HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-10-07 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Minutes
October 7, 1992
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lewis at 7:37 p.m. Members present
were Jim Lewis, Terry Skibby, Le Hook, Jean MacKenzie, Jane Dancer, Keith Chambers
and Steve Ennis. Also present were Assistant Planner Kristen Cochran and Secretary Sonja
Akerman. Dana Johnson was absent. Deane Bradshaw resigned.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Lewis said the second paragraph under 92-101 on page 3 should read Fifth Street rather
than "B" Street. Hook moved and MacKenzie seconded to approve the Minutes of the
September 2, 1992 meeting as corrected. The motion was unanimously passed.
STAFF REPORTS
PA 92-112
Minor Land Partition
160 Scenic Drive
Gere Brown
Cochran explained the applicant has met all the criteria for this Minor Land Partition and
Staff is recommending approval. One of the conditions will be the applicant pave her
frontage on the right-of-way of Bush Street.
Dale Hofer, Engineer for the applicant, explained the existing swimming pool will be on the
new lot. Access will be off Scenic where the unimproved Bush Street comes in. This access
also serves the adjacent property. The applicant utilized the flag lot principal abutting a
right-of-way because of the slope and configuration of the lot. He feels the partition will
enhance the area rather than obscure it.
Building envelope, setbacks and solar were discussed. It was agreed the view from Scenic
Drive will be maintained.
Skibby moved and Hook seconded to recommend approval of this action. The motion
passed unanimously.
PA 92-113
Traveller's Accommodation
486 Allison Street
Patsy Breyman
Cochran stated this application is for a one-unit B & B (which will be upstairs), plus the
downstairs owners' unit. The three existing parking spaces off the alley will be required to
be improved (concrete, grass pavers or asphalt). Alley paving will be deferred for one year,
but the owners will be required to sign in favor of the paving.
The Commission discussed alternatives to paving and various methods of the parking space
improvements. Everyone agreed with the paving deferment. Since it looks as though
parking will have to be diagonal, there should be some sort of indication for the lot.
Chambers moved to recommend approval of this application. With a second by Dancer, the
motion was unanimously approved.
PA 92-101
Conditional Use Permit
223 Fifth Street
Cooper/Silverman
Cochran declared the application remains the same and Staff is maintaining its
recommendation of approval. Letters from the applicants have been received, one with a
drawing of the floor plan which indicates the proposed 1,100 square feet of office space.
Parking for the offices will be day use, and the residence will be at night. Parking
requirements have been met according to the ordinance. She went on to say Staff will
continue to support this type of mixed use until the Comprehensive Plan is changed.
Chambers questioned the rationale of the requirement of providing three parking spaces for
the four offices, a receptionist, and an apartment, which is the same requirement for the
previous planning action discussed for a one-unit traveller's accommodation. Hook also had
difficulty with this, but stated one applicant had submitted a letter which said most of her
clients were from the downtown area and would most likely be on foot.
Skibby remarked he had learned a lot in the past month. The applicants have come to a
Review Board meeting and have had an open house at the site. He said it helped to go
through the house in order to see how the stairway fits in. He feels the applicants are
sensitive to the future use of the house also. He added the house was originally located
where Rocket Photo is now. It was probably moved in the 1950s when Lithia Way was
created.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
October 7, 1992
Page 2
Nola Silverman stated she would like to keep the historic nature of the house. Three offices
are needed, and it would be difficult to make the entire upstairs a residence because of the
stairway.
Larry Cooper reported he has talked with contractors about the use of the existing outside
stairs, structural issues, fire walls, etc. He also said they would like to be able to revert the
house back into a residence.
Lewis inquired about the utility porch. Lisa Cooper stated Jim Hibbert (Planning
Commissioner) had suggested making it into a laundry room to go with the residence
upstairs, and they agreed. Larry Cooper said the plan was dictated by the design of the
house. If the entire upstairs were to be used as a residence, they may have to close off the
stairway, take down the banisters and put down a floor. He apologized for not
understanding the planning process, and said he had since found out and understands
concerns of the Historic Commission.
Chambers explained the Historic Commission is not opposed to mixed use, but for him, the
idea of a good mixed use would be more of a balance between residential and commercial.
Because there would be less than 25% residential left, he would like to see the applicants
pursue a two bedroom apartment upstairs with one office space, and two offices downstairs.
Ennis agreed and added he is concerned about the intensity of use and the parking.
Lewis stated he would like to see the sixth condition of the September 8, 1992 Findings &
Orders to be the parkway as on Fifth Street rather than "B" Street.
Chambers moved to recommend approval of this application with the proviso the residential
unit upstairs be two bedrooms with one office space, and two office spaces be located on
the lower floor. Dancer seconded the motion. Cochran interjected to say the applicants are
asking for four offices with a one bedroom apartment unit. It would be difficult for the
Planning Commission to make a decision based on the motion. Larry Cooper added he
would be willing to look at that possibility but they cannot change their application at this
point. Cochran stated if the applicants decide to pursue the two bedroom apartment, it
would be a lesser use, so there should be no problem. However, the Commission needs to
address this specific planning action. Chambers withdrew his motion and Dancer withdrew
her second.
In light of the Historic Commission concerns about balanced mixed uses, Chambers then
moved to recommend approval of this application with the suggestion it would be more
appropriate to reduce office units by one and add a bedroom to the upstairs apartment.
Dancer seconded the motion and it carried with all voting aye except Ennis.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
October 7, 1992
Page 3
PA 92-117
Conditional Use Permit and Site Review
Helman Street and Lithia Way
John Warren
This application, Cochran explained is for a 12-unit motel. The land is currently vacant and
used as a parking lot for Jonathan's Restaurant. The restaurant will be closed for public use
and open for motel guests only, which will eliminate the need for the current parking lot
there. Ten parking spaces will be provided under the new building, plus he will receive
parking credit for on-street parking. Staff feels the architect has done a great job on the
design and is very supportive of this application.
Jac Nickels, architect, explained there are two pedestrian entries. There will be a rock wall,
similar to the one at the motel units across the street, which will be high enough to obscure
the cars, yet will allow ventilation for exhaust.
MacKenzie felt a three story building would box in the area. Nickels explained the site is
quite a bit lower than Jonathan's. Ennis said that although the building is attractive, it sits
on a high platform compared to the units off Church Street. Nickels responded the one
across the street is 29 units, and this is 12. Discussion ensued regarding relationship to
scale. Skibby said he felt it was a natural progression of space. Nickels, when questioned
about the height of the building, stated it was 38 feet 10 inches at the highest point. He
added street trees will be planted, along with drought resistant grass. They will also retain
some of the existing trees.
John Warren stated he would like to begin the project either this spring or the next one.
Skibby moved and Hook seconded to recommend approval of this application. Chambers
said he is concerned with the density of motels in that area and thinks the interest of the
community would be enhanced if something else were there. Ennis said he is still concerned
with the mass, especially walking up Helman Street. The motion carried with all voting aye
except Chambers and Ennis.
PA 92-121
Zone Change and Comprehensive Plan Change
150 North Pioneer Street
Stan Potocki and Bruce E. McLean
Cochran explained this application is for a Zone Change and Comprehensive Plan Change.
It is located next to the new parking lot on Pioneer Street. The house on the property is
a two story structure with offices downstairs and an apartment upstairs. According to the
applicants, the zone change is based on new conditions which exist in the area: 1)
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Minutes
October 7, 1992
Page 4
construction of the new city parking lot; 2) increased commercial traffic; 3) traffic pattern
along Pioneer Street; and 4) increase in development along Pioneer Street commercial
corridor from "A" Street to Hargadine Street. The applicants have cited a traffic study
which shows a 24-28% increase over a four year period. Staff is not taking a position either
way, as this is a highly discretional decision which will have to be made by the Planning
Commission. Staff will present both sides.
Ennis stated the traffic study could be slanted because the first study was done in May of
1988 and the second was in July of 1992. July is a much more active time of year in
Ashland.
Lewis said he is concerned with the ramifications if this property is rezoned. He feels
Planning needs to look at the entire block. How many vehicle trips a day can Pioneer Street
accept? If North Pioneer is saturated, it will impact the development potential.
Ennis stated the zone change makes good sense, but it is also a good place to stop and have
a residential buffer. Skibby added there was a residence where the parking lot is now.
Chambers said as he stood in front of the house and faced it, there was a natural residential
feel. Hook, although he could see the potential impact, felt the applicants made a strong
case for the change.
Bruce McLean related he plans on keeping the house as it is (with his office on the bottom
floor) until he retires, with an apartment upstairs.
When questioned about the need for more commercial property, Cochran stated more was
needed in the downtown area.
When asked by Chambers about the advantages of the zone change, McLean answered they
would like to build a guest cottage in the back. Cochran added they would not be required
to live on site if this were the case.
The Commission discussed buffer areas between residential and commercial, repercussions
of a zone change, and potential alterations of the structure. Chambers does not feel a zone
change is appropriate because of the increased pressure for other properties to rezone, it
would take away a natural buffer, and he doesn't see a great need. Therefore, in his
opinion, it would not be in the best interest of the Historic District. The Historic
Commission, he said, is the caretaker of the property.
Lewis again contended the Planning Commission should look at the larger area and the long
range plan. A zone change would put more potential for development on the property.
Chambers agreed and said it feels nice to have a residential area so close to downtown.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
October 7, 1992
Page 5
Skibby questioned McLean about the usage of the structure if it remained R-2. McLean
answered it would remain unchanged. The rent is low, it is nice having someone living there
at night, and they are staying there for 20 more years. The long range intent would be to
put another unit in the back. The Commission questioned Cochran about the options of
accessory units in residential areas.
Hook said he was convinced by the arguments set forth by the applicants for the zone
change. Chambers expressed the consensus of the rest of Commission as follows: 1) the
proposed zone change might have a negative impact on adjacent properties; 2) it is a
natural buffer between the R-2 zone and the parking lot which is C-l; and 3) recommend
Planning Commission look at the overall area, especially that block, if the zone change is
considered.
BUILDING PERMITS
Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of
September follow:
90 Fifth Street
97 Pine Street
125 Nob Hill Street
183 Vista Street
208 Oak Street
70 Fourth Street
389 East Main Street
North First Street
47 North Main Street
5 North Main Street
Bill Emerson
Ellen and Bob Wright
Walter Van Frick
Lars Svendsgaard
Tim Cusick and Lance Pugh
Karen Giese
Investment Management
Ashland Community Food Store
Georgio's
Small Change
Solar Air Collector
Remodel/Addition
Fire Damage
Addition
Replace Staircase
Garage Conv to Apt.
Sign
Sign
Sign
Sign
REVIEW BOARD
Following is the schedule (until the next meeting) for the Review Board, which meets every
Thursday from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the Planning Department:
October 8
October 15
October 22
October 29
MacKenzie, Lewis, Chambers and Skibby
Hook, MacKenzie and Skibby
Hook, MacKenzie, Dancer, Skibby and Lewis
Ennis, Dancer, Skibby and Chambers
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
October 7, 1992
Page 6
OLD BUSINESS
Bill Emerson
Bill emerson explained he is seeing a style of house erased before it even comes into
National Register eligibility. He referred to a house on East Main Street and one on
Hillcrest Street that have recently added overhangs, which take away from the original style
of the house. The "cottage" style is 1940s post-war, and owners have recently been changing
the style to resemble "craftsman". He submitted copies of cottage style houses, stating he
just wanted the Commission to be aware of this at Review Board meetings.
Joint Study Session
The Joint Study Session held on September 29th with the Planning Staff and Planning
Commission was discussed. Lewis related setbacks, retail areas, and residential areas in
relation to retail areas were examined.
Additions to Interim Heritage Landmarks List
Hook reported the Council unanimously accepted 550, 568, 586, and 598 East Main Street
to the Landmarks List. The Commission would like to get the list finalized.
Granite Street Fountain
Hook said Mike Morrison verified the fountain in storage was the one hit by the car near
the Methodist Church, and that it is in slightly better condition than the one on Granite
Street. It can't be hooked up to a water line using the existing pipes. MacKenzie suggested
replacing it but not hooking anything up until spring. Hook also said Morrison advised
having a blacksmith put a band around it for preservation.
(Chambers moved and MacKenzie seconded to extend the meeting beyond 10:30. The motion
passed unanimously.)
Statue at Library
MacKenzie reported she had met with the plumber and it would be cost prohibitive to
replace all the plumbing in the statue and the lines from the library. Jeffrey Bernard had
submitted a bid for cleaning the statue and had called a bronze foundry in Eugene to get
cost estimates on plaques to cover the holes. Bernard will also plan a maintenance program
to keep the statue clean. MacKenzie had also met with Electric Department Director A1
Williams about hooking into electrical wires for lights. Evidently, the overhead wires are
all computer related, but they thought there may be electric wires in the old refrigeration
unit in the statue.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
October 7, 1992
Page 7
Cemetery Nominations to National Register
A letter from Kay Atwood was received stating she has had a favorable response from
Elisabeth Potter, of the State Historic Preservation Office, to pursue a multiple nomination,
which would include additional Ashland area cemeteries. The Commission is enthusiastic
about pursuing this and will meet with Kay on a Thursday afternoon to discuss the
procedure and cost.
NEW BUSINESS
Applegate Trail
Skibby said he had talked with Dick Ackerman, of the Oregon/California Trails Association
in Salem, regarding the placement of a commemorative plaque in honor of the Applegate
Trail. The plaque would be 16"x 20" aluminum with anodized bronze on black. The Trails
Association will pay for it. The City would need to approve this plaque and come up with
the placement site. The celebration will start next March. The State Parks and SHPO will
have the final determination of the official route.
The Commission agreed this is a very nice gesture. Possible sites were discussed for the
marker. Lindsay Applegate's farm was located in the Railroad District and he is buried in
Ashland Cemetery. The marker, however, should receive as much exposure as possible, so
the Plaza and entrance to Lithia Park were also potential areas discussed. The Historic
Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council after the decision is made.
ADJOURNMENT
With a motion by Hook and second by Chambers, it was the unanimous decision of the
Commission to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 p.m.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
October 7, 1992
Page 8