HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-06-03 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Minutes
June 3, 1992
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lewis at 7:35 p.m. Members present
were Jim Lewis, Terry Skibby, Keith Chambers, Le Hook, Jean MacKenzie, Deane
Bradshaw, Dana Johnson, and Steve Ennis. Also present were Assistant Planner Kristen
Cochran, and Secretary Sonja Akerman. Member Jane Dancer was absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chambers moved and Hook seconded to approve the Minutes of the May 6, 1992 meeting
as mailed. The motion was unanimously passed.
STAFF REPORTS
PA 92-070
Conditional Use Permit
363 "B" Street
Mark and Jane Moskowitz
Cochran explained the applicants would like to convert an existing residential structure to
an office with parking in the rear. Staff feels this is an appropriate use. She distributed
copies of a letter received from John Stacy, an adjacent property owner, expressing his
concerns about parking, traffic, and non-residential uses in the immediate area. These are
also concerns of the Staff, however, since the studio apartment will remain in the back, it
is recommending approval. When questioned about alley paving, Cochran answered it will
not be required.
Ennis commented since the caretaker will be living off the alley, on evenings and weekends
the property will have the appearance of no one there. He is also concerned about increase
in traffic. Lewis stated cottage industries have been encouraged in the past and feels it
would be appropriate, especially since "B" Street is the only collector street in the Railroad
District. Skibby said traffic will remain on "B" Street because the alley will remain unpaved.
When Cochran was questioned about a saturation point of businesses in residential areas,
she answered when it gets to that point, the Historic Commission and neighbors have the
right to say "no".
Chambers expressed his frustration about affordable rentals being taken off the market at
an alarming rate. He wondered if the Planning Staff had thought about this saturation.
Bradshaw commented she is concerned about livability of the area and feels the property
will be maintained with the proposed use.
Mark Moskowitz, owner of the property, said he had lived in the house from 1979 until last
summer and has completely restored it. There is no net gain in the parking. He feels it is
a good mix because it would eliminate parking at night. The residential feel will remain.
The house next door has been a rental for years and it has been become quite run down.
He assured the Commission he will keep the residential feel and maintain the property.
When questioned by Johnson regarding the letter from the neighbor, Moskowitz stated Mr.
Stacy didn't realize parking would be located in the back, along with the studio, and the
proposed business would be a fairly small business. He stated Stacy will be sending a letter
to the Planning Department regarding this.
Hook moved to recommend approval of this application with the following conditions: 1)
there are no more than two offices, 2) the hours of business do not exceed 9:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m., and 3) that no alley paving be required. Bradshaw seconded the motion.
Discussion followed, with Chambers emphasizing the fact a house will be lost to a business.
Moskowitz stated his wife will be one of the counselors, and although they will not be living
in the house, they will still own it and maintain it. Ennis related he appreciates what
Moskowitz has done with the property, but since he lives in a rental, he knows what the loss
will be. He also stated he would be more comfortable if there were more regulations
regarding the percentage of businesses in certain areas and the city-wide problem of
affordable housing. Bradshaw addressed vacancy in rental units.
Moskowitz commented that businesses come in waves, then cited a business that was located
down the street for a number of years and now is a residence again. He added in all the
years he lived on the site, he never had a problem finding a parking space in front of his
house day or night.
Lewis stated it is important to have a mixed use, and it should be noted it could be
converted back to a residence at any time.
The motion passed, with Skibby, Bradshaw, MacKenzie, Johnson, Lewis and Hook voting
aye. Inasmuch as Chambers and Ennis opposed approval because of the loss of rental
property in the area and wanted it to be in the record, they voted nay.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
June 3, 1992
Page 2
PA 92-076
Conditional Use Permit
531 Scenic Drive
Casey Bright
Cochran stated when this property was originally partitioned, one of the conditions was that
the back portion of the house be removed. The plat was signed without this being done.
The new owner would like to restore the house and retain the back portion. Cochran said
the benefits of keeping this portion outweigh the removal.
Skibby remarked this was meant to be saved because the City Council had already approved
demolition of the structure. Bradshaw wondered if a 20 foot setback could be required for
the property to the rear (off Catalina) in order to give the applicant more space. Cochran
said this could not be done, however, parking would probably be in the back portion of that
property.
Casey Bright stated he will be remodeling and adding on to the house. Although the only
bathroom is now on the back porch, it will be moved during the remodel. This back
portion, however, includes the foundation which is a part of the house. Therefore, he is
asking to retain it.
The Commission was pleased the house will be restored.
Bradshaw moved and Chambers seconded to recommend approval of this action. The
motion passed unanimously.
PA 92-052
Conditional Use Permit
600 East Main Street and 23 Sherman Street
Carol Stanton-Farr
Cochran explained the application is for a four-unit motel (three units in the triplex and one
in the single family residence). The applicant has to provide on-site parking, which will be
located between the two structures, while maintaining the two maple trees. The only
exterior change on the structures is a stairway on the East Main house. Impact will be
considerably less than the current residential use because it will not be rented 365 days a
year.
Hook stated his concerns about losing four affordable rental units that are convenient to
downtown, and said it would directly impact the condominiums across the street. Chambers
noted the loss will be felt by the local renters rather than out of town tourists. Skibby felt
since it is located in a commercial district it would be appropriate. Bradshaw said she had
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
June 3, 1992
Page 3
been inside and it is in horrible condition, so to preserve the streetscape and improve the
interior, it should be approved. Chambers and Ennis both stated they would like to see a
strong statement made regarding affordable housing loss.
When questioned about commercial areas losing residential structures, Cochran said mixed
uses have been encouraged, especially residential/retail uses.
Lewis said he felt since the impact would be less, it would be a similar use, and the facades
and landscaping would improve, he had no problem with the approval.
Bradshaw moved to recommend approval with the following conditions: 1) the alternate
parking plan (page 11) which retains the two maple trees be utilized; 2) the sign be in scale
with those allowed for traveller's accommodations; 3) the original integrity of the houses
be maintained; 4) the shingled portion of the house not be painted; and 5) the owner
consider utilizing pavers from the curb to the parking lot. Johnson seconded the motion and
it passed with Skibby, Bradshaw, Lewis, MacKenzie and Johnson voting aye, and Hook,
Chambers and Ennis voting nay.
PA 92-071
Conditional Use Permit
60 Fifth Street
Tom Phillips
Cochran explained this is another instance of repairing the foundation on a non-conforming
structure. The existing rock foundation will be removed and replaced.
Ennis said he was concerned about damage to the mature vegetation. Lewis stated he had
given the owner a bid on the foundation, so he could give more details. (He also felt it did
not constitute a conflict of interest since only a bid had been submitted, but nothing had been
accepted.) Lewis said Phillips is very sensitive to the vegetation and will retain as much as
possible, including the large juniper and the plants in back (which will no doubt be
trampled, but not removed). The alley side could lose vegetation. The crawlspace is not
adequate so it will be brought up to code.
Hook moved to recommend approval of this application with the stipulation the owner
maintain as much vegetation as possible, including the large juniper. Skibby seconded the
motion and it was unanimously approved.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
June 3, 1992
Page 4
PA 92-072
Site Review and Variance
8 "B" Street
Phyllis Sanderson/Caroline Mohagen
Cochran explained a Site Review is required because a portion of the existing use is
changing from less intensive to more intensive, the Variance is being requested because
there is not enough space on the property to provide for parking. Staff feels since this will
not be a planned destination, parking will not be a problem. Lewis added since the property
is in the commercial zone, the owners are already paying for a local improvement district.
Skibby moved to recommend approval of this application with the provision a residence be
required in a portion of the house. With a second by Ennis, the motion was unanimously
approved.
BUILDING PERMITS
Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of
May follow:
256 Sixth Street
104 Bush Street
47 North Main Street
87 Granite Street
117 Morton Street
45 North Main Street
407 North Main Street
147 Church Street
376 "B" Street
Jim Haim
John Schweiger
NJC Corporation
Florian Szymaniak
Georgia Daniels
Tery Painter
Jed Meese
Louise Welch
Susan DeMarinas
Foundation
SFR
Interior Demolition
Windows
Remodel*
Remodel
Shade Trellis
Foundation
SFR Demolition
* Historic Commission recommended disapproval because of proposed siding.
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:
June 4
June 11
June 18
June 25
July 2
Skibby, Lewis and Johnson
Skibby, Lewis and Dancer
Skibby, MacKenzie and Ennis
Hook, Johnson and Lewis
Hook, Chambers and Skibby
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
June 3, 1992
Page 5
OLD BUSINESS
National Historic Preservation Week
Skibby reported the percentage of nominations received was low compared to the brochures
that were mailed and distributed.
It was decided the COMMERCIAL category should be clarified to let people know it also
includes residential (i.e. Bed & Breakfast accommodations). The Commission also agreed
a new category should be added >> HISTORICALLY COMPATIBLE NEW CONSTRUCTION.
Bradshaw added there was a good response to the tours.
Fountain on Corner of Granite and Nutle¥ Streets
Lewis stated the City has a replica of this fountain at the water treatment plant. He will
check out the condition, along with replacement costs. Ennis suggested restoring the
exterior but using compatible interior parts with the fountains downtown.
Chambers proposed the Commission enlist the help of a service club to take on the project.
Hook will investigate this.
The Commission agreed it should request Public Works take no action at this time, as it
would be in the best interest (historically) of the City to get the existing fountain serviceable.
(Hook moved and Lewis seconded to extend the meeting beyond 10:30 p.m. The motion passed
unanimously.)
NEW BUSINESS
Election of Officers
Chambers moved and MacKenzie seconded to retain Lewis as Chairperson, and Skibby as
Vice Chairperson and Planning Commission Liaison. The motion was unanimously passed.
Chambers then moved to nominate Hook as Council Liaison. Bradshaw seconded the
motion and it was unanimously passed.
Goal Setting/Orientation Dinner Meeting
It was decided to hold this meeting on July 9th in the Dankook Room at SOSC.
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Minutes
June 3, 1992
Page 6
Cultural Resource Inventory
Hook moved to formally accept George Kramer's research for the additions to the Ashland
Cultural Resource Inventory, request the City Council to add this to the interim list, and
forward to the State Historic Preservation Office. Chambers seconded the motion and it
was unanimously passed.
Rental Housing Loss Issue
Ennis and Chambers will draft a letter which will be sent to the Planning Commission
regarding loss of rental housing to businesses in residential areas of the Historic District.
The letter will be ready for the next meeting.
Heritage Sunday
Skibby reported the Ashland Heritage Committee will hold its annual Heritage Sunday on
June 28th. The subject will be Remember Railroading. Photo displays will be located at the
Old Depot on the corner of 5th and "A" Streets, there will be walking tours, and an open
house at 248 Fifth Street.
Chautaugua Wall
Akerman noted Kay Atwood had called commending OSFA for the fine work it has done
in rebuilding and restoring the Chautaugua Wall. The Commission agreed a letter should
be written to OSFA complimenting the festival for the care it has taken in the entire project.
ADJOURNMENT
It was the unanimous decision of the Commission to adjourn the meeting at 11:00 p.m.
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Minutes
June 3, 1992
Page 7