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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-23-2008 CHPC MINUTES ' � , ,. Historic Preservation Commission Monday, June 23, 2008- 6:00 P.M. Caldwell Public Library- Idaho Room APP o�o 1010 Dearborn, Caldwell, Idaho cc �—� I. Call to order Meeting called to order by Co-chair Chuck Randolph at 6:05 P.M. II. Roll Call Present: Ron Blakley, Elaine Carpenter, Eileen Davidson, Gina Lujack, Co-chair Steve Maughan, Co-chair Lorene Oates, Co-chair Chuck Randolph, Anita Shore, and City Staff April Caballo. and City Council Liaison, Rob Hopper. Absent: Jan Boles, Elaine Leppert, and City Staff Brian Billingsley Guests:Mac McCann, Virginia Davenport, William F Gigray III, Eric Reifschneider, Chris Eagl (SP?) Dennis & Deb Balmer, Jim Mertz and Osmun Rivas. III. Approval of Agenda Commissioner Lujack ask to have the "Letter to the Realtors" added under Old Business. Moved to accept agenda as amended Commissioner Shore; second Co-chair Maughan, Motion passed. IV. Approval of Minutes 1 May 27, 2008 Motion to approve as amended Co-chair Maughan; SECOND Commissioner Carpenter, Motion passed. V. Certificate of Appropriateness Interviews All speakers were sworn by City Staff • CA-116-08 — 1302 Dearborn — application submitted by Lynn Hardy for demolition approval. Commissioner Davidson re-cused herself. Commissioner Carpenter stated that she is a member of the Church concerned in the request, but as she doesn't have an economic interest she is able to vote. Mr. Gigray has a letter authorizing him to represent Mr. Hardy, the applicant. Mr. Gigray resides at 1523 Dearborn, Caldwell. Mr. Gigray testified: Boone Memorial Presbyterian Church has been at this site since 1948. They would like to purchase 1302 Dearborn to build a parking lot. The house located on this property was built about 1895 and is badly deteriorated. The Church has received a sizeable contribution with a stipend that they remodel the kitchen. This remodel would cost near $500,000.00. The Church currently owns the property on the south side of the street and has a parking lot adjacent to this property. The Church feels that for their membership to grow, they will need more parking. 1302 Dearborn is the obvious choice. Mr. Hardy has been renting the house, but the rental was about to expire. The Church has been in touch with Mr. Hardy regarding the purchase of his property. The purchase is conditioned upon this Certificate of Appropriateness. Mr. Gigray is aware that even if we approve this application, the Church would need to get a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed parking lot. Page 1 � 3 Safe passage to cross Dearborn Street is, also, of concern. Mr. Gigray stated that conditions axe not good at present. He felt they would put in an attractive parking lot, which would enhance the neighborhood. Commissioner Lujack ask if this was just a single structure they wanted to demolish. Mr. Gigray said the house and one outbuilding. He, also, had one other piece of property that was being looked at. Commissioner Lujack was concerned that this would '�, establish a pattern. Commissioner Shore ask if this is a contributing structure. The answer is yes it is. Co-chair Randolph said this is one of the older houses in the District (1895 era). Commissioner Carpenter stated that we need to keep a balance in mind. The Church was founded by Boone, as was the College. The Church goes back to the History of Caldwell. The condition of the house would discourage any future buyers. We have an historic Church and an historic house. We need to weigh both sides. Co-chair Randolph ask if the church is going to do the demolition. Have they considered the fact that there might be asbestos in the building? Is the house moveable? Commissioner Blakley ask how much more parking would this allow the church. Landscaping would eliminate some spaces, but the design would answer this question. Commissioner Blakley ask what is the churches goal. What is the maximum size for the church? Mr. Gigray said they are at about 400 now and would like to grow to 600 to 800. He feels they have a Minister who can help them accomplish their goals. Anything above this would require some rethinking. They have no plans to change the Sanctuary of the Church. Commissioner Blakley felt the small amount of space gained would not be near enough for 200 to 400 more people. And if they acquire additional property, will that require an addition Certificate of Appropriateness? Mr. Gigray said they have had 500 to 550 members in the past. Co-chair Oates ask about the other houses on that block. The Church already owns this property. Mr. Gigray was not sure what the Church's plans were for this house. Co-chair Randolph ask if anyone else wishes to speak. Virginia Davenport 1223 Dearborn St, Caldwell, said she has lived across the street from this house for the past 14 '/2 years and watched it go into disrepair. She said that at one time this was a beautiful home. Mr. Gigray does not have knowledge of the cost to repair this house. No one spoke in opposition. The question was ask "What would it cost to move this house?" No one was sure. Dennis Balmer, 1304 Cleveland, Caldwell, questioned the cost to move the house and is it moveable? No one could answer without further investigation. Public comment was closed. The following discussion followed: Co-chair Randolph sated we have several things to think about. # 1 will this be setting a precedent? We have already had one demolish Certificate of Appropriateness. What would it cost to refurbish this house? What would it cost to move it? Is it moveable? #2 What is the feeling about growth of the Church? What is the growth potential? Co-chair Maughan said he wanted to state what has already been stated. It is a question of balance. A question of the demolition of property in the Historic District. A question of the growth of the Church. Co-chair Oates said that the growth of the Church would be a good thing for the entire community. What assurance do we have that the proposed design would be in accord with the desire of the District? Commissioner Carpenter ask what is the requirements for a parking lot. City Council Liaison Rob Hopper said there is not any historic appearance. The one requirement is for landscaping. We cannot presume what is going to take place in the future, occupancy or remodeling. Commissioner Blakley ask if the city has a requirement regarding the number of parking spaces required for the size of the Church. City Council Liaison Rob Hopper said there is a requirement for a new structure or an addition, but that it does not address an existing structure. Page 2 , . Mr. Gigray said they would like it if we could reach a decision, so they can go forward with their plans, design of the parking lot etc. They would like to meet with us on the design. Their big concern is the safety of the parishioners. Co-chair Maughan brought up the fact that there is nothing to prevent the house being demolished and then the Church backs out of the scene and we are left with a vacant lot. Commissioner Carpenter ask about projected dates. Also, is there another prospective buyer in the background? Co-chair Randolph ask, again, can this house be relocated? Commissioner Carpenter mentioned that Commissioner Boles, who was unable to ; attend, wanted to know about the structure of the house. Is it in good enough condition to be , moved? Jim Mertz, a representative from the Church stated they would have no objection to someone wanting to move the house, but he does not feel it could be moved safely. Co-chair Maughan moved to approve the application for demolition contingent upon the sale of the property to Boone Memorial Church. Commissioner Lujack seconded. Mr. Gigray stated that the Church let Mr. Hardy know that the responsibility for the approval for demolition was his. The Church would have no objection if the house could be moved rather than demolished. There was some discussion on weather the demolition permit belonged to the applicant or to the property. If the applicant sells the property is the permit still valid. Commissioner Blakley questioned weather we could dictate anything regarding the sale of the property. Mr. Gigray reminded us that he represents the applicant and that he is open to the sale of the property. Commissioner Blakley ask to have the motion amended to remove the contingency. Commissioner Maughan would not consent to this. Commissioner Blakley felt we could only consent to the demolition or not approve it. Call for a vote. Motion passed with one abstain. Co-chair ask Mr. Gigray try to seek a house mover. He agreed. CA-111-08 — 1802 Cleveland — application submitted by Eric Reifschneider for approval to install/replace a porch and stairs. Mr. Reifschneider testified he would like to install a deck at this residence. He furnished pictures in his application and would like to know if this would be acceptable. He would not want something to detract from the entrance to the house. Commissioner Carpenter brought up n the fact that Mr. Reifschneider came to us with an application then the installed deck was not what was approved. She informed Mr. Reifschneider that we are always available for discussion. Mr. Reifschneider discussed his options. N He felt they either needed to nail the door shut nor install a deck and some stairs for safety. Co-chair Randolph said this application is in reverse order of normal procedure. City Staff April Caballo told the applicant if this is approved, he will still need to get a building permit. Mr. Reifschneider has found what he thought was old footings from a prior landing. He said they plan to install lattice around the deck and a railing on the steps. It was brought up that this is one of the best of five sites in the District. We really don't want to see any corners cut which would detract from this house. Mr. Reifschneider is open to suggestions. Commissioner Carpenter ask if the applicant could come back with a finished design. Mr. Reifschneider stated that he might just pull off what has been installed and leave it to new owners, as he intends to list the property for sale. Chris Eagl (SP) the contractor for Mr. Reifschneider ask if he draws up a new plan, what do we want. The answer is complete plans as to the appearance and elevations. Commissioner Randolph suggested we work with the applicant rather than go back to a door with no access. He suggested one or two of us meet with the applicant to make suggestions. The applicant ask April City Staff April Caballo what they needed to do to get the work accomplished and approved. She will check into this for them. Commissioner Carpenter moved we deny this application and look for a revised application at the next meeting. Co-chair Maughan seconded. Motion passed. • CA-113-08 - 1204 Dearborn Street — application submitted by Osman Rivas for approval to remove a door and steps, window alterations and re-siding. City Staff City Staff April Caballo swore Mr. Rivas in. He testified that he has owned this property for about four years. Some of the siding on the outside is rather wavy. There are three rentals on the main floor. There is a basement. But it is not finished. He was unaware that this house was in a Historic District. The lead glass window which was taken out by City Glass is gone. This is a 1904 house. It is a Tourtellotte Hummell house. Co-chair Randolph stated that for this to be approved the steps must be removed and the windows must mimic the older windows in size and appearance, and the siding must appear as the rest of the siding. Commissioner Carpenter brought up the egress issue, which is a building permit issue. City Council Liaison, Rob Hopper said that even with a Certificate of Appropriateness, the Building Department could still decline this. Co-chair Randolph discussed the windows and how he would like to see them replaced. There was some discussion regarding the light fixture. Commissioner Lujack ask him what his time frame was. He said about two months. It was then requested he make a list and come back with a more detailed plan regarding the windows I and siding. Commissioner Lujack moved we table this until the next meeting. Commissioner ' Shore seconded. Motion passed. VI. Audience Participation - None VII. Actions Since Last Meeting � CA-112-08 - 1401 Blaine Street — new construction — vacant lot — single family home — Scott Fenwick - Conditional Certificate of Appropriateness was issued on 5/29/08. Co-chair Randolph has signed this. • CA-104-07 —1609 Blaine Street — new construction — vacant lot — duplex- Marty Camberlango — Certificate of Appropriateness was issued on 6/2/08. Co-chair Steve Maughan has seen the plans for this. He restated our desires regarding the proposed stone rock trim on the front of the building. He then approved this application. VIII. Old Business • The Hat — Jan B. In Commissioner Boles absence, Co-chair Randolph reported that this is looking good. • CLG Grant for 2008 —$3,200.00 — Need update from Commission 1. Nomination of the "Hat" by Madeline Buckendorf — any changes made? Co-chair Randolph reported this has been sent back with comment. There needs to be more work in the period arftern1930. Madeline Buckendorf is doing some more work on this. 2. Correction and reprint of the Walking tour pamphlet - Co-chair Maughan ask did we do anything towards revising Town Walking tour pamphlet ?— Is a draft ready to be sent to SHPO? Co-chair Maughan ask did we ever do anything towards revising this. City Council Liaison Rob Hopper will do some checking into this. City Staff April Caballo ask for a draft by our next meeting. 3. Boone Memorial Church — Elaine Strike as it has already been covered. • Auxiliary Committee Reports 1) Streetscape Committee — Commissioner Davidson - Nothing to report ! 2) School District Committee Representative — Co-chair Randolph — , Nothing to report. ,, 3) Downtown Committee — Co-chair Maughan — Nothing to report. i 4) Design Review Committee — Co-chair Randolph said he can't keep up with this good committee. He is having some difficulty with this. He is considering stepping down. City Council Liaison Rob Hopper said he felt we need a representative of our Commission on this committee. Co-chair Randolph said he will stay on for a while. • Historic Preservation Ordinance — will go before the City Council on July 7, 2008 They need everyone who can to attend. • Realtors letter — Commissioner Lujack said it seems to her as a realtor that the letter misses part of the point. She fells we need to add a line to stress the use of the property. In the event a prospective buyer states his/her desire to use it for something not zoned. IX. New Business — None. X. For the Good of the Commission Co-chair Randolph mentioned that July has shown a significant number of house in the District that are for sale. He thought it might be a good idea for us to coordinate and have about five of the house open (that are listed) and one or two of us at each open house to answer questions. Commissioner Lujack said that Jane Morfitt has two for sale and she will contact her about this. X. Adjournment. Co-chair Randolph moved adjourrunent. Co-chair Maughan seconded. Motion passed Next meeting will be held on July 28, 2008 Respectfully submitted, Anita Shore, Secretary. I