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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-ILPC-2024-05-21Approved on: 8/20/2024 Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) Minutes – May 21, 2024 Commission Member Present: Ed Finegan, Chair David Kramer, Vice Chair Stephen Gibian Katelin Olson Avi Smith Absent: Susan Stein Janet Smith Common Council Members Present: None City Staff Present Bryan McCracken, Hist. Pres. and Neighborhood Planner & ILPC Secretary Marjorie McLain, Administrative Assistant _______________________________________________________________________ The regular monthly meeting of the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission was held in the Conference Room on Second Floor of City Hall and also conducted remotely using videoconferencing technology. Virtual participation in public meetings is authorized by Part WW of Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2022 of New York State and Local Law 2022-05. The proceedings were livestreamed on the City of Ithaca Public Meetings channel on YouTube and a recording is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9M0mevH5Oo&list=PLfplo_VA57eo3g_kXLZ3SKSop7C -uS_Md&index=2 Chair Ed Finegan called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. and read the Public Notice. I. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. 934 Stewart Avenue, Cornell Heights Historic District—Proposal to Replace Two Elevated Concrete and Metal Walkways on the Primary (East) Façade with Stairs and Landings Constructed from Concrete, Wood, and Composite Materials. Architect Jason Demarest appeared on behalf of the property owner, Travis Hyde Properties/Edgeview Commons, LLC., to present the proposed project at 934 Stewart Avenue. This property is a non-contributing resource in the locally designated Cornell Heights Historic District. J. Demarest summarized the changes to the project since it was presented to the Commission in April. He noted the configuration of the stairs and walkways and the use of a composite rail system Approved on: 8/20/2024 with square balusters. The support structure will be concrete while the landings and stairs will be pressure-treated wood. PUBLIC HEARING On a motion by A. Smith, seconded by D Kramer, Chair E. Finegan opened the Public Hearing. There being no members of the public appearing and wishing to speak, and no written comments submitted to be read aloud, Chair E. Finegan closed the Public Hearing on a motion by D. Kramer, seconded by K. Olson. S. Gibian asked whether the walkway on the south side of the building will stay and do the red lines on the drawing indicate the property lines. J. Demarest responded that the walkway is staying. He confirmed the red lines do indicate the property lines. S. Gibian observed that the stair system is on city-owned property. J. Demarest stated he was in touch with T. Logue from the City’s Engineering Department and reported that T. Logue was fine with attaching the stairs to the city-owned retaining wall as its replacement is not in the budget at this time. S. Gibian stated he was in favor of the proposed configuration of the stairs. He further stated the looks of the composite wood railing look appropriate for this application. K. Olson asked if there were any changes to the entranceways. J. Demorest stated no. RESOLUTION: 934 Stewart Avenue, Cornell Heights Historic District—Proposal Remove Two Elevated Metal Walkways on the Primary (East) Façade with Stairs and Landings Constructed from Concrete, Wood and Composite Materials WHEREAS, 934 Stewart Ave. is located within the Cornell Heights Historic District, as designated under Section 228-3 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code in 1989, and as listed on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1989, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4 of the Municipal Code, an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, dated May 09, 2024, was submitted for review to the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) by Jason K. Demarest Architecture on behalf of property owner Travis Hyde Properties/Edgeview Commons, LLC, including the following: (1) two narratives respectively titled Description of Proposed Change(s) and Reasons for Changes(s); (2) a sheet title “934 Stewart Ave Ramp Replacement Project: Comparison of Existing & New Site Plan, 05-09-24; (3) three sheets of photographs documenting existing conditions; (4) a comparative site plan showing the existing conditions and the proposed changes; (4) four sheets of drawing for the project “Travis-Hyde: Edgecliff Apartments” prepared by the applicant, dated May 8, 2024, and titled Cover Sheet – Renderings (C1.00), “Stair Elevations” (A2.00), “Stair Sections & 3D Views” (A3.00), and “East Elevation-LPSR” (A2.01) (05.09.24), and Approved on: 8/20/2024 WHEREAS, the ILPC has reviewed the New York State Building-Structure Inventory Form for 934 Stewart Ave., and the City of Ithaca’s Cornell Heights Historic District Summary Statement, and WHEREAS, as stated in the narrative Description of Proposed Change(s), the project involves the demolition of two elevated concrete and metal walkways on the east elevation and their replacement with a two-story stairway constructed of concrete, wood and composite materials, and WHEREAS, the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness is a Type II Action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance for which no further environmental review is required, and WHEREAS, the applicant has provided sufficient documentation and information to evaluate impacts of the proposal on the subject property and surrounding properties, and WHEREAS, a Public Hearing for the purpose of considering approval of the Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness was conducted at the regularly scheduled ILPC meeting on May 21, 2024, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: As identified in the City of Ithaca’s Cornell Heights Historic District Summary Statement, the period of significance for the area now known as the Cornell Heights Historic District is 1898-1937. As indicated in the New York State Building-Structure Inventory Form, 934 Stewart Ave. was constructed between 1946 and 1956. Constructed outside the period of significance, the property is considered a non- contributing element of the Cornell Heights Historic District. In consideration of this and all approvals of proposals for alterations, new construction, or demolition in historic districts, the ILPC must determine that the proposed exterior work will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance and value of either the landmark or, if the improvement is within a district, of the neighboring improvements in such district. In considering architectural and cultural value, the Commission shall consider whether the proposed change is Approved on: 8/20/2024 consistent with the historic value and the spirit of the architectural style of the landmark or district in accordance with Section 228-6 of the Municipal Code. In making this determination, the Commission is guided by the principles set forth in Section 228-6B of the Municipal Code, as further elaborated in Section 228-6C, and by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and in this case specifically the following principles and Standards: Standard #9 New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. As a non-contributing structure, 934 Stewart Ave., by definition, does not possess historic materials or features that are subject to protection under the Principles enumerated in Section 228-5 of the Municipal Code or the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. The ILPC’s evaluation of the proposed project is therefore limited to the assessment of the impact of the proposed work on adjacent historic structures and on the Cornell Heights Historic District as a whole, with the guiding principle being that the proposed work must not further reduce the compatibility of the non-contributing structure within its historic environment. With respect to Standard #9, the demolition of the elevated walkways and the construction of a staircase constructed of concrete, wood, and composite materials will not remove distinctive materials and will not alter features and spaces that characterize the Cornell Heights Historic District. Also with respect to Standard #9, the proposed stairway is compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features of the property and its environment. In consideration of the use of composite materials for the railing system, the Commission noted that its use does not make the non-contributing building less compatible with the historic environment and the material is not being used as a substitute or replacement for a historic material. RESOLVED, that, based on the findings set forth above, the proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance of the Cornell Heights Historic District, as set forth in Section 228-6, and be it further, RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal meets criteria for approval under Section 228-6 of the Municipal Code, and be it further Approved on: 8/20/2024 RESOLVED, that the ILPC approves the Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the following condition: • The design details and materials for the proposed treads shall be submitted to ILPC staff for consideration and approval prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. RECORD OF VOTE: Moved by: D. Kramer Seconded by: A. Smith In Favor: D. Kramer, E. Finnegan, A. Smith, K. Olson, S. Gibian Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: J. Smith, S. Stein Vacancies: 0 III. OLD BUSINESS A. 209 Eddy Street, East Hill Historic District—Proposal to Construct a Gravel-Paved Parking Area for Two Cars in the Rear Yard with Vehicular Access Through the Rear Yard of 211 Eddy Street. Architect Claudia Brenner appeared on behalf of property owner Ike Nestopoulos, also in attendance, to present the proposed project. 209 Eddy Street is a contributing resource in the locally designated East Hill Historic District. Per the Commission’s request, C. Brenner stated that the topography of the site was evaluated, with particular attention given to the grade at the entrance to the parking area. A proposed grading plan addressing the topographical differences between 209 and 211 Eddy Street was presented to the Commission. S. Gibian stated that he saw where they had addressed the drop off at the new driveway entrance to 209 Eddy Street from 211 Eddy Street. He asked if the three circles in front of the parking spots on the proposed site plan were bushes. C. Brenner stated they are bushes; however, a variety has not been determined yet. K. Olson expressed concerns about the conversion of this rear yard into parking, noting landscaped quality of the East Hill Historic District and the “green” rear yards of the properties within it are important character defining features. Board members concluded that the addition of a paved area for two cars behind the residence would not remove a substantial amount of green space and would not alter the historic character of the neighborhood. Members noted the low visibility of the proposed paved area and the vegetative screen contributed to their decision. Approved on: 8/20/2024 RESOLUTION: 209 Eddy Street, East Hill Historic District―Proposal to Contract a Gravel-Paved Parking Area for Five Cars in the Rear and Side Yards with Vehicular Access Through the Rear Yard of 211 Eddy Street WHEREAS, 209 Eddy Street is located in the East Hill Historic District, as designated under Section 228-3 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code in 1988, and as listed on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1986, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4 of the Municipal Code, an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, dated January 23, 2024, was submitted for review to the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) by property owner Ike Nestopoulos, including the following: (1) two narratives respectively titled Description of Proposed Change(s) and Reasons for Changes(s); (2) eight (8) photographs documenting existing conditions; a “Site Plan” prepared by Claudia Brenner, architect and dated January 22, 2024; and a “Survey Map” of the subject property, prepared by Sheive Land Surveying and dated March 10, 2024, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has also reviewed the New York State Building-Structure Inventory Form for 209 Eddy Street, and the City of Ithaca’s East Hill Historic District Summary Statement, and WHEREAS, as stated in the narrative Description of Proposed Change(s), the project involves the construction of a five-car parking area and associated driveway in the rear and side yards of the property, with access from Catherine Street and through the rear yard of the adjacent property at 211 Eddy Street, and WHEREAS, additional application materials amending the original proposal were submitted by the applicant on March 1, 2024, including a letter from the applicant to the ILPC and a revised site plan sketch showing the proposed site modifications, and WHEREAS, as stated in the applicant’s letter and shown in the revised site plan sketch, the project now includes the installation of gravel paving to create two parking spaces and an associated driveway behind the residence, and WHEREAS, consideration of the application was tabled at the April 28, 2024, meeting, as the Commission required additional information to complete their review of the proposal, and WHEREAS, revised application materials were submitted on May 14, 2024 and included a detailed site plan prepared by the Claudia Brenner, architect, titled “Parking Plan” and dated May 14, 2024, and Approved on: 8/20/2024 WHEREAS, the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness is a Type II Action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance for which no further environmental review is required, and WHEREAS, the applicant has provided sufficient documentation and information to evaluate impacts of the proposal on the subject property and surrounding properties, and WHEREAS, a Public Hearing for the purpose of considering approval of the Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness was conducted at the regularly scheduled ILPC meeting on April 23, 2024, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: As identified in the City of Ithaca’s East Hill Historic District Summary Statement, the period of significance for the area now known as the East Hill Historic District is 1830-1932. As indicated in the New York State Building-Structure Inventory Form, the Queen Anne Style residence at 209 Eddy Street was constructed between 1882 and 1893. Constructed within the period of significance of the East Hill Historic District and possessing a high level of integrity, the property is a contributing element of the East Hill Historic District. In consideration of this and all approvals of proposals for alterations, new construction, or demolition in historic districts, the ILPC must determine that the proposed exterior work will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance and value of either the landmark or, if the improvement is within a district, of the neighboring improvements in such district. In considering architectural and cultural value, the Commission shall consider whether the proposed change is consistent with the historic value and the spirit of the architectural style of the landmark or district in accordance with Section 228-6 of the Municipal Code. In making this determination, the Commission is guided by the principles set forth in Section 228-6B of the Municipal Code, as further elaborated in Section 228-6C, and by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and in this case specifically the following principles and Standards: Approved on: 8/20/2024 Principle #2 The historic features of a property located within, and contributing to the significance of, an historic district shall be altered as little as possible and any alterations made shall be compatible with both the historic character of the individual property and the character of the district as a whole. Principle #3 New construction located within an historic district shall be compatible with the historic character of the district within which it is located. Standard #2 The historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. The removal of distinctive materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property will be avoided. Standard #9 New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. Standard #10 New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that, if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired. With respect to Principle #2, Standard #2, and Standard #9, the construction of the proposed parking area and associated driveway will not remove distinctive materials and will not alter features and spaces that characterize the property. The topography, landscaping, and yard areas of the East Hill Historic District are character-defining features of the district. The subject property is located at a pivotal juncture between areas to the north where alterations to the historic environment have occurred and areas to the south where they have not, essentially serving as a buffer between those two zones. Therefore, the construction of new, large paved areas within the rear yards of this property required careful consideration. In making a determination about the appropriateness of the proposal, the Commission considered the historic development of the property and East Hill during the district’s period of significance and the visual impact of the proposal on the character of the neighborhood. 209 Eddy Street was constructed as a single-family home in the late-19th century, a time before the proliferation of motor vehicles. As motor vehicles became more popular during the early-20th century, parking areas for one or two cars were constructed alongside or behind many single-family homes. Unlike many of its counterparts in Approved on: 8/20/2024 the neighborhood, a parking area was not constructed at 209 Eddy Street likely due to the topography of and limited access to the site. There is currently no off- street parking at this property, and it is used as a multiple residence. Given this historic development pattern noted above, the Commission determined it is appropriate to install a gravel-paved area large enough to accommodate two vehicles in the rear yard of the property, a number consistent with the original single-family use of the property and the parking areas installed during the district’s period of significance. With respect to the visual impact of the proposal, the Commission noted that the rear yard of this property is not highly visible from the public way due to the steep topography of the site. The new gravel-paved area will also be screened from view by a fence or vegetative plantings. Vehicles will access the new parking area from an existing drive on Catherine Street, resulting in no changes to the streetscape on either Eddy or Catherine Streets. Also with respect to Principle #2, Principle #3, and Standard #9, the proposed parking area and associated driveway is compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features of the property and its environment. With respect to Standard #10, the proposed parking area and associated driveway can be removed in the future without impairment of the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment. RESOLVED, that, based on the findings set forth above, the proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance of the 209 Eddy Street and the East Hill Historic District, as set forth in Section 228-6, and be it further, RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal meets criteria for approval under Section 228-6 of the Municipal Code, and be it further RESOLVED, that the ILPC approves the Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the following condition(s): • A screening plan shall be submitted to ILPC staff for consideration and approval. RECORD OF VOTE: Moved by: D. Kramer, Seconded by: S. Gibian In Favor: D. Kramer, S. Gibian, A. Smith, E. Finegan Approved on: 8/20/2024 Against: K. Olson Abstain: 0 Absent: J. Smith, S. Stein Vacancies: 0 B. 601 East State Street, East Hill Historic District—Exterior Finish Materials as Required Conditions Placed on Certificate of Appropriateness 11-8-2023. Architect Mike Barnoski for Trade Design Build presented on behalf of property owner Modern Living Rentals. M. Barnoski stated that the project team is seeking approval from the Commission for the exterior finish material for the new building, a condition placed on the Certificate of Appropriateness issued by the Commission. He noted the proposed use of pre- painted wood siding, asphalt shingles, k-style gutters, 1”x 6” ship lap wood for the porch ceiling. He also noted the proposed use of Jeld-Wen doors, Anderson A-Series Windows (fiberglass-clad wood). The exterior foundation walls will have a stucco finish. M. Barnoski stated that the materials for the parklet are still being worked out. D. Kramer left the meeting at 6:40 PM. RESOLUTION: 601 East State Street, East Hill Historic District–Proposal to Construct a Two-Story, Wood-Framed, Multi-Family Residence in the Rear Yard of the Property. (Condition Placed on Certificate of Appropriateness issued by the ILPC on October 17, 2023) WHEREAS, 601 East State Street is located in the East Hill Historic District, as designated under Section 228-3 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code in 1989, and as listed on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1989, and WHEREAS, a Certificate of Appropriateness was issued at the regularly scheduled Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) meeting on October 17, 2023 for the construction of a two-story, wood-framed, multi-family residence in the southeast corner of the rear yard of the subject property, and the construction of a patio area, retaining walls, and walkways in the northeast corner of the property, and WHEREAS, the following condition(s) were placed on the Certificate of Appropriateness: • The applicant shall submit to the ILPC the following for consideration and approval: north, south, east and west elevation drawings; a detailed site plan; detail drawings (including both elevations and sections) for all architectural and hardscape details); a materials schedule and product specifications for all building materials, products and elements, including, but not limited to, doors windows, railings, lighting, and siding; and samples for all building and hardscape materials, and Approved on: 8/20/2024 WHEREAS, materials were submitted for consideration by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission by Trade Design Build on behalf of property owner Modern Living Rentals on May 21, 2024, to satisfy the above noted condition(s); the submitted 33-page presentation includes a “Project Description,” “Existing Site Plan,” “Site Plan, “Landscape Plan,” “Material Selection” schedule, “Elevation -East” drawing, “Elevation – West” drawing, “Elevation – North” drawing, “Elevation – South (sic)” drawing, “Details – Window Trim 1” drawing, “Details – Windows Trim 2 (sic)” drawing, “Details – Porch Column Trim” drawing, ten “3D Views” renderings, product information for Anderson A-Series windows, and Jeld-Wen Design-Pro™ Smooth-Pro™ Direct Glazed Exterior Fiberglass Doors, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: In consideration of this and all approvals of proposals for alterations, new construction, or demolition in historic districts, the ILPC must determine that the proposed exterior work will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance and value of either the landmark or, if the improvement is within a district, of the neighboring improvements in such district. In considering architectural and cultural value, the Commission shall consider whether the proposed change is consistent with the historic value and the spirit of the architectural style of the landmark or district in accordance with Section 228-5 of the Municipal Code. In making this determination, the Commission is guided by the principles set forth in Section 228-5B of the Municipal Code, as further elaborated in Section 228-5C, and by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and in this case specifically the following principles and Standards: Principle #3 New construction located within an historic district shall be compatible with the historic character of the district within which it is located. Standard #9 New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. With respect to Principle #3 and Standard #9, the proposed exterior cladding materials and finishes are compatible with the historic character of the East Hill Approved on: 8/20/2024 Historic District, and more specifically, with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features of the property and its environment. Also with respect to Standard #9, the proposed addition will be differentiated from surrounding historic structures through the use of contemporary construction techniques, materials and detailing. RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission approves the exterior cladding and finish materials and design changes, and be it further RESOLVED, that the conditions placed on the Certificate of Appropriateness and noted above have not been fully met, and be it further RESOLVED, a detailed site plan, materials schedule, and material samples for the proposed patio area must be submitted to the ILPC for consideration to satisfy the above noted condition placed on the Certificated of Appropriateness. RECORD OF VOTE: Moved by: S. Gibian Seconded by: A. Smith In Favor: S. Gibian, A. Smith, K. Olson, E. Finegan Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: J. Smith, S. Stein, D. Kramer Vacancies: 0 C. 607-611 East State Street, East Hill Historic District--Proposal to Consolidate Two Window Openings on the North Elevation and Install a Single Window Meeting Egress Requirements The Commission reviewed a request from the applicant to extend the review period for the Certificate of Appropriateness Application submitted for the above noted project. RESOLUTION: Certificate of Appropriateness Application Review Extension, 607-611 East State Street, East Hill Historic District – Proposal to Consolidate Two Window Opening on the North Elevation and Install a Single Window Meeting Egress Requirements. WHEREAS, 607-611 East State Street is located within the East Hill Historic District, as designated under Section 228-3 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code in 1988, and listed on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1986, and Approved on: 8/20/2024 WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-7(F) of the Municipal Code, “The Commission shall approve, deny, or approve with conditions or modifications the Certificate of Appropriateness within 45 days from the completion of the public hearing, unless an extension is mutually agreed upon in writing by the applicant and the Commission,” and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4 of the Municipal Code, an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, dated December 19, 2023, was submitted for review to the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) by Greg Tumbarello on behalf of property owner 609 East State Street, LLC, and WHEREAS, at the conclusion of the Public Hearing for the aforesaid Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness on January 16, 2024, the Commission made a finding of fact that the circumstances of the application required further time for additional study and information than could be obtained within the aforesaid 45- day period and extended the review period to 90 days as permitted by Section 228-7(F) (1) the Commission, and WHERERAS, the applicant was unable to produce the requested additional information within the 90-day review period, and WHEREAS, a written request for an extension of the Certificate of Appropriateness review period for this project was submitted to the ILPC by Greg Tumbarello on behalf of property owner 609 East State Street, LLC on April 12, 2024, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the ILPC agrees to the request for the extension of the Certificate of Appropriateness review for a period of 90 days. RECORD OF VOTE: Moved by: S. Gibian Seconded by: K. Olson In favor: S. Gibian, K. Olson, A. Smith, E. Finegan Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: D. Kramer, S. Stein, J. Smith Vacancies: 0 VI. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS • B. McCracken advised the board that the Historic Ithaca Annual Preservation Award nomination deadline is July 22, 2024. He encouraged the members to submit nominations. Approved on: 8/20/2024 VII. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by K. Olson, seconded by A. Smith, the meeting was adjourned unanimously at 6:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bryan McCracken, Historic Preservation Planner