anything from the owner. Chairman Pullig inquired about the status of the owner. Mr. Baker stated that he believes that the original owner may be deceased, all correspondence sent from his office has been returned unclaimed. Commissioner Shelton asked about saving any of the trees when the structure is demolished. Mr. Baker stated that if the trees are situated away from the house, they could probably be saved. Commissioner O'Rear made a motion to approve the request for demolition. Commissioner Broussard seconded the motion. Motion passed 7:0. 3) Revolving Loan Fund Mr. Richardson made a report on the Revloving Loan Fund. He also stated that the Texas Historical Commission has approved the request for the San Augustine Building. 3) Chairman's Report Carolyn Howard and Commissioner Holmes arrived. Chairman Pullig asked Carolyn Howard to report on Main Street. Ms. Howard reported that Main Street has updated their marketing package. She reported that Main Street is in the process of working with David Hoffman out of Austin and Milton Bell in Beaumont to secure a master restoration plan for the theater. She stated that the next stage is raising the community's concept of the theaters reason for being. 4 MINUTES Historic Landmark Commission October 14, 1996 Chairman Pullig reminded the Commission that the state conference is December 4-5, 1996. Those already signed up to attend are Sam Pullig, Mike O'Rear, and Stephen Richardson, He stated there is one more available slots if anyone else is interested in attending. OTHER BUSINESS With no further business, Chairman Pullig adjourned the meeting at 4:15 p.m.. 5