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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-13-95 HLC MinutesA meeting of the Historic Landmark Commission was held on November 13, 1995 with the following members present: Chairman Sam Pullig Vice -Chairman Becki Stedman Commissioner Elmer Embs Commissioner JoAnn Stiles Commissioner Walter Sutton Commissioner Marie Broussard Commissioner Dorcy Watler Commissioner Terrence Holmes Commissioners absent: Commissioner Bruce Hamilton Commissioner Julia Levy Commissioner Albert Ebow Staff present: Stephen Richardson, Secretary; Vanessa Smith, Recording Secretary; Bonnie Semien, PIanning Technician Also present: Councilman -at -Large Andrew Cokinos; CouncilmemberLulu Smith; Carolyn Howard, Beaumont Main Street APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Embs to approve the minutes of the September 11, 1995 public hearing and was seconded by Commissioner Watler. Motion to approve carried 7:0. PUBLIC HEARING 1) File 35-HC: Request for an HC-L (Historic -Cultural Landmark Preservation District) for the "J.L. Eisen" house. Mr. Richardson gave the staff report on the request for an HC-L designation on the "J.L. Eisen" house. The house was built in 1937-38 by the architectural firm of Stone and Pitts. The house is of New Orleans or Monterrey style and is one of the major contributing structures in the Oaks Historic District. The application meets eight of the ten criteria required for approval of a local historic designation. t4lINUT[S Historic Landmark Commission November 13, 1995 Mr. Richardson noted that sixteen notices were mailed to property owners within 200'. Stab received no responses in favor or opposition to this request. Mr. Richardson showed slides of the home, which is now owned by Mr. & Mrs. Michael O'Rear. Mr. Richardson pointed out specific details of the house. Mr. Richardson introduced Mr. O'Rear to the commission for questions. Chairman Pullig noted that eight out of ten points is the highest he's seen since he's been on the commission. Commissioner Embs asked if there is a requirement on how old the house must be in order to receive an HC-L designation. Mr. Richardson stated that there are no specifics, however it must be listed in SPARE and SPARE requires the house to be a minimum of fifty years old. Commissioner Watler stated that when he initially spoke with the O'Rears about the home being worthy of consideration, they were quick to act on putting in the request and they were very eager to pursue the designation. Chairman Pullig asked Mr. O'Rear if any meaningful exterior modifications have been done to the house. Mr. O'Rear stated that in approximately 1948 an air conditioning equipment room was put in, but that is the only addition that has been made. Chairman Pullig asked if many modifications were necessary to bring the home up to standards when the O'Rear's bought the house. Mr. O'Rear stated that the only modifications they have had to do have been cosmetic changes only. Commissioner Embs pointed out that if the request for the designation is approved, Mr. & Mrs. O'Rear would have to go through the Commission to make any other changes to the house. No one spoke in favor or in opposition of the request. Commissioner Watler motioned for approval and Commissioner Stiles seconded. The motion carried 7:0 2) FILE CA-129: Request for a Certificate of Demolition to demolish the "Smith" house at 892 North Street. Mr. Richardson gave the staff report on the request to demolish the "Smith" house. The house was built circa 1910, it is a Queen Ann style home. The house was granted an HC-L designation in 1983. This designation was based on the house meeting the following two criteria: a) it is an example of 19th century Texas Victorian architecture and b) the structure is listed in SPARE. The 1989 version of the SPARE, in which the house is listed, recognized the poor maintenance and unsympathetic alterations severely detracted from the house's architectural integrity. The house is now on the city's demolition list after previously being declared dangerous. Mr. Richardson stated that sixteen notices were mailed to property owners within 200' of the house. Staff received no responses in favor or in opposition of the request for demolition. Mr. Richardson showed slides of the house, pointing out that the home has been vacant for the past two or three years and has deteriorated quite badly and has become a hangout for criminal activity. Mr. 2 MURY S Historic Landmark Commission November 13, 1995 Richardson pointed out additions made over the years that were not sympathetic with the style of the house. Mr. Richardson concluded his presentation and recommended approval for the request to demolish the "Smith" house. Chairman Pullig questioned how the previous HC-L designation will affect the possibility of demolishing the house. Mr. Richardson stated that if the house had not received the designation this case would not come to the Historical Landmark Commission. The designation does not need to be removed prior to demolition. Commissioner Sutton asked if this would have to go to Austin and who would be responsible for the cost of the demolition. Mr. Richardson stated that yes it would go to Austin and in that if the city tears the house down, it would use CBDG funds and a lien would be put against the house. However, Mr. Smith has been thinking of demolishing the house himself, in which case he would incur all costs for demolition. Vice -Chairman Stedman asked if there is a plaque or if it is just an overlay designation. Mr. Richardson stated that yes there was a plaque, although it is not visible in the photographs. Vice -Chairman Stedman asked what happened to the plaque. Mr. Smith stated that it was never put up, but that they will return the plaque. Chairman Pullig requested Mr. Smith to come before the Commission for questions. Chairman Pullig asked when the additions were made to the house. Mr. Smith stated that they were made over fifty years ago, prior to his family purchasing the house. Chairman Pullig requested any records or photographs of the home to keep in the archives. There being no further questions from the commission, Chairman Pullig asked for anyone speaking in favor or opposition. Mrs. Herrington spoke in favor of the demolition of the "Smith" house as a resident of the neighborhood. Commissioner Embs made a motion to approve the request for a certificate of demolition; Vice -Chairman Stedman seconded the motion. The motion carried 8:0. Chairman Pullig closed the public hearing. 3 NIINUIES Historic Landmark Commission November 13, 1995 REGULAR MEETING 1) CLG Grant Status: Mr. Richardson pointed out a letter from the Texas Historical Commission explaining the funding we received. This funding will be for three commissioners and one staff person to attend the conference in 1996 in Dallas. According to Bruce Jensen, CLG Branch coordinator for the state, in order to get more funding (for the SPARE) we need to hire a professional to come in and do the survey. Mr. Richardson stated that there were some surveys that were funded, however no one city got a really large amount of funds. The total amount to be distributed was given out in small portions to a lot of cities. 2) Preservation _Week Update: Vice -Chairman Stedman gave a report on the last meeting held concerning the preservation award. There is an immediate need for sponsorships. It was decided that approximately $2000.00 would be needed for sponsorships to cover some of the printing costs and the costs of some of the awards to be made. Barbara Carville will be talking to several possibilities in the Old Town area and the group will try to get some of the neighborhood groups involved. There will be a meeting on December 6, 1995 to continue with the activities for Preservation Week. One of the ideas is to keep the activities going for the entire week, not just have an awards presentation. There has been discussion of coming up with a preservation activity for fourth graders, to focus on Peach Elementary, have the children make their own masks of historic buildings and parade them into city council during that week and have a proclamation for the children and their school. They are also talking of finding a keynote speaker. Preservation Week will be held the week of May 13,1996. Vice -Chairman Stedman reported the Beaumont Heritage Society will use their part as a fundraising event for Preservation Week. Commissioner Sutton inquired about any money left at the commission's disposal. Mr. Richardson stated that according to a recent budget report from Finance, there is $1500.00 in the account. Chairman Pullig reminded the commission of the $800.00 that is proposed for statue cleaning. So, according to that figure, Mr. Richardson stated that there may be approximately $700.00. 3) Revolving Loan Fund - Financial Report: According to Mr. Richardson, as of the end of October, the fund is rebuilt to just over $11,000.00. Chairman Pullig asked for a status report concerning the four applications a while back that just about completely depleted the fund, since those applicants are not on the current list. Mr. Richardson stated that three of the four applications are in progress, while the fourth application has not moved forward. 4) Chairman's Report: There is one vacancy on the commission at this time, with Bruce Hamilton's position ending. Two other terms expire at this point as well, but both Commissioner Sutton and Commissioner Holmes could be re -appointed. 4 MINUTPS Historic Landmark Commission November 13, 1995 a)Status of Committees: Chairman Pullig stated that by the first of the year, all committees should be lined up. Mr. Richardson pointed out the memo in the packets which explains the purpose of each committee as well as listing who the chairperson and committee members of each are at this time. Chairman Pullig noted that Commissioner Embs and Commissioner Broussard are not listed on any of the committees and will need to think about which committee they would like to serve on. Commissioner Sutton asked about having people other than Commissioners on various committees. Chairman Pullig stated that if there is outside expertise needed on any of the committees, then outside people may be asked to assist at that time. Chairman Pullig discussed one of the things Commissioner Watler has been working on with the Marker Committee. There are several homes that would be prime candidates for a designation. Commissioner Watler showed photographs of several houses that might be worthy of designations. Chairman Pullig has signed letters asking those homeowners to consider an application. Commissioner Embs suggested sending a copy of the Historic Ordinance with the Ietters. OTHER BUSINESS THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 4.20 PAC 5