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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-10-04 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION Minutes October 4, 1995 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lewis at 7:38 p.m. Members present were Terry Skibby, Jim Lewis, Casey Mitchell, Keith Chambers, Bill Harriff and Bill Emerson. Also present were City Council Liaison Steve Hauck, Associate Planners Mark Knox and Kelly Madding, and Secretary Sonja Akerman. Members Fredricka Weishahn and Larry Cardinale were absent. Chloe Winston resigned and has not yet been replaced. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Lewis stated on page 7 of the September 6, 1995 minutes, the minutes should reflect he commented rather than reported on the study session because he did not attend the meeting. Emerson then moved to approve the minutes as corrected and Skibby seconded the motion, which passed with all voting aye except Chambers, who abstained because he was absent last month. STAFF REPORTS PA 95-099 Conditional Use Permit, Site Review and Variance 493 North Main Street Catalina Physical Therapy Group Skibby moved and Mitchell seconded to stand by the Commission's motion from last month (as noted below). The motion passed unanimously. Skibby moved to recommend approval of this action with the requirement horizontal siding, with ornamental shingles on the gable ends be used. Weishahn seconded the motion and it passed will all voting aye except Hardff, who voted nay. PA 95-101 Conditional Use Permit 144 North Second Street Interfaith Care Community of Ashland (ICCA) Knox introduced Kelly Madding, Associate Planner/Housing Officer, then read the Staff Report. He stated the application is for a professional counseling office/resource center. No exterior changes are proposed other than a wheel chair ramp, which the Historic Commission will review prior to being issued the building permit. The resource center will provide office space for counseling services provided by a case manager, showers to allow clients to clean up prior to job interview, laundry facilities, a play room for children, storage for donated items, a kitchen so that families can prepare a meal, and a space for clients to make phone calls for job interviews and to find housing. Priority for emergency services will be given to families. Given the size of the lot, 7100 square feet, the target use is two residential units or a duplex. Three parking spaces would be provided, two in the rear and one on-street space. Knox related Staff believes the proposal will have a minimal impact on the livability of the surrounding neighborhood. Letters have been received in support and in opposition to the use. Four letters have been received from property owners in the vicinity of the existing ICCA office who were not even aware the facility existed in the Clark Avenue/Harmony Lane area. Staff is sensitive, however, to the concerns raised by neighbors and is dedicated to maintaining the neighborhood's residential character. The applicants have stated no overnight camping will be allowed. Knox went on to say the R-2 zoning encompasses mixed uses. Since this is a non-profit organization, it will not be a commercial operation, nor will it solicit sales of products or services to people outside the area. The figures submitted depict an operation more closely associated with the impacts of a home occupation (no more than eight cars per day) than a commercial venture. Knox related most ICCA clients arrive by foot or public transportation. Criteria, Knox stressed, is what needs to be addressed. Staff feels the applicant has shown the proposal will conform to the Conditional Use Permit criteria. He then read each criteria with Staff comments and the Conclusions and Recommendations. Staff's opinion is based on the criteria and target use for the property. Skibby asked if another Conditional Use Permit would be required if the applicant wants to expand its use. Knox said it would be subject to a modification of condition. He also added the approval could be revoked if the conditions were not followed. When Lewis questioned the lack of mixed use, Knox clarified the clients would not be sleeping overnight. Lewis said mixed use has been beneficial in the Railroad District and might be something to consider. Harriff asked what the hours would be and Madding said 9:00-5:00/five days a week. When he asked why ICCA was moving from its present location, Madding said they are in a very small office and need more space. Also, it would like to provide more services. She then explained ICCA was awarded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money, which was adopted in the budget approved by the City Council. ICCA wanted to focus on a residence because it was in its budget and would be near transit lines and stores. Harriff asked if the expanded services were taken into account. Knox said even if the services/clients doubled, it would still be within the target use. Harriff responded that area already has traffic and parking problems. Chambers said the applicant's findings and support letters refer to services currently being provided. However, it seems to him the proposed use with expanded services would generate a higher impact on the neighborhood. If the office will be a more commodious Ashland Historic Commission Minutes October 4, 1995 Page 2 place with a more homey atmosphere, it will be quite a bit of a change because people will want to spend more time there. He said it seems like a false extrapolation to him. Skibby questioned the exterior activities. Knox said two parking spaces and a play area with swings for children will be in the rear. Skibby said in his obsepeation, the location impacts a wider area because of the rear yards of the existing houses in the area. Knox added the applicants do not plan on using the church parking area. Emerson stated it bothers him the ramp is not a part of the application. He would like the Historic Commission/Review Board recommendation to be binding. Knox said that would not be a problem. Mitchell said she would like to comment that the Staff Report has stated no incidences have been reported. She referred to the letter submitted by the Weishahns, who have already had numerous incidences with transients trespassing on their property, including the use of their spa. The letter stated that on several occasions, homeless individuals had come to the church looking for assistance, but since it was after hours, they have come to their home. Knox stated the use is not even there yet, so this does not relate. The problems are associated with the church and not ICCA. Mitchell remarked that it does relate. Because of the use, it will have more of an impact and she feels there is a discrepancy. Harriff commented there is now a concern with the existing facility (the church) in the neighborhood serving the homeless/down-and-out people. Now, with an approved facility, when people show up after 5:00, how will the facility meet the neighbors' concerns? Knox responded Staff has looked at these concerns and with a Conditional Use Permit, it can be revoked. Harriff, however, said that now, the people who show up after 5:00 will have no place to go. Chambers stated that in the Staff Report, the tone sounds as though this discussion is irrelevant because Staff has implied this is already a "done deal", and he doesn't want to waste the meeting time of the Commission if the concerns will not be heard. Knox apologized and said he did not mean to downplay citizen concerns. Staff believes that based on the criteria and state laws, this application has met the conditions of approval. Chambers said this may be true, however there is value to the fact that the Staff Report stated there will be no adverse impact on the livability of the neighborhood, yet there are signatures of 25 + people who have concerns. If a duplex or single family residence were proposed for the property, he would have no problem with approval. Chambers went on to say the approval of this proposal constitutes the loss of affordable housing. In the Railroad District meetings, the neighborhood clearly stated it did not feel there should be more commercial use in the affected area. Madding responded livability is a legitimate issue. There is an indication of what type of neighbor ICCA would be through the letters of support. She also said the house is listed at over $140,000, which is not considered to be "affordable" on the real estate market. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes October 4, 1995 Page 3 Lewis commented if you look at the planning action and strip away the applicant, he sees mixed use as having more viability here than an office without a residence. He attended all the Railroad District meetings and there were scores of people who felt the same way. Property owners have problems with no residential use in the houses. Beula Smith stated she has owned the property at 159 Second Street since 1970. It has been a very pleasant area. She is not adverse to people in the area, but is adverse to the impact. If it was just a counseling office, it would be different; however, with what has been presented, it will not stay the same as with the existing office. She said she also feels the house is too small for what is proposed. She was required to provide three parking spaces for a one family rental. Another point is there are currently 43 postal employees, the majority of which use the church parking lot. The pragmatics are that the services that have been handled by the ICCA can be accommodated in that house, but to propose a shower, laundry and meal facilities will go into 24 hours a day needs. She added there are other vacant places around town with plenty of parking (i.e. Ashland Shopping Center). Hauck and Harriff said under the parameters of the CDBG, there is not enough money to rent commercial space such as this. Sue Crader, applicant for ICCA, addressed the showers, laundry and free meals. She said the facility will not provide free meals. Families that have no where else to go will have access to a microwave during the day to warm up food for their children, so this is not available to everyone. Showers and laundry are also not available to everyone. The facility is not designed for that. ICCA is trying to give tools to those who can clean up to find their way off the streets. This is not to provide support for sustaining the lifestyle of people who chose to live off the streets. Harriff questioned Crader about the number of people served. She said based on the current statistics, 1029 different people were served last year, with over 3000 requests. She said she expects this to go up slightly, but not significantly. Skibby asked for clarification. Crader said the number she gave was physical visits, not phone requests, so that would average one person visiting three times. Harriff then asked about the mail facilities. Crader said the use of its post office box has been allowed in the past, as has the use of the phone. She also doesn't anticipate a change in this. Crader then said should the proposal be granted approval, she would hope to have a positive impact on the neighborhood, and would like to work with the neighbors. If a transient is seen hanging around, someone would interact with that person to help provide services, but only during working hours. She also informed the Commission the police have agreed to provide more patrols in the area. Emerson remarked the neighborhood has had many locations turned into businesses. From 9:00 to 5:00 someone is present, then at night, the house is dark. He asked what the applicant proposed to do about the many transients in the Railroad District and asked if that area was ever recommended. Crader said she has never recommended anyone go to the Railroad District to sleep down by "A" Street. She also said there have been no police Ashland Historic Commission Minutes October 4, 1995 Page 4 reports in the block where the existing ICCA office is located in the past year. Hauck clarified there have been no police reports either in the existing neighborhood or in the proposed neighborhood. Emerson then stated the office will be moving from an area without many transients to an area with transients, generated mainly from the tracks. Crader said there are transients in the existing area because of Garden Way Park and the eating establishments on that portion of Siskiyou Boulevard. Will Brown, owner of 139 Second Street, said he would like to remind the Commission this is in an historically residential area, with a proposed commercial use. If approved, the entire block on that side of the street will be non-residential. He is currently remodeling his house to be a duplex and said he would like the neighborhood to remain residential. All the neighbors are against ICCA locating its counseling office here because they have all had problems, and that should not be taken lightly. He also wanted to remind the Commission the Weishahn property is directly affected. Marian Hothchild, real estate agent for ICC& stated that in talking with people at her church, she found many neighbors had a misconception about housing for the homeless. This will not be a homeless shelter. Doris Kimball, listing agent for the seller, said it seems to her something is trying to be preserved that's already gone -- the residential character of the street. In the short amount of time the house was shown, only four families considered the house, but felt it was too congested. The majority of the people wanted it for commercial uses. She also clarified it is listed at $144,900 (and was appraised at $149,000), so it is not considered to be affordable housing. Emerson said the Railroad District is perceived as turning into a commercial area, but it is not, nor is the intent to be a commercial area. It was never intended to be another downtown. Lewis added it is the hope of the Railroad District neighborhood to get criteria for the Railroad Plan. Pauline Sullivan said she has been a resident of Ashland since 1961. It is inevitable a business be located there. She feels the objection is not for the business, but for those who are needy. When asked about the type of activity that will go on at the site, Crader said there will be no loitering/no hanging around. Clients who are using the facility may be utilized to help maintain the property, however. She also added the playground equipment in the back yard would be for use of clients only. When Skibby asked how large the playground would be, Crader responded there will only be a swing set. Harriff asked Crader how many clients are served on a busy day. She said probably between 20-25. When he asked how they arrived, she said mostly on foot or by transit. Harriff then asked how long each visit took and she responded only a few minutes. The longest length of time would be two hours if someone was in a crisis condition. She also Ashland Historic Commission Minutes October 4, 1995 Page 5 wanted it to be known many of her clients work. Harriff then asked where most clients are residents, and she said they are from Ashland and they are not all homeless. Harriff questioned if her clients were typically the transient type who would arrive after hours and have no where to go. Crader answered she has not had any clients like that. She then added she has had special training sessions with the Police Department for information sharing. Pauline Sullivan stated that people tend to fear the unknown, and are not comfortable with this application because they haven't experienced anything like it themselves. Doris Kimball suggested Commissioners and neighbors visit the ICCA office in order to base their decisions on fact rather than fear. Lewis agreed and said the Planning Commission members should make a point of visiting the existing office on Clark Avenue and Harmony Lane in the Seventh Day Adventist facility. Emerson related he feels the Railroad District has had more of an open arm policy to facilities like this in the past (Dunn House and Pinel House), and they didn't have much negative impact. There was someone there, however, 24 hours a day. He said he is bothered by the lack of residential use. Harriff asserted the property probably would not be sold for residential use no matter what. The neighbors would have to change the zoning. Lewis fears the realtors have already written off the street as residential. Mitchell maintained the Commission needs to listen to the citizens and the Railroad Plan. With all the time and effort put into the Plan, what's the point if no one listens? When asked about revocation, Knox said the neighbors could complain. Harriff and Emerson suggested the Conditional Use Permit be approved for one year, then reviewed again. Lewis agreed and said the neighbors would feel better knowing there would be some recourse if they had problems with the operation. Harriff asserted this is not an "unknown". He has seen many homeless people, but the clients involved with ICCA are those on the margin who are trying to get out of the hole. He also does not feel there would be traffic congestion because most of these people walk. Harriff then moved to recommend approval of this action to the Planning Commission with the condition it be reviewed in one year, and also the condition the wheelchair ramp be subject to approval by the Review Board. Emerson seconded the motion. Chambers maintained the need to say something about all the letters received. Harriff withdrew his motion (Emerson withdrew his second) to ask about the recourse of the Conditional Use Permit if there are serious problems and a year is not up. Knox said if there are valid complaints, Staff will investigate and the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing. Harriff then resubmitted his motion and Lewis seconded. Chambers said he still had concerns and felt the criteria had not been met except by verbal assurance. Knox reiterated there will be a review by the Planning Commission based on complaints by the neighbors. Staff will also provide evidence. The motion carried with Skibby, Harriff, Lewis and Emerson voting aye, and Chambers and Mitchell voting nay. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes October 4, 1995 Page 6 BUILDING PERMITS Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of September follow: 882 "B" Street 157 North Main Street 151 Wimer Street 415.Lithia Way Lance/Annette Pugh Glenn/Debra Lunchies Lee Goebel Rogue Federal Credit Union Garage Conv. Reroof Reroof Sign REVIEW BOARD Following is the schedule (until the next meeting) for the Review Board, which meets every Thursday from 3:00 to at least 3:30 p.m. in the Planning Department: October 5 October 12 October 19 October 26 November 2 Skibby and Harriff Cardinale, Lewis and Skibby Lewis, Mitchell and Skibby Cardinale, Lewis, Harriff and Skibby Cardinale, Mitchell, Skibby and Chambers OLD BUSINESS Street Naming Committee Skibby reported the next meeting will be October 25th at 4:00 p.m. in the Gresham Room (at the library). NEW BUSINESS "B" Street Development Emerson commented on the Fred Cox development between "A" and "B" Streets, which has been appealed to the City Council. Even though the majority of the development is not in the Historic District (and therefore, was not formally discussed at a regular meeting), the access is in the District. Emerson said that he attended the City Council meeting as Historic Commission liaison because of concerns raised in a previous Commission meeting that "A" Street will never be a through street if approved as proposed. It is the Commission's conviction the private drive should line up with "A" Street. Hauck noted the developer waived the 120 day requirement for a decision, and that it will be heard at the October 17th City Council meeting. Applegate Trail Marker Skibby reported since the Applegate Trail Marker has not been placed yet, he would like to see it situated in the rose garden in the new Railroad Park (as previously approved by the Commission) and dedicated on Heritage Sunday, which will be June 30, 1996. Heritage Ashland Histo.ric Commission Minutes October 4, 1995 Page 7 Sunday will be focusing on the Applegate Trail since it will be the 150th anniversary in 1996. He also noted a wagon train will be coming through on the Applegate Trail (not on Heritage Sunday) and stopping at the museum. Emerson moved and Mitchell seconded to dedicate the Applegate Trail Marker on Heritage Sunday, June 30, 1996, and encourage the City to take part in the celebration. The motion passed unanimously. Historic Plaza Area Emerson said he would like to entertain the idea of submitting the "Historic Plaza" area to the National Register. The area would encompass the two fountains and can be seen in old photos. He asserted someone on the Historic Commission should take this on and learn how to research nominations. Skibby noted it takes a tremendous amount of research for nominations and said that as with the cemetery, there may be funds available in the future. Knox volunteered to write a grant proposal. Emerson emphasized the importance of only including the original plaza area, not the entire area as it is today. Southern Oregon Historical Society Lewis said he, along with Steve Hauck, Brent Thompson and Brian Almquist, will be meeting with Southern Oregon Historical Society in order to discuss the feasibility of relocating a presence in Ashland. He will report at the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT With a motion by Skibby and second by Emerson, it was the unanimous decision of the Commission to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 p.m. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes October 4, 1995 Page 8 ASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION Agenda October 4, 1995 L III. Ire CALL TO ORDER: 7:30 p.m. -ASHLAND COMMUNITY CENTER 59 Winburn Way APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 6, 1995 STAFF REPORTS: PLANNING ACTION 95-099 is a request for a Site Review and Conditional Use Permit to construct a professional office at 493 North Main Street. ~1 Variance is being requested to reduce a rear and side yard setback from ten feet to six feet. Comprehensive Plan Designation: Multi-Family Residential; Zoning: R-2; ~lssessor's Map #: 5DA; Tax Lot: 6900. APPLICANT: Catalina Physical Therapy Building PLANNING ACTION 95-101 is a request for a Conditional Use Permit for a professional office (counseling) at 144 No. Second Street. The office will provide a variety of services for disadvantaged families and individuals in the ~lshland arec~ Comprehensive Plan Designation: Multi-Family Residential; Zoning: R-2; Assessor's Map #: 9BA; Tax Lot 9200. APPLICANT: Interfaith Care Community of Ashland (ICCA) OLD BUSINESS: A. Review Board ~ Appointments/Volunteers B. Street Naming Committee Meeting Update C. Other NEW BUSINESS VI. ADJOURNMENT