HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-08-05 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Minutes
August 5, 1992
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairperson Terry Skibby at 7:40 p.m. Members
present were Terry Skibby, Le Hook, Jean MacKenzie, Dana Johnson, Jane Dancer and
Deane Bradshaw. Also present were Assistant Planner Kristen Cochran and Secretary Sonja
Akerman. Members Jim Lewis, Keith Chambers and Steve Ennis were absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Johnson moved and Dancer seconded to approve the Minutes of the July 8, 1992 meeting
as mailed. The motion was unanimously passed.
STAFF REPORTS
Cochran stated PA 92-088 has been called up for a public hearing; therefore, it will be
heard during the September meeting.
PA 92-093
Conditional Use Permit and Variance
366 "B" Street
Steve and Doreen Johnson
Cochran stated the applicants are applying to locate a traveller's accommodation on a
vacant lot. The structure that had previously occupied the lot had burned a couple years
ago. The Variance is required because the applicants' new structure will not be the
required 20 years old. She went on to say Staff is concerned with three issues. The first is
that a new structure will be built on a vacant lot. A single family residence is a permitted
use; a B & B is not a permitted use. The second issue is that this application cannot meet
the 20 year requirement. This criteria was added last year, with the intent new hotels are
not built in residential neighborhoods. The third issue is the design. In Staff's opinion, the
design of the house is an imitation of an old design which will utilize new materials.
Although the applicants have put in a lot of time and money into this application, Staff is
recommending denial because it does not meet the criteria. It will be heard by the full
Planning Commission and Historic Commission feedback is necessary.
Johnson stated the Review Board encouraged the design and she feels the house will fit well
into the neighborhood.
Doreen Johnson said this was the first she had heard about not wanting an old looking
structure. She wants to live in the Railroad District and wants the new structure to look
somewhat historic. She feels her proposal, including the design, will fit into the community.
She also said she made a painstaking effort to design a house that was not modern. She
wanted it to fit in and still preserve the historic integrity of the neighborhood. She went on
to say when people put together regulations, it is to have an end purpose, and the end
purpose is to protect and preserve the neighborhood.
Steve Johnson stated imitation was the furthest thing from their minds. In fact, they hired
an architect and went to a lot of work to not make an imitation and were careful to not
make the design ornate. He also went to the neighbors and showed them the plans. There
were no negative comments.
Cochran stated Staff is mostly concerned with what happened farther down "B" Street with
the Craftsman house that ended up overpowering the entire street. Steve Johnson said they
are willing to work 100% with the Historic Commission and will make any necessary
modifications.
Bradshaw commented the style of the house is fine and will fit into the neighborhood. In
her personal opinion, the Johnsons would not let the house overwhelm the neighborhood,
as they have already been to the Review Board numerous times. She also feels the 20 year
rule is a good one, but each case needs to be discussed individually. The Railroad District
would get a nice looking house with a family, and this would make a major contribution to
the community.
Skibby said he does not feel the design is an imitation. Johnson commended the Johnsons
for the work they have put in to this project. She felt they have been very honest and have
worked with the Commission. The whole concept is a positive one for Ashland.
Hook also commended the Johnsons and stated he likes the design. He said there is a hole
on the block now. He disagreed with Staff's interpretation of the guidelines regarding
imitation. He did, however, have a problem with the scale. It looks like it will be 15 feet
higher than the two houses on either side. Some flexibility with the 20 year rule is needed.
Bill Emerson (who was in the audience for another matter), interjected a truncated hip roof
would bring down the height (the Johnsons agreed) and also acknowledged the design was
nice.
Skibby remarked the fire left a void on the block and feels the proposal would be an asset.
He then questioned if a portion of the fire damaged house was saved, could it have been
rebuilt and would it have met the criteria. Cochran stated it would have met the criteria.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
August 5, 1992
Page 2
Skibby also felt it was not a duplication of any existing house, then stated he would like to
see a scale of the block which would include the proposed house.
Dancer stated the design is a style of architecture, not an imitation. Also, the structure will
primarily be a residence; the B & B is secondary.
Bradshaw said the intent for the 20 year rule is good, but that it does not necessarily apply
here. The applicants want to build a nice house and the only way they can do it is to get
some money in return. Because of this, she feels the Johnson's property rights will be
preserved. Otherwise, they would have to build something less.
Johnson added the neighbors back this proposal and have signed in support.
Skibby said this is not self imposed because of the fire and the owner at the time was
required to demolish what was left because it was a hazard. He agreed the 20 year rule is
important, but felt the criteria has been met.
After discussion, the Commission agreed there should be no question the Conditional Use
Permit criteria had been met by the applicants. Cochran clarified Staff's interpretation of
property rights, stating a single family residence would be allowed outright on the lot, so
property rights are not in jeopardy. It is an allowed use, not one that is only permitted
conditionally. Although seemingly more difficult to meet, it was also agreed the criteria for
a Variance have been met:
1. The applicants have made a good case for this.
2~
As far as property rights are concerned, the Johnsons would like to build a
nice house that will fit into the neighborhood. In order to afford this, they
need to get some money back. The best way they can do this is to build a
traveller's accommodation. The applicants' property rights will be preserved
because they can build a nice house.
3~
The design fits right in with the neighborhood; it will fill a hole that was left
from the demolition of the fire damaged house; and the neighbors which
would be most directly impacted, have signed in support.
4~
The circumstances have not been self-imposed because it is under different
ownership than when the fire occurred.
Hook moved to recommend approval of this application to the Planning Commission on the
grounds that all the criteria has been met, and that the 20 year requirement be waived in
this case. MacKenzie seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
August 5, 1992
Page 3
PA 92-095
Site Review
482 Iowa Street
Roanne Lyall
Cochran stated this application is for the construction of six multi-family units in two
buildings (four units in one, and two in the other). The existing house will be remodeled
and expanded. Parking will be off the alley and in a parking area.
Bill Emerson, who was representing Roanne Lyall, presented elevations. The units, he
clarified, will be flats (two on top and two on the bottom), because of the slope of the
property. He said he has not had a chance to work on the existing house yet, but verified
he will work with the Commission on that.
Cochran explained the Commission should look at the Site Review for the concept, and that
the actual building permits will come back to the Review Board for approval. She also
declared the alley will be required to be paved because of its steepness and drainage (a
portion has already been paved).
In answer to Skibby's questions on existing trees, Emerson explained one of the smaller
trees may be lost, but every effort will be made to maintain the larger ones.
Hook asserted his position on alley paving, which he will recommend against every time
until the Council resolves this issue, even though this is one case that probably warrants
paving.
Emerson continued to say the landscaping has been designed with drought resistant plants.
The owner will live in the existing house once it has been remodeled and enlarged.
Composition shingles will be used on the roof. He was unsure what the siding will be (it
is currently sided with aluminum). The fireplace will be removed, and the windows will be
replaced (without grids), probably with single or double hung. He also added he is
recommending square posts and not wrought iron on the front porch.
When Hook questioned Emerson about saving the tree in the alley if it were paved, he
answered he felt it could.
Skibby said he agrees with Hook regarding the alley, and is concerned about the trees. Also
the existing house design should be as original as possible. The earliest siding should be
restored if feasible, and vinyl or aluminum should not be used.
Hook moved to recommend approval of the proposal with the following conditions: 1) alley
not be paved until such time as comprehensive plan for all alleys in the City be addressed
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
August 5, 1992
Page 4
by the Council (but have owner sign in favor of improvements); 2) any addition to the
existing house would have horizontal siding (not vinyl or aluminum); 3) the owner trust
Emerson's judgement on windows; and 4) the two large trees be saved and any other
existing ones if possible. Dancer seconded the motion and it was unanimously passed.
PUBLIC HEARING
ASHLAND HERITAGE LANDMARKS LIST
550 East Main Street
568 East Main Street
586 East Main Street
598 East Main Street
No one was present in the audience regarding this hearing.
It was noted a letter had been received requesting deletion of 598 East Main Street from
the list. The Commission felt, however, not enough evidence was submitted to warrant
deletion.
Bradshaw moved and Hook seconded to recommend Council add the four properties to the
Ashland Heritage Landmarks List. The motion was unanimously passed.
PA 92-089
Conditional Use Permit
128 Manzanita Street
Bill and Henriette Brecheisen
Cochran explained there are two existing structures on the property. The smaller one was
built for the owner's office/shop space. Since it does not currently meet the habitable
square footage requirement, an area behind the carport will be blocked off for extra storage
space and garage. It will be necessary for the owners to sign an agreement stating that area
will never be used as habitable space. A Minor Land Partition is not possible since there
is not enough square footage.
Hook said one of the positive aspects is that it increases affordable rentals.
Johnson questioned the deed restriction. Cochran said it will go with the property.
Bradshaw moved to recommend approval of this application with the qualifying factor the
extra square footage be converted into garage space, and follow through with the deed
restriction. Johnson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
August 5, 1992
Page 5
BUILDING PERMITS
Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of
July follow:
477 Fairview Street
63 Bush Street
266 N. Second Street
267 Eighth Street
79 Nutley Street
121 Union Street
574 East Main Street
228 "B" Street
180 Alida Street
1023 East Main Street
264-C East Main Street
42 East Main Street
41 North Main Street
45 North Main Street
115 East Main Street
300 North Pioneer Street
163 East Main Street
Joe Marinez
Robbin Foster
Roger Funk
Kenneth McCulloh
Ralph Crumme
Gerald Sessions
Bob Burton
John Ferguson
Bryce Johnson
Bob and Diane Ellis
Kate's Casuals
Red's Threads
Players
Deli LaFrance
Trapeze
Town Hall
Ashland Camera
Deck
Remodel/Addition
Shop
Addition
Dormer
Addition/Remodel
Roof Alteration
Demolish Roof
Addition/Remodel
Porch Reconstruction
Sign
Sign
Sign
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:
August 6
August 13
August 20
August 27
Skibby and Dancer
Skibby, Hook and Johnson
Skibby, MacKenzie, Hook and Johnson
Skibby, MacKenzie and Dancer
OLD BUSINESS
Goals
.
SAVE THE GRANITE STREET FOUNTAIN. Continue to work toward saving the
fountain or replacing it with the one in storage.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
August 5, 1992
Page 6
.
REGISTER STATUS P~4MPHLET. Explanation of the National Register, what to
expect from being placed on it, questions and answers, etc. Also, an explanation of
special assessment would be helpful.
o
CLEANING OF STATUEATLIBRARY. Research cleaning agents (talk with Jeffrey
Bernard), talk with City crews regarding regularly scheduled cleanings, find out if
funding is available, obtain regular water for fountain.
SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR. Develop a pamphlet with maps and descriptions
of structures for self guided tours, similar to park guide. Research grant possibilities.
o
ASHLAND CEMETERY. Research possibility of National Register status,
photograph headstones, secure headstones, document by looking at information on
each headstone, find out if school class would be interested.
The above goals were approved at the Goal Setting/Orientation dinner.
National Register information will be solicited from SHPO in order to begin the brochure.
MacKenzie informed the Commission she had met with Jeffrey Bernard regarding the
fountain at the library. He can clean the entire fountain for $200 (plus the rent of the
scaffolding). He also recommended it be kept cleaned. They both felt a bronze placque
should be placed where there is a hole where the Lithia water plumbing was once located.
MacKenzie has also contacted Gerald Fowler, who was the plumber for the Perozzi
Fountain. He will submit a bid for one basin and one fountain. Bernard and MacKenzie
both agree a floodlight should be put in, especially since the wiring is already there.
A letter was received from Kay Atwood, who would like the opportunity to prepare a
nomination for the Ashland Cemetery. The Commission was excited about the letter and
will invite her to the September meeting.
Skibby and Bradshaw will be working on the walking tour brochure.
There was nothing new to present on the Granite Street fountain or the loss of rental
housing in the Historic District.
NEW BUSINESS
Special Assessment
With a motion by Bradshaw and second by MacKenzie, it was the unanimous decision of
the Commission to recommend special assessment be approved for the Peerless Rooms at
243 Fourth Street.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
August 5, 1992
Page 7
Mark Antony
A copy of a letter written to Dennis Slattery about the copper marquee was received from
SHPO. Cochran stated she had talked with Mr. Slattery, who will come in to speak with the
Commission. He wants to do things right. Skibby will find photos of the Mark Antony
around the time it was accepted to the National Register.
Media
Dancer discussed recent articles that have appeared in the newspapers. She felt the
interpretation of the Historic Commission was not accurate, and that they implied the
Commission was not impartial. It was decided personal and Commission view need to be
made more clear. Lewis will be the spokesperson for the Commission on most matters.
Skibby will be the spokesperson for matters regarding the Railroad Park.
ADJOURNMENT
It was the unanimous decision of the Commission to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 p.m.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
August 5, 1992
Page 8