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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-07-07 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION Minutes July 7, 1993 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lewis at 7:38 p.m. Members present were Jim Lewis, Terry Skibby, Le Hook, H.L. Wood, Dana Johnson, Keith Chambers and Steve Ennis. Also present were Associate Planner Bill Molnar, Secretary Sonja Akerman, and City Council Liaison Pat Acklin. Nan Hannon and Jane Dancer were absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Johnson moved and Ennis seconded the Minutes of the June 2, 1993 meeting be approved as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. STAFF REPORTS PA 93-087 Site Review 746 "C" Street Phyllis Sanderson Molnar explained this application is to convert the detached garage at the rear of the property off the alley to a small studio apartment. One parking space off the alley is required and it will need to be improved with either brick or grass pavers. The only exterior changes will be the addition of an exterior door on the west side, and a window and sliding glass door on the east side. Phyllis Sanderson said there will be no changes on the alley side. When Skibby questioned her about the trim and siding, she stated it will match the existing trim and vertical siding. Johnson moved to recommend approval of this proposal to the Planning Commission. Skibby seconded the motion and it was unanimously passed. PA 93-090 Site Review 58 East Main Street Allan Sandier This was called up for a public hearing. It will be heard in August. PA 93-097 Site Review North Side of "A" Street at end of Second Street John Fields Molnar related this application is for a new 5,100 square foot commercial building. It complies well with the Site Design and Use Standards, and Staff has administratively approved it. Skibby stated this is a good example of what the Commission likes to see. Molnar remarked the only additional condition would be the pedestrian scale lighting along "A" Street shall not exceed 14 feet. Johnson questioned the color and the Commission agreed the color scheme should be discussed at a Review Board meeting. Ennis mentioned required handicapped parking and Molnar said it will be one of the conditions. (Hook arrived at this time - 7:52.) The Commission discussed the entryway and agreed it is important to have it located off "A" Street. Skibby then moved to recommend approval of this action with the conditions the applicant address the color scheme, handicapped parking and provide more detail on the front entrance. Chambers seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. PA 93-092 Conditional Use Permit 247 North Second Street Kevin Cooke There was a previously approved Conditional Use Permit for this site for a portion of the building to be used as office space. This proposal, explained Molnar, is to construct an 1,100 square foot yoga studio, which will offer two classes a day, with six to ten students per class. Three parking spaces off the alley will be provided, and they will be required to be improved either with grass pavers or brick. At the pre-application conference, the applicant had proposed a two story building, however, Staff had said it couldn't support that. Therefore, the applicants came to at least one Review Board meeting and revised the plans for a one story building. The property could accommodate another residence, so the differences need to be weighed. If approved, the approval would only be for the yoga studio. Any other use would require a new Conditional Use Permit. On the positive side, the applicant will also be renting the existing house on the property. Skibby questioned what would happen if the property were sold. Molnar said clarification would be needed from the City Attorney, but it would seem if the applicant stopped leasing Ashland Historic Commission Minutes July 7, 1993 Page 2 the property, it could void the Conditional Use Permit. Skibby said he has talked with the applicant and received a positive impression. The applicant is sensitive to the area and willing to work with the City. Ennis remarked it is difficult to follow up on the encouragement of the applicant for students walking/biking to the classes, and feels this could have a more intensive use than the target use. Molnar commented a yoga studio is not specific in the ordinance, but the ordinance gives the Planning Commission authority to make decisions. The application is consistent with the yoga studio on Beach Street. He added it is possible to place a maximum number of students as a condition. Acklin interjected the State transportation rules will soon be upon us and will not require as many parking spaces in order to promote alternative transportation. Skibby said more parking on the alley would have more of an impact. The Commission then discussed the fact that half the alley is already paved, but the half of the alley toward First Street is not. The parking, as drawn on the site plan, is diagonal, which will encourage people to drive the entire length of the alley. If the parking were straight in, people could go back out onto Second Street. Hook stated he would like to see the stipulation that the siding, windows, roof, and trim all match the existing house, rather than just be "compatible with the house". The Commission agreed the window proportions should also match the existing house. Lewis questioned the potential resale of the structure and the conversion to a residence. Molnar stated nothing will 'be done inside to preclude the conversion. Ennis questioned the ten foot setback in the rear. Molnar answered the studio could comply with accessory structures, whereby the setback would be three feet. Ennis commented fire and life safety requires a five foot setback in order to have windows on that side. Molnar maintained that in terms of future residential uses, the setback should be ten feet. Ennis then questioned Hook what the Alley Committee would prefer as far as parking on the alley was concerned. Hook said it would be better to have perpendicular parking if possible. Ennis then moved to recommend approval of this application with the following conditions: 1) the maximum number of students be ten, as stated by the applicant; 2) the maximum number of classes be two per day, Monday through Friday, as stated by the applicant; 3) the building materials include composition shingles, horizontal siding, wood double hung windows, and trim to be similar to existing house; 4) the applicant come to a Review Board meeting to present the details; and 5) the applicant design the three parking spaces to be perpendicular to the alley, with depth to comply with Planning requirements so as to encourage cars to return to Second Street upon leaving the spaces. Hook seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes July 7, 1993 Page 3 PA 93-093 Site Review Northeast Corner of Fifth and "A" Streets J. Ellen Austin Molnar explained this application is for a two story, 5,500 square feet structure, with 2,300 square feet of commercial space and 3,000 square feet of residential space. Staff is pleased with the look of the building. J. Ellen Austin stated she has come into several problems with banks and insurance companies because the building is both commercial and residential. Because it is zoned E-l, the banks would like it strictly commercial, but the intent of that zoning is to have both. She has talked with five different banks and because this is a hybrid project, it can't be packaged out and she can't get a loan. She wants the City to be aware of the problem. She also stated she will probably have to do this project in two stages and reduce the building to two residential units. She then described changes she would have to make in the plans. After discussing drawbacks of the lending institutions and design modifications, Ms. Austin withdrew her application, and stated she will resubmit it for the next meeting. The Historic Commission will send a memo to the Planning Commission regarding the difficulties of obtaining financing through lending institions for commercial/residential uses. The Commission liked Austin's concept, but felt the streetscape needed attention. PA 93-095 Outline Plan Approval Scenic Drive Access John Barton/Bruce and Pokii Roberts Molnar explained the applicants are proposing a 12 lot subdivision of 7.6 acres of hillside property with various degrees of slope, from 15% to 40%. There will be 11 new lots and the lot off Scenic Drive which includes an existing home. The new driveway off Scenic will be a public street to the cul-de-sac (as shown on the map), and will have two private drives continue from it. The property is in the wildfire zone, so hydrants are required which will need to meet the required flow. The base density given to the property is 18 lots, and the applicants are proposing 12. Since it is hillside property, however, impacts need to be minimized. One of the main concerns is the 1,000 foot private drive to serve lots within a couple hundred feet of the cul-de-sac. Ditch Road is on the open space plan and will eventually be pedestrian/bike oriented. Another concern is the perpendicular parking on the street. Staff is advising some of the spaces be converted to parallel spaces and removing some also. Staff is not recommending approval at this point. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes July 7, 1993 Page 4 The Commission discussed slope, terracing, retaining walls, the hillside, etc. Although most of the property is outside the Historic District, it is all very visible from the majority of the District. Marc Brown, 171 Church Street, said his back lot is just below and parallels Scenic where the new access drive is proposed and he has several concerns. He then quoted from the Staff Report about the visibility of the site. He agrees the construction should disturb the hillside topography and vegetation as little as possible. He is also concerned with the 1,000 foot private road and the cul-de-sac, especially with the visual impact from not only his neighborhood, but also from downtown. He also stated the applicant did not draw in all existing structures in the area, and cited Lorraine Whitten's garage as one. Chambers questioned Molnar about accessing the development off Logan Drive. He answered that in 1991, the applicant received approval for a five lot subdivision, with his purchase of lot 10 which would allow him to go through to his property from Logan Drive. Chambers said he is concerned with the tiny inaccessible open space. Molnar said this is also a City concern. The open space will be owned and maintained by owners in the subdivision, but it is unclear how it will be accessed. This has not yet been discussed with the applicants. Ron Thurner, 1170 Bellview Avenue, said not only should the Staff Report be considered, but also the town and the impact it will have on the Historic District. He feels it will have major impacts, however they are difficult to judge because the application is incomplete. He also doesn't see it as appropriate. He is not opposed to new construction, but this development is not compatible. Scenic Drive is not the only available access for this project, and that needs to be checked out. He also feels this is taking advantage of the Performance Standards Option to maximize the property. Lacking are street design and landscaping, even though they are not required until the Final Plan is turned in. These will directly affect the impact, so they are relevant now. He also would like to know such details as what kind of impact new street lights will have on the existing homes in the area. The design should attempt to minimize the impact and he can't understand how anyone can appreciate this design of the project. Hook asked if the applicant should work more with Staff before it is heard? Molnar stated criteria C, regarding natural features, needs to be modified. Hook contended the proposal should be rejected and sent back to Staff to work more specifically with concerns already mentioned. Thurner added he believes there is a great deal more than Staff concerns at this point. The burden falls with the applicant and he would hope to limit the concerns with Staff and neighbors. Ed Brubaker, 197 Nutley Street, said he is also concerned with the look of Ashland from the downtown area. Twelve buildings up on the hill will look ridiculous. Two or three Ashland Historic Commission Minutes July 7, 1993 Page 5 would be alright, but certainly not twelve. Chambers questioned Brubaker about access off Nutley. Brubaker said there is an access road which is not on the map, but as far as he knows, it is to remain open for property off Scenic Drive. This is in the form of an easement he and other neighbors have. He was approached at one time by the applicant regarding this, but he didn't want to sell the easement because he would lose part of his house and a tree. Skibby commented there are too many unanswered questions. Hook moved to recommend denial of the application and send it back to Staff in order for the applicant to address concerns previously mentioned. Chambers seconded the motion, then amended it to include, but not limit items to be addressed: 1) viewscape from downtown, 2) location and access of open space, 3) building envelopes, 4) possible reduction in number of lots; and 5) access off Scenic Drive v. Logan Drive. Johnson seconded the amendment. The motion carried, with all voting aye except Hook. BUILDING PERMITS Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of June follow: 127 Strawberry Lane Michael Sanford Addition 126 Nursery Street Brent Thompson Roof Deck 501 Allison Street Daniel Greenblatt Remodel Attic 291 Gresham Street Steve Faro Remodel & Addition 70 Water Street Bob & Ann Clouse Revision of Addition 150 Susan Lane Michael Wyer Remodel & Addition 261 West Hersey Street Audrey Sochor Remodel 366 "B" Street Steve & Doreen Johnson SFR 370 "B" Street Steve & Doreen Johnson Apartment/Garage 126 Nursery Street Brent Thompson Remodel 482 Iowa Street Roanne Lyall Fourplex 482 Iowa Street Roanne Lyall Duplex 482 Iowa Street Roanne Lyall Laundry Room 116 Lithia Way Grizzly Realty, Inc. Sign 169 East Main Street Udderly's Fresh Yogurts Sign 486 Siskiyou Boulevard Grape Vine Inn Sign REVIEW BOARD Following is the schedule (until the next meeting) for the Review Board, which meets every Thursday at least from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the Planning Department: July 8 July 15 Skibby, Chambers and Wood Skibby, Hook, Lewis, Johnson, Chambers and Ennis Ashland Historic Commission Minutes July 7, 1993 Page 6 July 22 July 29 Skibby, Hook, Lewis and Wood Skibby, Johnson and Wood OLD BUSINESS Loss of Residential Housine Ennis discussed John McLaughlin's memo regarding CUPs in the Historic Interest area. Because of understaffing and other priorities, this has been put on hold. The Commission does not want to let this drop. The general direction of the subcommittee's proposal is opposite of what the City Council has in mind, as it is too restrictive. Molnar said State law requires ordinances to be clear and objective. Livability is difficult to define. Chambers said he is concerned that they have been wasting their time, however he feels they have tapped into something real. Molnar said Planning Commissioner Susan Powell brought up her frustration at the Joint Study Session meeting with the City Council about getting nowhere on this. Rob Winthrop said it could be initiated with a Resolution passed by the Council to begin public hearings. Molnar related he feels McLaughlin wants to look at the overall Railroad District in general. Lewis said the special area plan for the Railroad District is #7 on the priority list, and it may be possible to incorporate this. Chambers suggested writing a letter to McLaughlin to this effect. Lewis suggested obtaining a consensus with allied groups also. Cemetery Nominations to National Register A memo was sent to the City Council regarding the progress of the nomination. Heritage Sunday Skibby said between 50-60 people attended Heritage Sunday at Lincoln School. Southern Oregon Historical Society brought artifacts and a video on wagon trains. Also, Bill Emerson had transferred information from the 1800's map onto a current map regarding the location of the Applegate Trail. Goal Setting/Orientation Meeting The meeting will be July 19th. A memo will be sent to the members as a reminder. De Facto Demolitions The virtual demolition of the house on Rock Street was discussed, along with the implications of effect on the 20 year portion of the B & B ordinance. Molnar said there is a loophole regarding the percentage of what needs to remain. It is not currently specified. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes July 7, 1993 Page 7 NEW BUSINESS Election of Officers Hook moved and Johnson seconded to retain Lewis as Chairperson. The motion was unanimously passed. Hook then moved to retain Skibby as Vice Chairperson and Planning Commission Liaison, and to nominate Wood as City Council Liaison. Johnson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Relocation of Community Development Skibby informed the Commission that the Department of Community Development has been designated to move to a new building behind the Council Chambers. He said the downtown location is critical. The Review Board meets once a week in the Planning Office to review plans and sign permits. Oftentimes, it is important to go to the site, which can usually be accomplished by walking. The new building would be out of the Historic District. Lewis said he has no argument about the new building, but the question is who should use it. There is no doubt the Planning Office is short for space. The Commission agreed Planning is part of downtown and the difference would be noticeable. Hook moved to have the Historic Commission go on record to not move the Department of Community Development out of the downtown area and Historic District. Ennis seconded the motion. The motion carried with all voting aye except Johnson, who abstained. ADJOURNMENT It was the unanimous decision of the Commission to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 p.m. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes July 7, 1993 Page 8