ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 19, 2013

Transcription

1 ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 19, 2013 The Athens-Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission met and considered the following items at a public meeting on Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. at 120 W. Dougherty Street, Athens, Georgia. MEMBERS PRESENT: Drew Dekle, Helen Kuykendall, Ben Rossetti, Alexander Sams, Paul Trudeau, MEMBERS ABSENT: Sharon Bradley, Smith Wilson STAFF PRESENT: Bruce Lonnee, Jim Davis, Sandy Beasley CALL TO ORDER: 1. Determination of Quorum 2. Introduction of staff reports and all other documents submitted to the Historic Preservation Commission at this meeting into the official record: Ms. Kuykendall made the motion to approve, Mr. Dekle seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. 3. Adoption of the minutes of the May 15, 2013 meeting: Mr. Rossetti made the motion to adopt the minutes as written, Ms. Kuykendall seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: Nantahala Avenue COA Petitioner: Mark Thompson / Thompson Construction as agent for Brock Woodson Request: Dormer Additions Information: 114D2 D002, Boulevard, RS-8 Mr. Lonnee presented the Staff Report with the recommendation that the submittal be tabled to allow for a revised submittal to address staff concerns. In Favor: Mark Thompson, agent for owner Discussion: Mr. Thompson noted that he will keep two transom windows and replace a window on the Beulah side to the original size. He also noted that he would be willing to lower the pitch/height of the dormers to match the existing dormers. Mr. Thompson agreed with staff s recommendation to change the siding material related to the dormers.

2 Mr. Trudeau agreed with staff s recommendation to table this submittal. Ms. Kuykendall cautioned about the pitch of roof becoming too flat and not fitting in with the character of the house. She is concerned about the interior and expects some sensitivity of the slope of the roof being compatible and appropriate in the redesign. Mr. Dekle suggested a shed rather than a gable / hip dormer on the front. Mr. Sams believes that the view of the front elevation with the addition of the dormers would change the character of the house. He suggested that the dormers need to comply with the current historic shape of the house. The Commission also discussed the windows on the back of the house. Mr. Dekle stated that the existing windows are incompatible with the rhythm of the rear wall; the proposed windows match the light pattern and the rhythm of the rear. Motion: Mr. Trudeau made a motion to table the application based on staff s recommendation. Mr. Rossetti seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Mr. Sams and Mr. Davis explained the options to Mr. Thompson. Mr. Thompson agreed to the motion and will submit revised plans. He signed the tabling form College Avenue COA Petitioner: Juan Calle / Avenue Group LLC as agent for Southall Investments Request: Rooftop Deck Addition Information: 171B5 C003, Downtown C-D (DHD) Mr. Lonnee presented the Staff Report with the recommendation for approval with conditions. In Favor: Adam Berlin, Managing Partner of Avenue Group LLC Discussion: Mr. Berlin spoke at length about the reason for this submittal. Mr. Rossetti agreed with Mr. Berlin s take on the stairwell. Mr. Dekle and Mr. Lonnee discussed the option to lower the pitch of the roof. Ms. Kuykendall suggested shifting the smaller footprint to the east placing it in the middle. Mr. Dekle would rather see the roof closer to College rather than shifting it east in support of the guidelines and to preserve the view of the 244 East Washington Street roofline. Motion: Mr. Dekle made a motion for approval as submitted. Mr. Trudeau seconded the motion, which passed unanimously W. Hancock Avenue COA Petitioner: Brian K. Weaver, Sr. Request: Modifications to Approved Design Information: 171A3 A001, Reese, C-N Mr. Lonnee presented the Staff Report with the recommendation for denial of the submittal as proposed.

3 In Favor: Brian Weaver, applicant; Scott Haines, Williams & Associates; Forrest Hawkins; Evan Fichter; Melissa Link; Douglas Ealey; Commissioner George Maxwell; Joe Hill, Athens First Bank & Trust, financing institution for the project; Mr. Archibald; Michael Songster; Barbara Sims; Christine Howard; Dexter Weaver Discussion: Mr. Haines addressed some of the issues in the staff report, specifically, the traffic movements in the parking lot, the added patio, wheel stops/planters, awnings and supports on the front of the building. Mr. Rossetti and Mr. Weaver discussed the proposed awnings, supports and weight concerns. The Commission also discussed the windows. Mr. Weaver noted that all of the windows are the same size. He had to move the windows lower to meet fire code. Mr. Dekle stated that he visited the building and the windows are taller on one side. Mr. Sams asked for staff interpretation of the fire code issue. Mr. Lonnee stated that Building Inspections approved the proposed windows, which met minimum code for egress; however, the placement shifted. Mr. Weaver states that Building Inspections told him that the windows were too high for egress. Mr. Lonnee stated that there is not a building code violation presently, nor would there have been a violation if the windows were left as approved. However, what is in place now likely meets the building code standards for new residential construction. The Commission believes that possibly the applicant misunderstood direction from Building Inspection and did not realize he had to get approval to make a change. Mr. Dekle verified that the plans went through Plans Review and received approval with the windows in the original position. The Commission could be setting a dangerous precedent to let staff change plans without going through the process. He also stated that the Guidelines speak to the primary importance to the front of the building. He suggested that Mr. Haines work with staff to separate the parking lot and patio area. Motion: Mr. Dekle made a motion to approve with the following conditions: concrete tire stops shall be removed, permanent separation between the patio and parking area shall be installed and approved by staff prior to installation; option to install awnings in front elevation of building to be approved by staff, staff shall verify that windows on east and west sides are substantially similar in size and orientation and shall be verified by staff. Mr. Rossetti seconded the motion, which passed unanimously Henderson Avenue COA Petitioner: Michael Songster / Michael Songster Construction as agent for Lark Lechtreck and Barbara Mattes Request: Modifications to Approved Accessory Building Information: 171C1 C008, Henderson, RS-8 Mr. Lonnee presented the Staff Report with the recommendation to approve as submitted. In Favor: Michael Songster, agent for owner

4 Discussion: The Commission noted that there is minimal change to an accessory structure with no impact to the project. It also meets guidelines. Motion: Mr. Rossetti made a motion to approve as submitted. Mr. Trudeau seconded the motion, which passed unanimously Dubose Avenue COA Petitioner: David Matheny/Armentrout Matheny Thurmond, PC as agent for Sarah Ellis Request: Modifications to Structure Information: 114D4 C003, Boulevard, RS-8 Mr. Lonnee presented the Staff Report with the recommendation for denial based on the finding that the scale and massing is incompatible with the district. In Favor: David Matheny, architect for the project; Sarah Ellis read statements from Brian and Rachel Irwin, Christopher Michalik, Joan and Vanessa Lawrence, Jared and Carly York, Melinda Edwards, and the Augburn family supporting the project; Martha Long; Michael Songster; Tom Ellis In Opposition: Melissa Link Discussion: Mr. Dekle recused himself since his company is currently representing the applicant on another project. He left the room prior to public comment and was absent for the remainder of the discussion of this item. Mr. Matheny discussed lowering the roof and adding dormers and the impact it would have on the project. Ms. Kuykendall said that flattening the roof would be inconsistent with the character of the neighborhood. Mr. Trudeau s concern is that we are mitigating a problem by compromising the original design that was approved with a mistake in the grading. The solution is a substantial change that does not meet the guidelines or address the original design that was approved. Mr. Ellis noted that there was not a grading mistake, it is the existing natural grade of the lot which was not portrayed accurately on the plans. Mr. Trudeau clarified an adjustment to the grade as was approved in the original plan it does not seem an adjustment was made. Mr. Rossetti and Mr. Trudeau stated that the roof shape has a contemporary flair and might not be much of an issue. Ms. Kuykendall expressed concern that the relationship of the cottage to the addition changed significantly with the combination of the error in the drawing in the size of the cottage and the error in the drawing of the grade. These errors created a super-sized building which is not what was originally approved. The wrong information led the Commission to approve plans that should not have been approved. It does not meet the guidelines.

5 Ms. Ellis asked to address the Commission. She stated that this has been a financial hardship and they are looking for a reasonable solution. She asked the Commission how the problem can be solved. Mr. Davis pointed out to the Commission that their discussion should acknowledge that there is an undue hardship provision in the Historic Preservation ordinance. He urged the Commission to be familiar with the hardship provision and include that in the discussion, if necessary. Mr. Rossetti stated that this is within the boundaries of the first approval. Motion: Mr. Rossetti made a motion to approve the application as submitted. Mr. Trudeau seconded the motion, which passed 2 1 (Ms. Kuykendall opposed.) CONCEPTUAL PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW: None OTHER BUSINESS 1. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Mr. Rossetti nominated Ms. Kuykendall as chair and Mr. Dekle as vice-chair; Mr. Trudeau seconded the motion. The motion carried DESIGNATION Committee Report: Mr. Lonnee reported that the Committee did not meet this month. Mr. Lonnee said that staff did meet with a sub-committee of the Mayor & Commission regarding an adjustment of HPC fees for designation and procedures for the designation process. A report from the Designation Committee will be forthcoming at the July meeting. 3. EDUCATION Committee Report: Mr. Lonnee reported the Committee did not meet this month. Staff is still working on a first renewal of a preservation partners meeting in cooperation with the Heritage Foundation, UGA s program and other interested parties around town. 4. MISCELLANEOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mr. Sams noted that Mr. Trudeau and Ms. Kuykendall did an outstanding job as emcee of the Athens Clarke Heritage Foundation awards event. Mr. Trudeau also did an outstanding job as chair of the nomination committee. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.