Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-ILPC-2009-05-14Approved by ILPC – 6/11/09 Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission May 14, 2009 Present: Alphonse Pieper, Chair Nancy Brcak Kristen Brennan Susan Jones Lynn Truame Mary Tomlan, Common Council Liaison Leslie Chatterton, Staff Megan Gilbert, Staff Chair A. Pieper called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and read the legal notice for the public hearings. He rearranged the agenda order to allow the applicants in attendance to be heard first. I. PUBLIC HEARING B. Handwork Cooperative, 102-106 West State Street, Clinton Block Historic District – proposal for replacement door Tom Nix, consultant to the Handwork Cooperative, was present to address the Commission regarding the proposal. He explained that the proposal is to replace the existing double doors that lead from West State Street to the second floor with a single door. The applicant has had several break-ins on the second floor and efforts to weather strip the door have been unsuccessful. The proposal would result in a slight reduction of the existing door opening. It is currently 44” and would be reduced to 38” so that the new door could open to a full 90°. This alteration is not required by code, but a 44” door is the maximum allowed under code and is difficult to swing. The replacement door will be custom-made but an attempt will be made to match the adjacent door. Chair A. Pieper noted that in a recent case the Commission did allow a double door to be replaced by a single door but this was due largely to life safety concerns. S. Jones added that this is not as big of a concern for her in this case because the second floor is occupied by offices and not dwelling units. Public Hearing On a motion by K. Brennan, seconded by N. Brcak, Chair A. Pieper opened the public hearing. There being no one to address the Commission, the public hearing was closed on a motion by K. Brennan, seconded by N. Brcak. Chair A. Pieper indicated that he did not have a problem allowing the replacement. K. Brennan stated that she did not want to replace the door due to security concerns that were not issues of life safety. In terms of the weatherization problems, she would need to look at the door. She added that these double doors are some of the last remaining doors of this kind downtown and are one of the few original features remaining in the building. L. Truame agreed and would like to look at the doors to see if the existing doors could be retained and still work for the applicant. 1 ILPC Minutes May 14, 2009 With the applicant’s approval, the ILPC unanimously voted to table the application until this next meeting on a motion by S. Jones and seconded by N. Brcak. Commission members will visit the site to look at the door and the applicant will provide more information on security and weatherization. D. 108 Elston Place, East Hill Historic District – proposal to demolish garage The ILPC reviewed a full environmental assessment form (FEAF), prepared by staff, for the proposal to demolish the garage. With regard to process staff explained that it was appropriate for the ILPC to declare itself lead agency as there are no other interested or involved agencies. As a next step the ILPC would review the FEAF and determine whether or not the proposal will have any substantial adverse environmental impacts. If the Commission determines there are no adverse impacts and makes a negative declaration of environmental significance, a vote on the Certificate of Appropriateness will follow. Joseph Steuer of Christopher George Real Estate and Kathryn March and Mohan Holmberg, potential buyers of the property, were present to address the Commission regarding the proposal. J. Steuer explained that the garage is in a dilapidated condition and Christopher George Real Estate would like to sell the building with a Certificate of Occupancy so that it may be rented out. To do so, the garage needs to be repaired or demolished. The condition of the garage was first discussed ten years ago and nothing has been done to improve it since that time. The garage would essentially need to be rebuilt to “repair” it. Staff stated that based on Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, the garage was built sometime between 1929 and 1940. The period of significance for the East Hill Historic District ends in 1932 so there is some question about whether the garage was built during the district’s period of significance. Staff also explained that the Commission does not look at economic hardship during this phase of its review. If the application is denied, the applicant can then file an economic hardship appeal. The Commission will look at the structure’s integrity which is separate from its condition. K. March told the Commission that she is interested in buying 108 Elston Place with her husband and son. They are interested in the property because of its historic character and because it “has not been ruined.” The outcome of this application will affect their interest in the property as well as the price they are willing to pay. They realize that this is one of many issues associated with this property and are just beginning to work through them. Chair A. Pieper stated that the ILPC must first decide on the significance of the structure. K. Brennan had visited the site and stated that the building has so little integrity left that preventing the demotion would be preserving the idea of the garage rather than the garage itself. N. Brcak stated that in addition to the issue of integrity, she does not see how the garage is historically significant. S. Jones agreed. 2 ILPC Minutes May 14, 2009 K. Brennan added that the garage is not highly visible given the location of the property on the end of Elston Place. Public Hearing On a motion by K. Brennan, seconded by L. Truame, Chair A. Pieper opened the public hearing. There being no one to address the Commission, the public hearing was closed on a motion by K. Brennan, seconded by L. Truame. The ILPC reviewed the FEAF. RD-1 Designation of Lead Agency RESOLUTION: Moved by K. Brennan, seconded by L. Truame WHEREAS: an application has been submitted for review and approval by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission for the demolition of a garage located at 108 Elston Place, in the City of Ithaca, by applicant Christopher Anagnost, and WHEREAS: the applicant is proposing to demolish a garage constructed between 1929 and 1940 and located in the East Hill Historic District, listed on the New York and National Registers of Historic Places and designated a local historic district under Section 228 of the City’s Municipal Code, and WHEREAS: this is a TYPE I Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Review Ordinance Section 174-4B(1)(h)[4] and a TYPE I Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, both of which require environmental review, and WHEREAS: State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action, and WHEREAS: the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action and there are no other involved agencies, now therefore be it, RESOLVED: that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission does hereby declare itself Lead Agency for the environmental review of the action to demolish the garage at 108 Elston Place in the East Hill Historic District. 3 ILPC Minutes May 14, 2009 RECORD OF VOTE: Carried 5-0-0 Yes A. Pieper, Chair N. Brcak K. Brennan S. Jones L. Truame No 0 Abstain 0 RD-2 Declaration of Environmental Significance RESOLUTION: Moved by N. Brcak, seconded by S. Jones WHEREAS an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness has been submitted for review and approval by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission, (ILPC) for the demolition of a garage located at 108 Elston Place in the East Hill Historic District, and WHEREAS the proposed demolition is a TYPE I Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Review Ordinance as stated in Section 176-4(h) {4} Any historic building, structure, facility, site or district or prehistoric site listed on the National Register of Historic Places or that has been proposed by the New York State Board on Historic preservation for a recommendation to the State Historic Preservation Officer for nomination for inclusion in said National Register or that is listed on the State Register of Historic Places or that is designated under the City of Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Ordinance provided that this item does not include any otherwise unlisted action that is designed for the preservation of the facility or site, and a TYPE I Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, both of which require environmental review, and WHEREAS the ILPC, as lead agency, has reviewed the Full Environmental Assessment Form, (FEAF) Parts 1, 2, and 3 and the materials submitted by the applicant, Christopher Anagnost, including the following: 1) the Certificate of Appropriateness application form submitted April 29, 2009; 2) a letter to property owner Michael Civay from City Housing Inspector Gary Checksfield; 3) the property survey map; 4) a photocopy from the 1929 Sanborn Map/updated to 1940; 5) photocopies of photographs of the structure proposed for demolition, and WHEREAS although the structure is located in the East Hill Local Historic District, it is not known whether it was constructed within the District’s “period of significance.” WHEREAS the structure does not contribute to the district’s “special character or special historical or aesthetical interest”; or “represent a period or style of architecture typical of one or more eras in the history”; or “cause such area by reason of such 4 ILPC Minutes May 14, 2009 factors to constitute a visibly perceptive section of the city” as stated in Section 228-3 Definitions HISTORIC DISTRICT of the City Municipal Code, and WHEREAS the ILPC has identified no potential large impacts of the action to demolish the garage at 108 Elston Place, now therefore be it RESOLVED that Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission hereby adopts as its own the contents and conclusions of the FEAF, and be it further RESOLVED that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposed demolition of the garage at 108 Elston Place will result in no significant impacts on the environment and that a Negative Declaration for purposes of Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law be filed in accordance with the provisions of Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act. RECORD OF VOTE: Carried 5-0-0 Yes A. Pieper, Chair N. Brcak K. Brennan S. Jones L. Truame No 0 Abstain 0 RD-3 Certificate of Appropriateness RESOLUTION: Moved by K. Brennan, seconded by N. Brcak WHEREAS, 108 Elston Place is located in the East Hill Historic District as provided for in Section 228-4 of the Municipal Code, Landmarks Preservation, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4(E) of the Municipal Code, Landmarks Preservation, an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness has been submitted by the owner’s representative Christopher Anagnost, of Christopher George Real Estate, and WHEREAS, the action under consideration is the demolition of a two bay garage located at the rear of the property, and WHEREAS, project may be a Type I Action under and thus require further environmental review, and WHEREAS, as lead agency the ILPC has reviewed the Full Environmental Impact Statement (FEAF) Parts 1, 2 and 3, and has made a determination that the proposed action will not result in any large and important impacts and, 5 ILPC Minutes May 14, 2009 therefore is one which will not have a significant impact on the environment, and has directed that a negative declaration for purposes of Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law be filed according to the requirements contained in Part 617 thereof and for purposes of the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance be filed according to the requirements contained in Section 176-10(2) thereof, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has reviewed material submitted by C. Anagnost, including the following: 1) the Certificate of Appropriateness application form submitted April 29, 2009; 2) a letter to property owner Michael Civay from City Housing Inspector Gary Checksfield; 3) the property survey map; 4) a photocopy from the 1929 Sanborn Map/updated to 1940; 5) photocopies of photographs of the structure proposed for demolition, 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 a Certificate of Appropriateness was conducted at the regularly scheduled ILPC meeting held on May 14, 2009, WHEREAS, the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: • The period of significance for the area now known as the East Hill Historic District is identified in the City of Ithaca’s East Hill Historic District Summary Significance Statement as 1830-1932. • As shown on the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of 1929/ updated to 1940, located in the City of Ithaca Department of Planning & Development the garage was built sometime after 1929. It is not know whether or not the building was constructed within the period of significance of the East Hill Historic District • The garage is a rectilinear, shed roof structure with two pairs of large hinged doors, lap siding, single light windows and supported on a concrete foundation. • The proposal involves the demolition of the garage. • The purpose is to remove the deteriorated structure. WHEREAS, in its evaluation the Commission has considered the following: 6 ILPC Minutes May 14, 2009 Based on information in the Sanborn Fire Insurance map of 1929, updated in 1940, the structure was built after 1929. It is not known whether it was built within the district’s “period of significance” (1830 – 1932). The 1919 Sanborn shows an earlier ancillary structure on the site with a different footprint and in different location. The garage does not contribute to the district’s “special character or special historical or aesthetical interest”; or “represent a period or style of architecture typical of one or more eras in the history”; or “cause such area by reason of such factors to constitute a visibly perceptive section of the city” as stated in the City Municipal Code, Section 228-3, Definitions: HISTORIC DISTRICT of the City Municipal Code. The garage is the last structure on Elston Place, a short lane serving two residences and terminating just north of the gorge bank of Six Mile Creek. The location of the garage in particular is physically and visually separated from the more densely settled area of the East Hill Historic District further diminishing the impact of the proposed action on the character of the district; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal meets criteria for approval under Section 228-4E(1)(a) of the Municipal Code, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Commission approves the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness. RECORD OF VOTE: Carried 5-0-0 Yes A. Pieper, Chair N. Brcak K. Brennan S. Jones L. Truame No 0 Abstain 0 A. 128 Eddy Street, East Hill Historic District – proposal to clad structure with “HardiePanel” “shear” vertical siding No one was present to address the Commission regarding the proposal. Staff explained that the owners had wanted to replace the existing lauan siding with clapboard but after discussion with staff have submitted this application to replace with “HardiePanel” vertical siding. The applicants are proposing either the “smooth” or “stucco” finish. Chair Pieper indicated that the existing material is plywood and not lauan. 7 ILPC Minutes May 14, 2009 Public Hearing On a motion by N. Brcak, seconded by S. Jones, Chair A. Pieper opened the public hearing. There being no one to address the Commission, the public hearing was closed on a motion by K. Brennan, seconded by S. Jones. N. Brcak stated that she will abstain from the vote because she was unable to visit the property before the meeting. RESOLUTION: Moved by S. Jones, seconded by K. Brennan WHEREAS, 128 Eddy Street, is located in the East Hill Historic District, designated as provided for in Section 228-4 of the Municipal Code, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Chapter 228-4(E) of the Municipal Code, Landmarks Preservation, an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness has been submitted by property owners Dan and Margaret Liguori for review by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC), and WHEREAS, the action under consideration is to replace existing siding and trim, and WHEREAS, the project is a Type II Action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance and thus requires no further environmental review, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has reviewed the documentation dated April 25, 2009 including a Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the narrative description of the proposal, a photograph of the property with the existing siding, and product specifications for JamesHardie HardiePanel Vertical Siding, email correspondence between ILPC staff and the applicant dated 5/5/2009 and 5/7/2009, 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 a Certificate of Appropriateness was conducted at the regularly scheduled ILPC meeting on May 14, 2009, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: The period of significance for the area now known as the East Hill Historic District is identified in the City of Ithaca’s East Hill Historic District Summary Significance Statement as 1830-1932. 8 ILPC Minutes May 14, 2009 Originally constructed between 1873 and 1882, the property is a late 19th century residence with a steep roofline, tall proportions, and an irregular plan that has had some major 20th century alterations and additions that may have acquired historic significance in their own right. Constructed within the district’s period of significance, 128 Eddy Street retains significant integrity to reflect its historic and architectural significance and is a contributing element of the East Hill Historic District. As addressed in the narrative dated April 25, 2009, the proposal involves the replacement of the existing lauan siding with HardiePanel Vertical Siding. The proposed HardiePanel siding would have the “smooth” or “stucco” finish. The proposal also involves replacement of the existing trim with HardieTrim Planks. The purpose of the proposal is to replace deteriorated lauan siding. WHEREAS, in its evaluation the ILPC has considered the following: 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 228-4E (1)(a) of the Municipal Code. In making this determination the Commission is guided by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and in this case specifically the following Standards: #4 Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved. #6 Deteriorated features shall be repaired rather than replaced. When the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence. The “modern” appearance of the property’s exterior, probably dating from the 1960s or 1970s, including the smooth panel siding, unembellished trim 9 ILPC Minutes May 14, 2009 elements, alteration of the fenestration pattern and the unusual asymmetrical dormer on the south façade, is the result of alterations that have acquired historic significance in their own right. The HardiePanel Vertical Siding will match these “modern” elements in design, texture and other visual qualities and would not alter characteristic features in keeping with Standards #2 and #4. WHEREAS, the proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance of the East Hill Historic District, as set forth in Section 228-4E(1)(a); now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal meets criteria for approval under Section 228-4E (1)(a) of the Municipal Code, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Commission approves the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the following conditions: The finish on the HardiePanel siding shall be smooth. RECORD OF VOTE: Carried 4-0-1 Yes A. Pieper, Chair K. Brennan S. Jones L. Truame No 0 Abstain N. Brcak B. Clinton House, 116-120 North Cayuga Street, Clinton Block Historic District – installation of a temporary banner No one was present to address the Commission regarding the proposal. Public Hearing On a motion by K. Brennan, seconded by S. Jones, Chair A. Pieper opened the public hearing. There being no one to address the Commission, the public hearing was closed on a motion by L. Truame, seconded by S. Jones. RESOLUTION: Moved by L. Truame, seconded by N. Brcak WHEREAS, the Clinton House, 116-120 North Cayuga Street, is located in the Clinton Block Historic District, designated as provided for in Section 228-4 of the Municipal Code, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Chapter 228-4(E) of the Municipal Code, Landmarks Preservation, and Chapter 272 –16(B), Signs, an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness has been submitted by the Melissa Mueller, 10 ILPC Minutes May 14, 2009 Executive Secretary of the New Roots Charter School for review by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC), and WHEREAS, the action under consideration is to install a temporary banner, and WHEREAS, the project is a Type II Action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance and thus requires no further environmental review, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has reviewed the documentation dated April 29, 2009 including a narrative description of the proposal and a graphic representation of the proposed sign, 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 a Certificate of Appropriateness was conducted at the regularly scheduled ILPC meeting on May 14, 2009, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: The Clinton House at 116- 120 North Cayuga Street, Clinton Hall and the Hibbard Block comprise the Clinton Block Local Historic District. The period of significance for the Clinton Block Historic District is identified as 1830-1901 based on the earliest construction and the last significant alteration to the district. Originally constructed in 1830, the Clinton House is architecturally significant as an early large-scale building constructed in the Greek Revival style for commercial use at the height of the style’s national popularity in the early to mid 19th century. The design of the Clinton House is attributed to Ira Tillotson, early architect, builder and surveyor. Its grandeur reflects Ithaca's early economic prosperity and local confidence that the community might soon become the commercial and industrial hub of western New York State. The upper portion of the building was rebuilt to the designs of architect Clinton L. Vivian following a fire in 1901. This alteration and later additions have gained significance in their own right and the property as a whole retains a high level of integrity. The property is also historically significant for its association with Simeon DeWitt; prominent Ithaca businessmen, Jeremiah Beebe, Henry Ackley and 11 ILPC Minutes May 14, 2009 Henry Hibbard as well as prominent figures of the later 19th and early 20th centuries, such as William Seward, Horace Greeley and Frances Perkins. Constructed within the district’s period of significance, the Clinton House retains sufficient integrity to reflect its historic and architectural significance and is a contributing element of the Clinton Block Historic District. As addressed in the narrative dated April 29, 2009, the proposal involves the installation of a 3’x5’ temporary vinyl banner. The banner will be mounted on a wood frame and secured to the iron railing in front of the Clinton House with cords. The banner will be forest green in color with yellow text and logo. The purpose of the proposal is to advertise the Clinton House as the home of the New Roots Charter School. WHEREAS, in its evaluation the ILPC has considered the following: 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 228-4E (1)(a) of the Municipal Code. In making this determination the Commission is guided by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and in this case specifically the following Standards: #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. #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. The proposed banner will be attached to the iron railing with cords and will not destroy historic materials that characterize the property and in keeping with Standard #9. 12 ILPC Minutes May 14, 2009 The proposed banner, as described in the submitted documentation, will be compatible with the massing, size, and scale of the property and in keeping with Standard #9. The proposed banner is intended to be temporary. The installation will be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the building and its environment would be unimpaired in keeping with Standard #10. WHEREAS, the proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance of the Clinton Block Historic District, as set forth in Section 228-4E(1)(a); now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal meets criteria for approval under Section 228-4E (1)(a) of the Municipal Code, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Commission approves the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the following conditions: 1) The dimensions of the sign shall not exceed the opening created by the iron railing. 2) The sign shall be removed or re-approved within six months. 3) The sign shall be maintained in good condition. RECORD OF VOTE: Carried 5-0-0 Yes A. Pieper, Chair N. Brcak K. Brennan S. Jones L. Truame No 0 Abstain 0 II. PLEASURE OF THE CHAIR A. Administrative Matters None. B. Public Comment on Matters of Interest None. C. Communications None. 13 ILPC Minutes May 14, 2009 III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. IV. OLD BUSINESS None. V. NEW BUSINESS A. Consideration and possible comment by ILPC on application for approval of minor subdivision at 117 W. State. St., State Theater – Staff explained the application materials. Commission members had no further comment. B. Collegetown Terrace, East State Street – proposal for new construction of student housing complex – John Novarr, Kathryn Wolf, and Lane Chambliss presented the project to the Commission. The project site is an approximately 16 acre area bordered by E. State Street, Six Mile Creek, Valentine Place, and S. Quarry Street. The proposal involves the construction of new housing units (600+ new beds) to create a total of approximately 1200 beds on the site. The site includes three buildings that are part of the East Hill Historic District (Quarry Arms, Boiler Works, and Casa Roma), and these buildings will remain without alteration. Design work on the new housing units is ongoing, and they will return with more information once it is available. C. Proposal for study of possible local landmarks designations in the Collegetown neighborhood – John Schroeder and Mary Tomlan presented information on historic resources in Collegetown, including icons, individual buildings, architectural ensembles, and landscape features, to be studied for possible historic designation. The information was presented in a booklet, distributed to the Commission. Staff reported that a summer intern will be studying these resources and gathering information for a possible designation. The intern will also be studying the Henry St. John neighborhood for potential historic district designation, initiated by the neighborhood residents. VI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:27 p.m. by Chair A. Pieper. Respectfully Submitted, Leslie A. Chatterton, Secretary Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission 14