HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-05-06 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Minutes
May 6, 1992
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairperson Terry Skibby at 7:37 p.m. Members
present were Jim Lewis (who took over the meeting after the first action), Terry Skibby, Jane
Dancer, Keith Chambers, Le Hook, Jean MacKenzie, Deane Bradshaw (who left at 9:00),
Dana Johnson and Steve Ennis. Also present were Assistant Planner Kristen Cochran,
Secretary Sonja Akerman and Council Liaison Susan Reid. No members were absent.
(Lewis sat in the audience during the first staff report and discussion due to a conflict of
interest.)
NEW MEMBER
Skibby introduced newly appointed member Dana Johnson.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Dancer moved and Hook seconded to approve the Minutes of the April 8, 1992 meeting as
mailed. The motion was unanimously passed.
STAFF REPORTS
PA 92-001
Subdivision
"A" Street
Donna Andrews/Southern Pacific Railroad
Cochran stated this planning action was continued because the Planning Commission also
felt more information needed to be presented. The main issue now is the park. The
Comprehensive Plan identifies the proposed park area, but also states if no funding is
available, the area can be developed. The City Attorney has said an LID can be used as
reasonable assurance the money can be raised, however, this would constitute 51% of the
property owners. She went on to say the neighborhood association received permission from
the City Council to set up a special fund for donations. Staff is proposing the cul-de-sac be
moved from 6th to 8th Street. Engineering is working on a map which will be presented at
the Planning Commission meeting depicting the exact location of the Golden Spike. Staff
is recommending approval of the subdivision, with the advice the neighborhood, reservation
holders and the City work together for the park.
Referring to the Master Plan Map, Reid stated the area across the tracks should work well
for a park because of the close proximity to residential areas which will be developed to the
east and north. It would also serve as a buffer between residential and industrial areas.
Cochran then summarized the recommended conditions of the Staff should the Planning
Commission approve the application. Changes from the April 14th Staff Report include the
removal of the revision of the land between 6th and 8th Streets for acquisition of a park
(which could be included again if the 51% of signatures obtained for an LID is obtained), cul-
de-sac moved from 6th Street to 8th Street, and the area near 6th Street that had the
diversion of spring water is no longer considered to be a wetland (as determined by the
Division of State Lands).
Jim Lewis was asked to read the petition which is being used for the formation of an LID.
Reid then stated the City has a policy to support LIDs. (The City owns 10% of the property
in the area designated by Staff for the LID.) Reid added it is possible to use a smaller area
for the LID, however, that would increase the required amount of money per owner.
Donna Andrews clarified the person holding the reservation between 7th and 8th Streets has
never intended to develop that area. She added the area between the last half of 6th Street
through 8th Street has already been agreed upon for a park. Alan Sandler owns the
reservation between 6th and 7th Streets and he has stated he would allow the City a one-
year option to acquire a portion of 6th Street. He wants to develop a portion directly across
the street from his property for expansion of his business.
Skibby questioned Lewis about the boundary of the LID. Lewis stated it is between Oak
and Water Streets to Mountain Avenue, and Lithia Way to "A" Street. He also said the
neighborhood is asking for denial of the subdivision if the entire land between 6th and 8th
Streets is not included in the park.
Donna Andrews said she feels more options are available, and that it doesn't take an LID
to buy land. It can be purchased outright.
Ellen Downs maintained there are other views to take into consideration. If the area
between 6th and 8th Streets is all they can get, they will take it, but the entire parcel should
be taken for what it was and is. She would like it to be developed appropriately, and
doesn't feel she knows more now than one month ago. She would like to see what each
reservation owner wants to do, and would like clarification on traffic concerns.
Donna Andrews stated there is an issue of time. Historically, it has taken'at least a year to
purchase Southern Pacific property. It requires a 10% earnest money deposit, which would
allow plenty of time to come up with the remainder of the money. She feels the
neighborhood should come up with an offer, then present it to the reservation owners, who
in turn, can give her a statement of what they are willing to do.
Betty Camner read from the Staff Report Addendum I dated May 12 regarding reasonable
assurance of the funding. She stated it will be very difficult to get 51% by next Tuesday.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
May 6, 1992
Page 2
She also said if 8th Street is used for the cul-de-sac, it would take the Golden Spike area
away. "A" Street is only 30 feet wide in front of her house and the 100 foot diameter turn-
around would not leave much park area. Out of ten buildings on her block, seven are
residences. There should be no reason to have large trucks in that area.
Betsy Anderson questioned the reason for the 8th Street cul-de-sac. The turn-around would
be where the kids would be playing in the park.
Bill Emerson informed those present these questions will come before the next Traffic
Safety Commission meeting. He said Mr. Sandler is renting portions of his existing building,
so if he wants to expand, why not use what he already has? He stated 2.5 acres per 1000
people are required for an active park and there are more than 1000 people in the Railroad
District. He also expressed his frustration with the time constraints of obtaining the LID
signatures. Regarding the water diversion issue, he stated he traced the diversion pipes
from Rogue Federal Credit Union to Ashland Creek by walking and listening, and with the
assistance of a City employee by pouring dye into the pipes. The system is currently taking
the water because it is dry; however, during periods of heavy rain, the extra water would
probably be too much to handle so it would overflow.
Jim Lewis explained a park would do more than give the area open space. In his opinion,
the applicant did not address the history of the area, wetlands, density, or traffic (as the last
traffic report is from 1988). He feels if there is no reservation for a park, the subdivision
should be denied.
Ellen Downes said the park is just one issue, and that the subdivision needs more care.
History needs to be addressed. She then quoted Kay Atwood from the Ashland Cultural
Resource Inventory, and Marge O'Harra fromAshland: The First 130 Years. Downes added
it would be a great archeological site, as no buildings would have to be removed. The area
between 4th and 5th Streets was and is still the heart of the Railroad District. With the
right-of-way, sidewalk improvements, etc. there won't be much of the parcels left.
Cheryl Lewis did not feel a 3.5 foot right-of-way dedication would make much difference,
but six feet would make more sense. She said they just got City Council approval for an
account the previous night and within a week they need to have 51% of the signatures. She
also wondered if there would be a conflict of interest if Donna Andrews was a reservation
holder. She would like to feel the City is backing them in the acquisition of the park area.
Lewis then stated she had received a call from a person in Santa Rosa who has old railroad
cars in excellent condition. He has been talking with City Staff members for quite some
time about opening a portion of obsolete tracks and moving these cars to Ashland. He
wanted it to be known there are other ways (i.e. tax increment district) to get money.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
May 6, 1992
Page 3
After further discussion of park area, Bradshaw moved to postpone the hearing for a month
because there still was not enough information to make a decision. Since the application
was deemed complete on April 7th, only 30 days had gone by and 90 remained. Also, one
week is not enough time to get the required LID signatures. There was no second.
Hook commented the Commission should recommend at least all of 6th through 8th Streets
be designated a park. Chambers said the idea of a local improvement district is great, but
the time deadline is unrealistic. He also felt the intentions of the reservation holders should
be made clear. Skibby felt it was obvious the area should accommodate a park. When put
on a scale, he said he saw this as a community opposed to a few. Even though he has the
greatest respect for the City, he expressed his disappointment and frustration because of the
result of this entire project. He has a typed transcript from the Daily Tidings on the Golden
Spike Ceremony which pinpoints the exact area. (This has been made a part of the record
and is on file in the Planning Department.) He also has the original map of the Railroad
District. In addition, the wagon train went through this area also (The Oregon Trail and
the Applegate Trail) and will be celebrated by the State of Oregon, so there is more history
to the area than just the Golden Spike. He then stated he felt it is a bad location for this
development. Johnson said it would be unfair of her to vote on this because it was her first
meeting; however, she has read her packet and listened to testimony. She strongly feels the
need to have a park at least from 6th to 8th Street. Since traffic will be affected by the type
of businesses locating there, it would be helpful to have this information before making a
decision. Ennis agreed about the importance of a park and said he was unsure of how to
interpret the information that has come in, as some seems contradictory, and some
information is still coming together.
(Bradshaw had to leave at this time.)
Dancer said she realizes property owners have rights, but wondered why it has taken the
City so long to do something about this park area. It seems as though everyone is entering
in this at different points. MacKenzie was in favor of the park but felt the City should be
more involved with funding.
Hook questioned Andrews about the term "reservation". She answered it is the closest thing
to earnest money because it is not legally subdivided yet. The money is attached to the
property with a contract. If it doesn't go through, it is not binding and the reservation
holders get their money back.
The Commission concurred the traffic is already bad on "A" Street. Skibby stated that
historically, the entire area should be a park and he doesn't want to see the land lost. Hook
said that as a practical consideration, the 120 day deadline needs to be dealt with.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
May 6, 1992
Page 4
Chambers stressed the importance of the park, as historical strands come together there.
He questioned the area needed and recommended the Planning Commission turn to the
Parks Commission in order that an adequate park be formed, as it would achieve more than
open space. It would not be practical to recommend no commercial development take place
on any part of the land. He also questioned why the cul-de-sac would go past 6th Street if
there is no development past it. The Golden Spike site near 8th Street would be affected,
as would the present placque which is located on 4th Street. He would also like to know
the nature of the subdivision, although Cochran stated it is not an issue at this time.
Skibby again quoted Kay Atwood and stated the placque at 4th Street was placed in 1974,
which was the year Ashland celebrated its 100 year anniversary. He inquired what will
happen to the present marker.
Chambers moved to recommend denial of this subdivision to the Planning Commission
based on the following major issues: 1) The entire area involved with the Golden Spike
and the development of the Railroad in Ashland is of critical importance, and the historical
nature of the area has not been taken into consideration; 2) The absolute minimum
recommended size of the park is between 6th and 8th Streets (not 6l/2 to 8th Streets),
however consideration should also be given to a park from 4th through 8th Street; 3) The
proposed cul-de-sac turn-around at 8th Street seems to be the exact site of the Golden Spike
and would tend to draw commercial traffic all the way to 8th, so it would be more
reasonable to locate this at 6th Street. Hook seconded the motion and it passed with all
voting aye except Lewis (who abstained because of a conflict of interest), Johnson (who
abstained because it was her first meeting), and Bradshaw (who had left the meeting early).
PA 92-O68
Site Review
1023 East Main Street
Bob and Dianne Ellis
Cochran stated this house is on the National Register of Historic Places and because the
owners want to reconstruct the porch, it has to be approved by the State Historic
Preservation Office and the Historic Commissiolq.
Bill Emerson, designer, said they are actually recreating the existing porch. He then
presented and explained elevations he had drawn.
Hook commended Emerson and the applicants and stated the Commission appreciates nice
work and the attention to detail.
Skibby moved and Dancer seconded to approve this application. The motion was
unanimously approved.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
May 6, 1992
Page 5
PA 92-O60
Conditional Use Permit and Site Review
561 Rock Street
Eugene Brummett
Cochran explained this application is for a three unit traveller's accommodation. The
existing structure (which is non-contributing) will be remodeled and expanded. Staff feels
it will be an asset to the neighborhood and is recommending approval.
When Hook questioned the scale, Ennis said his only concern is the modest house to the
south. Chambers commented the garage seems to be 40% of the width of the structure, and
that when Craftsman-style cottages such as this were originally built, garages were usually
in the rear. The house will look nice, but the garage may dominate it.
Hook moved to recommend denial of the application because it appears to be a demolition
of the existing structure. When questioned about the age of a structure for a traveller's
accommodation, Cochran read from the ordinance, stating the house had to be at least 20
years old. The intent is so that hotels are not built, and if the B & B is not used for this
purpose, it can easily revert back to a residence. Lewis stated alternatives need to be
considered. Chambers remarked it is taking another affordable rental and modifying it for
a B & B. Ennis said more clarification is needed as to what portion of the house will
remain, as it looks like the only portion left will be the garage. What they are doing, he
went on to say, is admirable, but it seems they are circumventing the 20 year minimum
portion of the code. Chambers seconded the motion because it was unclear what will
remain of the existing house. Hook and Chambers then withdrew their motion and second.
The Commission would like the applicant to come and explain what will remain, as it may
not comply with the code.
Inasmuch as it appears to improve the property, Ennis moved to recommend denial of the
application because it does not appear to meet the 20 year requirement of the code.
Chambers amended the motion to include the fact that it appears to be a defacto
demolition. Skibby seconded the motion and it was unanimously passed.
PA 92-054
Conditional Use Permit
Water Street
City of Ashland/The Recycling P.A.C.T.
Cochran explained the recycling depot is now requesting permanent approval, then displayed
the landscape plan. The northern portion of the site will be park area. She also said the
roof on the existing structure will be repaired.
Skibby stated this site is close to the old wagon road. It was noted only the area around the
depot will be fenced and screened.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
May 6, 1992
Page 6
Dancer moved and MacKenzie seconded to recommend approval of this planning action.
The motion was unanimously approved.
PA 92-048
Comprehensive Plan Map and Zoning Map Amendments
Area Around Ashland Community Hospital
City of Ashland
Cochran stated the Planning Commission did not have time during its April meeting to hear
this action, so it was carried over. Information included in the packet not receive last month
was the Staff Report and a letter from a property owner.
The Commission agreed no further action was necessary.
BUILDING PERMITS
Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of
April follow:
104 Bush St.
190 Vista St.
185 Almond St.
574 E. Main St.
59 6th St.
41 Gresham St.
245 Van Ness Ave.
93 Granite St.
370 E. Main St.
70 Water St.
624 "A" St.
431 Lori Lane
John Schweiger
Bill Hicks/Paula Daystar
Yvonne Rose-Merkel
Bob Burton
Zelpha Hutton
Lucy Flood
Cynthia White
Schreiber
Steve Willing
Ann Clouse
Jim Lewis
Brenden House
Demolition (SFR)
Remodel/Addition
SFR
Apartments
Addition
Foundation
Foundation
Addition
Remodel*
Foundation
Re-roof
Sign
* Not approved by the Historic Commission
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:
May 7
May 14
May 21
May 28
Bradshaw, Chambers, Dancer and Lewis
Bradshaw, Skibby, Dancer and Ennis
Bradshaw, Hook, Skibby, MacKenzie and Johnson
Bradshaw, Hook, Skibby, Chambers, MacKenzie, Lewis and Johnson
(Hook moved and Chambers seconded to extend the meeting beyond 10.'30. It passed unanimously.)
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
May 6, 1992
Page 7
OLD BUSINESS
Alley Committee
Chambers said he had talked with Dick McKinney and they are both concerned the Council
knows the report is only temporarily on hold.
National Historic Preservation Week
Skibby reported on the events that will take place the following week.
Historic Landmark Preservation Ordinance
Nothing new to report on this.
NEW BUSINESS
National Reeister Nominations
--
The Commission received nominations from the State Historic Preservation Office for 351
Morton Street and the Peerless Rooms Building on Fourth Street. SHPO needed a reply
from the City by May 15th.
Lewis reported the Council left the final decision on 351 Morton Street up to the Historic
Commission because the Llewellyns had replied to its memo dated May 1, 1992 (both of
which are attached and made a part of these minutes).
Hook stated he had again looked at the house and the addition seems larger than the
original structure. Lewis felt that since the owners were going for an architectural
nomination status, it was regretful they didn't communicate with the Historic Commission
or SHPO about the addition prior to the construction and the nomination. The Commission
felt that by attaching the addition to the house makes it seem too modern.
It was the unanimous decision of the Commission to support the Peerless Rooms Building
for the National Register. The Commission, however, decided not to support the
nomination of 351 Morton Street (Chambers abstained) for the above reasons and those
stated in the May 1st memo to the Mayor and City Council.
ADJOURNMENT
With a motion by MacKenzie and second by Hook, it was the unanimous decision to
adjourn the meeting at 10:45 p.m.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
May 6, 1992
Page 8