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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