HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-11-06 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Minutes
November 6, 1991
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lewis at 7:34 p.m. Members present
were Jim Lewis, Terry Skibby, Jane Dancer, Keith Chambers, Jean MacKenzie, Thomas
Hunt, Deane Bradshaw and Le Hook. Also present were Assistant Planner Kristen
Cochran and Secretary Sonja Akerman. Lorraine Whitten was absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chambers moved to approve the October 2, 1991 Minutes as mailed. Hunt seconded the
motion and it was unanimously passed.
STAFF REPORTS
PA 91-149
Minor Land Partition
145 Manzanita Street
Jay and Carol Lunt
Cochran stated this application is to divide the property into two parcels, with the back
portion being a flag lot. It is consistent with development in the area off Scenic Drive and
High Street and is the last large lot in the area. It also meets the criteria and Staff is
recommending approval.
Bradshaw commented she feels flag lots are a detriment because of what could be built
behind original structures. When questioned about the lot being partitioned again, Cochran
answered it would not meet the width and depth requirements. She also added the flag
drive would be paved to the required 12 feet. Chambers inquired about the feasibility of
apartments at this site. Cochran responded it is in a single family zone, so apartments
would not be allowed. However, it probably would be possible to build an accessory unit
which would come before the Commission as a Conditional Use Permit.
Hook then moved and Chambers seconded to recommend approval of this application. The
motion passed unanimously.
PA 91-150
Conditional Use Permit
34 Union Street
G.K. and Doris Schrock
Cochran briefly explained the progression of this application. In March of 1990, an
application was filed for an eight unit travellers' accommodation and included a house on
Allison Street. After a boundary line adjustment, it was scaled back to five units, involving
property at 34 Union Street only. That application was withdrawn. In the meantime,
criteria changed. The alley and required parking spaces are already paved. There has been
extensive remodeling, both interior and exterior. The request complies with the current
ordinance. The only Staff concern is that the structure on the alley has two rooms, which
could be rented as two units. If the application is approved, there will be a condition that
there be a total of five rentable units plus the manager's unit, and that landscaping will
have to be approved and completed.
Bradshaw stated she remembers the building permits being issued as a large home for a
large family and wondered why it has now been remodeled for a travellers' accommodation.
G.K. Schrock explained he has a very large family and that the property will be used as a
family home whether it becomes a travellers' accommodation or not. His wife's dream has
always been to operate a travellers' accommodation. Also, he plans on applying for
National Register status because of the architecture and history of the house.
Skibby related the application has changed a great deal since the first proposal. He
admitted he initially objected to the style, however, the quality workmanship and
incorporation of certain styles gives it its own identity. He feels Schrock has learned a lot
of Ashland history since his first proposal and is sincere in his application.
Chambers felt Schrock had been less than candid with the Commission about the plans for
the home. Schrock apologized and stated he couldn't say anything at the time because of
his taxes.
Hunt stated Ashland seems to be overloaded with travellers' accommodations and wondered
if private homes would be retained. Hook also has a problem with B & B saturation and
added it takes affordable housing away from Ashland residents. Lewis said most of the
travellers' accommodations can convert back to residential homes and discussed certain
benefits. Bradshaw thinks travellers' accommodations are beneficial because owners can
better afford to keep up the house and property. She also stated they have consistently
been used.
Skibby moved and Bradshaw seconded to recommend approval of this request with the
conditions only five units be rented and landscaping be completed. The motion passed with
Skibby, Bradshaw, Lewis, Chambers, Dancer and Hook voting aye. Hunt and MacKenzie
voted nay.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
November 6, 1991
Page 2
PA 91-157
Site Review
272 East Main Street
Walt Stokes
MacKenzie said her grandfather built the three buildings which comprise the Enders
Building, and which are on the National Register of Historic Places. Skibby stated most
of the facade is original. The applicant will remove the stucco from the upper windows and
the three windows will be restored.
Jean Kowachi, owner of the new business (Ciao Main) at this location explained they are
cutting out the plaster of these upper windows and will duplicate the molding. The original
framing is still there. The windows will be 4' x 3' and will be thermopane. The width of
this business space, she added, is only 13 feet.
The Commission was pleased with the proposed work. Bradshaw moved and Dancer
seconded to approve the exterior plans with the three windows. The motion passed
unanimously.
BUILDING PERMITS
Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of
October follow:
Family Life Bible CHurch
Hibbert, Swisher, et al
Michael Van Ausdall
Dennis Groover
Copeland Lumber Co.
Jim Slate
Betty Camner
G.K. Schrock
Judy McCook
Bill Bloodgood
Tom Harrington
Walt Stokes
Audrey Sochor
Audrey Sochor
City of Ashland
OSFA (Temporary Construction)
4th Street Garden
Aldi
120 6th St. Deck
171 Oak St. Cottages (5 permits)
40 Van Ness Ave. Remodel/Addition
285 High St. Re-Roof
165 Lithia Way Addition
342 High St. Addition
8681/2 "A" St. Garage Conversion
341/2 Union St. Addition
866 Blaine St. Shed Demolition
327 N. Main #4 Skylight
145 Union St. Addition
272 E. Main St. Ceiling Demolition
261 W. Hersey St. Partial Demolition
261 W. Hersey St. Addition
110 E. Main St. Street Scene Wall
15 S. Pioneer St. Sign
254 4th St. Sign
14 S. 1st St. Sign
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
November 6, 1991
Page 3
NEW BUSINESS
Demolition Request for 531 Scenic Drive
The demolition request for 531 Scenic Drive was then discussed. Bradshaw questioned
Richard Di Lorenzo, owner of the property, if he had a bid for repairs to the house. He
answered the only bid he had was one for $13,000 for the foundation. He stated he is
also a contractor and believes the cost which would be involved is extensive. He and his
wife do not want to rent the house because of its poor shape. They have put some money
into it and have tried to sell it. Two potential buyers declined after receiving individual
house reports. Although apartments are permitted, they would like to build two smaller
homes on the site (if the demolition is approved) which would be compatible with the area.
When they bought the property two years ago, they were aware of the condition of the
house, but not aware of the Historic District and restrictions of demolishing a structure.
Skibby stated he had been through the house would like to see it restored. Chambers, who
had also been in the house, felt it was not on its last legs and he would hate to see the
house lost. He said he had qualms about tearing down structures and splitting property in
order to make more money.
Di Lorenzo said he was not over pricing the property. The sale price was $72,000 and he
was assured the value of the land itself was at least that. It would definitely cost more to
remodel the house than to start over and it would be an unreasonable hardship on them
to keep it. Therefore, he stated the two criteria for demolition have been met.
Chambers suggested remodeling the house and using the shed as a basis for an accessory
dwelling. Di Lorenzo reiterated he was not concerned with potential money and that it
would be too costly to remodel. He also stated they were being sensitive by downzoning
the property and not wanting to build apartments. He suggested it be a condition the house
not be demolished until he is ready to submit plans and build the other two homes.
Bradshaw moved to approve the demolition with the condition the house not be demolished
until the owners decide what will replace the house and that the plans be approved before
demolition takes place. There was no second to the motion.
Chambers said he remains unconvinced and moved to deny the demotion, encouraging the
owners to seek remodeling of the structure. Skibby seconded the motion and it passed with
all voting aye except Bradshaw and Lewis.
OLD BUSINESS
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:
November 7
November 14
Dancer, Lewis, Bradshaw, Skibby and Hunt
Hook, MacKenzie, Bradshaw, Skibby and Hunt
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
November 6, 1991
Page 4
November 21
November 28
Hook, Chambers, Lewis, Skibby and Hunt
THANKSGIVING
Fountain on Granite Street
MacKenzie wondered what was happening regarding this fountain. Skibby stated he will
be researching the history.
228 "B" Street
The Commission was disappointed no attempt had been made to protect the house from
the rains and no plans have been submitted to the Building Department. Hook stated he
personally delivered 18 sheets of donated plywood to the site. Chambers, Bradshaw and
Skibby will write a letter to the owners strongly urging them to cover the house as soon as
possible.
Mark Antony
Lewis said Dennis Slattery, manager of the Mark Antony, had called him regarding the
letter sent to him about covering the copper marquee with plywood. He was not aware of
the process involved for exterior changes of structures on the National Register.
Special Assessment Property
Skibby informed the Commission he had received a copy of the letter Ethel Romano had
written to SHPO regarding the tax freeze. She had concerns about an open house with so
many people present at one time, her numerous antiques and the sign advertising this, as
stated in the draft changes from SHPO. Bradshaw suggested the Commission volunteer to
help supervise open houses. Hunt said there can be limitations on number of people
allowed inside at one time and limitations on the areas to be viewed.
ADJOURNMENT
With a motion by Dancer and second by Hunt, it was the unanimous decision to adjourn
the meeting at 10:30 p.m.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
November 6, 1991
Page 5
On November 14, 1991, the Ashland Historic Commission met in a special
meeting to reconsider the motion approved on November 6, 1991 to deny
demolition of 531 Scenic Drive.
Present at this meeting were Commission members Jim Lewis, Terry
Skibby, Jane Dancer, Jean MacKenzie, Le Hook and Thomas Hunt.
Skibby moved and Hook seconded to approve the demolition with the
condition the house not be demolished until the owners decide what will
replace the house and that the plans be approved before demolition takes
place. If possible, the Commission would like this stipulation to go with
the property rather than the owner. This motion was unanimously
approved. Chambers and Bradshaw also agreed by telephone.