HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-02-06 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Minutes
February 6, 1991
PRIOR TO CALL TO ORDER
Due to the large number of people in attendance for the Commission's review of the
Heritage Landmark's List, McLaughlin postponed the discussion to a later meeting.
McLaughlin will draft a new and more detailed letter explaining the list and informing the
public of new meeting dates.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Terry Skibby at 8:15 p.m. Members present were Terry
Skibby, Thomas Hunt, Jean MacKenzie, Mark Reitinger and Deane Bradshaw. Also
present were Senior Planner John McLaughlin, City Council Liaison Susan Reid and
Secretary Liza Gilton. Commission members Jim Lewis, Lorraine Whitten, Susan Reynolds
and Keith Chambers were absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Hunt moved and Bradshaw seconded to approve the Minutes of the January 2, 1991
meeting as mailed. Motion passed unanimously.
STAFF REPORTS
PA 91-014
Request for Modification of a Conditional Use Permit and Parking Variance
386 'B' Street
Susan DeMarinis
McLaughlin explained that this action is a request for an expansion to the approved medical
office usage and a variance in the required parking from five to two spaces. The applicant
plans to pave the alley to provide access to 2 parking spaces in the back of the building.
The 60% parking variance would utilize on-street parking for the other three required
spaces. Since a 100% variance was approved in the past, and there is an excess of on-
street parking at this corner location, staff recommended approval of the action.
McLaughlin reminded members that the Commission already approved the addition and
the Conditional Use Permit.
DeMarinis explained that 10 cars could easily fit on the street frontage of this corner lot
and that a maximum of 6 cars would be on location at any one time. She expressed her
desire to use grasscrete for the two off-street parking spaces. In response to concerns about
the area between the street and sidewalk, the applicant said she would provide a landscape
buffer.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
February 6, 1991
Skibby felt that it would be wrong to require paving for five cars.
Bradshaw moved that the action be approved and added her appreciation for the historical
care taken by the applicant. Skibby seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
PA 91-017
Conditional Use Permit for Temporary Use
Water Street
Medford Growers and Crafters Association
McLaughlin explained that the Medford Grower's and Crafters Association was granted a
conditional use last year to operate on the paved area under the viaduct. Due to the
success of the market, the Association wishes to expand its area of operation to include
portions of Water street.
The Public Works and Fire Departments found it unacceptable to close the street, but
agreed to allow the market to use the 8 foot areas on each side of the street designated for
parking spaces. McLaughlin advised the Commission that the Medford Growers and
Crafters Association are meeting to determine whether or not this will be an acceptable
solution for them. McLaughlin also pointed out that this use will mean that some of the
sidewalk will be used up, thus creating a more festive atmosphere.
In response to MacKenzie's concern that using the parking spaces on Water Street would
be dangerous, McLaughlin explained that the street is not very heavily trafficked and a
visible barrier will be placed between the market and the street.
Reitinger and Hunt questioned the need of the Association for more space and McLaughlin
explained that all of the booths are tied to the use of a vehicle for storage.
Reitinger expressed further concern over the proposal. He feels that the space the
Association now has is not adequately used. Hunt expressed concern that cars coming from
East Main will be dangerous.
McLaughlin pointed out that this was originally accepted as a type one and that if the
Commission has further concerns, they should request that this Planning Action be called
up for a public hearing.
Reitinger moved that the Historic Commission call this action up for a public hearing.
Hunt seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
February 6, 1991
PA 91-020
Conditional Use Permit for a Duplex on a Corner Lot
342 Vista Street
Michael Vore
McLaughlin explained that in two weeks, under affordable housing, this will be considered
accessory housing, not a duplex. There is no visible change to the structure. There will be
only a small affect on density and traffic. Because there is no proposed expansion and no
new units, Staff feels that this meets the criteria for a Conditional Use Permit. He further
explained that if this falls under accessory housing, the primary structure on the lot must
be owner-occupied.
The applicant was available to answer questions and explained that the unit already has an
outside entrance and there will be no visible changes to the structure. At the request of
Skibby the applicant agreed to work with the historic commission if he wants any changes.
A woman in the audience asked for an assurance that granting this permit would not set
a kind of precedence for the neighborhood. McLaughlin assured her that each applicant
would be considered separately and that this type of structure is still not a permitted use
within the area.
Bradshaw moved that the action be approved with the stipulation that the dirt driveway be
maintained (i.e. not paved). MacKenzie seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
PA 91-010
One-Year Extension to Request for Site Review and Variance
133 Sixth Street
Robert Martindale
McLaughlin explained that this will be the second one-year extension requested. There are
no changes from the originally approved request (approved as a type I by staff with no
public hearing).
McLaughlin read into the record a letter recently received by the Planning Department
from Phillip Lang stating opposition to the extension. This letter will cause the Action to
be called up for a public hearing.
The Historic Commission took no action because the issue will be discussed next month.
The Commission requested that the Applicant supply updated sketches including elevations
for next month's meeting.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
February 6, 1991
PA 91-013
Conditional Use Permit for Structural Alteration
159 Second Street
John Fields
McLaughlin explained that this is a unique house on a 25 foot lot. The eaves extend into
the neighboring lot which has never caused any problems. The applicant wants to make
changes to the back of the building. Although the applicant originally wanted to put in a
separate living unit, modified the request to put in a new office for a home occupation.
There will be no drive-by business generated by the office, so the only issue at hand is the
modification of a non-conforming building.
Reitinger stated that he talked with the applicant on Thursday and sees no problem with
the change as the building is not going beyond the original space, only being modified.
After a brief discussion of deck compatibility, a parking space for the owner and the shed
in back, Reitinger moved that the action be approved. Hunt seconded and the motion
carried unanimously.
BUILDING PERMITS
Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of
January follow:
Michelle Smirl
Vickie Lamb
Stephanie Cassam
Allan Drescher
James & Margaret Foster
David Foster
Ken and Jessie Bradshaw
Ken and Jessie Bradshaw
Bernie Zieminski
Blue Mountain Cafe
Ashland T-Shirts
Arabella
Matthew Kirk Gooding, M.D.
447 Rock
49 Manzanita
25 Granite
290 East Main
146 Manzanita
19 Granite
122 High
122 High
366 "B"
457 Siskiyou Blvd.
88 N. Main
72 N. Pioneer
125 Maple
Garage Foundation
Addition
Addition
Remodel
Studio
Addition & Remodel(Garage)
Bathroom Addition
Carport Addition
Demolition
Sign
Sign
Sign
Sign
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
February 6, 1991
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:
February 7
February 14
February 21
February 28
Hunt, Skibby, Bradshaw
Hunt, Skibby
Hunt, Skibby, MacKenzie
Hunt, Skibby, Reitinger
SHPO Grant
Whitten was not available to report. McLaughlin explained that there is no room in the
budget for matching funds. Also, an inadequate amount of time is available to properly
deal with this issue.
City Hall's lOOth Birthday
Skibby reported that he is still researching information concerning the birth date of City
Hall. He has as of yet been unable to find the exact date (month and year). He has spent
a great deal of time looking at old Tidings. The original City Hall building was exposed
red brick. When the building was remodeled and an addition made in 1913, the brick was
plastered over. The windows upstairs remained the same with the addition of trim, so the
building has remained essentially the same. The Utilities Department is now located where
the original fire station stood. Skibby also reported that there was originally controversy
of the location of the building. Also, the Chamber of Commerce is picking up on the 100th
birthday theme and will have a meeting on February 19.
NEW BUSINESS
National Historic Preservation Week
It was reported that the Chamber of Commerce is having a Spring Festival at this time
(May 12-18). Skibby volunteered to be on a subcommittee and asked for other interested
Commission members. Hunt expressed that he was in charge of the publicity for last year's
meeting and volunteered to be on the subcommittee along with Bradshaw. MacKenzie said
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
February 6, 1991
that she will be working with the Chamber and will act a go-between for the Commission
and the Chamber.
Special Assessment - Ashland Depot Hotel, South Wing
Skibby moved that the Historic Commission recommend a special assessment for the
purpose of a property tax freeze for this property on the national register. Bradshaw
seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
338 Scenic Drive- Possible Demolition Discussion
Mike Blair appeared at the meeting to determine the feasibility of the Historic Commission
approving the demolition of the structure at 338 Scenic. McLaughlin explained the
application process. Bradshaw expressed her feeling that the Commission could make a
recommendation to start the process for demolition based an inspection of the site. Skibby
concurred.
Other
There is a letter from Jim Lewis and John Fregonese to Jackson County Board of Directors
included in the packet.
The City Council approved the demolition of the burned structure on "B" Street upon the
recommendation of the Historic Commission. This is the first house to go through the
entire process.
The Lincoln Statue will be dedicated on February 12 at noon. Skibby will take pictures.
In response to concerns over vandalism, McLaughlin explained that the statue will be lit at
all times, the phone booths will be moved. Hopefully this well-traveled area will discourage
vandalism.
McLaughlin reiterated his intention to write a new letter explaining the heritage landmarks
list. Later meetings will be scheduled to discuss this issue in detail in the form of a public
meeting.
Skibby raised a question about the possible location of the new power substation off of A
Street and the impact on the Historic District. McLaughlin explained the option of
lowering the grade to make the substation of low profile. He suggested that the
Commission write a letter to Brian Almquist requesting Historic Commission review if the
A Street site is chosen. Skibby motioned that the Historic Commission have a chance to
review and make recommendations if this site is chosen. Reitinger seconded and the
motion passed unanimously.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
February 6, 1991
ADJOURNMENT
It was the unanimous decision of the Historic Commission to adjourn the meeting at 10:15
p.m.