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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-ILPC-2012-03-13Approved by ILPC – 4/10/12 Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) Minutes – March 13, 2012 Present: Christine O’Malley Stephen Gibian David Kramer Ed Finegan, Vice-Chair Michael McGandy Ellen McCollister, Common Council Liaison Lynn Truame, Staff Charles Pyott, Staff Vice-Chair Finegan called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and read the legal notice for the public hearings. I. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Fall Creek Drive, Cornell Heights Historic District ― Proposal to Complete Installation of Black Chain-Link Fence at Guardrail. Applicant D. McClure recapitulated the salient details of the proposed project. He noted the stone wall has existed on the site for many years, but collapsed last winter, either as the result of an actual impact or through a process of erosion. Subsequently, the City installed a temporary Jersey barrier. Concerns arose that the Jersey barrier would force pedestrians to walk behind it, dangerously close to the edge of the cliff. (D. McClure stated that there had in fact been a fatality in the vicinity of the site in July 2011.) Cornell then asked the City for input on how to handle the situation. The City indicated it would be installing a galvanized metal guard rail in place of the Jersey barriers. Cornell independently explored the degree and extent of deterioration of the gorge edge in the area of the failed rock wall. D. McClure stated that Cornell’s investigation resulted in a determination that much of the wall sits on portions of the slope that are seriously at-risk of further deterioration. Because of this situation, there were concerns that the typical method for installing a guard rail, involving the use of a pile-driver (the method that would have been used by the City), might have caused further damage to the rock face. Instead, Cornell offered to drill the holes for placement of the guard rail with a specialized piece of equipment that it owns and uses for installing fence posts. This would allow both the guard rail posts and the fence posts to be placed in the same holes, minimizing disruption to the edge of the gorge in this area. The City and Cornell agreed to work together on the project. In September 2011, after installation of the new guard rail and fence posts but before the fence mesh was installed, concerns were raised about the appropriateness of the project, and of Cornell working with the City without obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness for its portion of the work. This brought a stop to all the work on the project. In his application, D. McClure noted, he expressly sought to address the aesthetic and historical concerns associated with the proposed project. Given that there is evidence of the use of chain-link fencing in this general area as long as 50-60 years ago, D. McClure noted that he does not believe the proposed changes introduce any new elements to the site. Furthermore, he stressed, the proposed 1 of 12 ILPC Minutes March 13, 2012 changes are not being put forward as a permanent solution; but are merely intended to ensure pedestrian safety at the site in the immediate future. D. McClure noted that one suggested alternative to the fencing, recently submitted to the Commission by a member of the public, involving planting dense brambles to prevent access to the area by pedestrians, would not be possible since there is simply not enough soil to support their growth. C. O’Malley suggested a City engineering investigation of a similar situation on Thurston Avenue should be reviewed, as an example of what could be done; it contains lessons learned that could most likely be applied to the proposed project. M. McGandy inquired into the circumstances of the fatality that was mentioned by the applicant, to which D. McClure replied it was an accidental fall. A foreign student visiting Ithaca on holiday was walking too close to the cliffside and fell into the gorge. E. Finegan observed that the fence looks as though it could be installed closer to the edge of the gorge and not on the guard rail itself. D. McClure responded that there are points at which the guardrail is immediately adjacent to the stone wall, while in other places it is farther away; the guard rail cannot be serpentined to follow the wall, though the fence could. Even if the fence were placed further from the guard rail where that is possible, he does not believe that would create sufficient additional space for pedestrians to walk. M. McGandy observed there is also a shoulder, to which D. McClure replied, yes, but only for approximately 60% of the distance. D. Kramer asked for confirmation that the Commission is not charged with reviewing the guardrail, which L. Truame affirmed. She added that the Department of Public Works installed the guardrail itself. As a result, it constitutes a City improvement and is not subject to the Commission’s approval. E. Finegan asked why the fence is required to be 6 feet in height, to which D. McClure replied he is not entirely sure, but he would surmise it is the height required to prevent someone from easily jumping over it. S. Gibian observed the New York State Building Code only requires a 42” height for guardrails, balconies, etc. D. McClure agreed this was true, and clarified that the proposed fence rises 42” above the top of the guard rail. Installing a fence that measured 42” from ground level would result in an ineffective barrier as it could easily be hopped over by standing on the guard rail. D. Kramer indicated the applicant has made a good case in terms of the necessity of a barrier for safety; however, the criteria the Commission is charged with considering are very narrow and relate solely to the aesthetics of the proposed project and its visual compatibility with the historic character of the district. D. McClure reiterated that he attempted to address the Secretary of the Interior’s criteria in his application. D. Kramer asked if the fence height could not be negotiable in some way, to which D. McClure replied, no, he is not authorized to do so. He noted that Cornell merely attempted to employ what it considers to be a reasonable standard for the fence height. It might be modified very slightly, but it is undoubtedly 2 of 12 ILPC Minutes March 13, 2012 within a few inches of where it should be. Certainly, D. McClure added, it should not be less than 5 feet high. Public Hearing On a motion by D. Kramer, seconded by M. McGandy, E. Finegan opened the public hearing. SPEAKER NAME ADDRESS COMMENTS-IN-BRIEF Carolyn R. Mrazek 326 Fall Creek Dr. Opposes → takes pride in home; believes it is a privilege to live in Historic District; observes dozens of people sitting on stone wall, enjoying vista; people take great deal of interest in the area; it is an iconic landmark; proposed changes will have negative impact on home values; better to restrict commercial traffic, as an alternative to improving safety Robert J. Mrazek 326 Fall Creek Dr. Opposes → disputes applicant’s statementof fact that stone wall is in imminent danger of collapse; vast majority appears intact; also disputes characterization of fatality as being in vicinity: fatality was actually near power station; applicant should be exploring alternative solutions Robert Camp 218 Fall Creek Dr. Opposes → dismayed at new fencing; existing stone wall has posed no problems since 1938 and it is more stable than the applicant is willing to admit; as a structural engineer, he does not believe the gorge side is unstable; a reasonable alternative could be employed for a safety barrier, using the treatment employed on the other side of the gorge as a model There being no further public comment, the public hearing was closed on a motion by M. McGandy, seconded by D. Kramer. D. Kramer suggested the Commission now proceed with its formal review of the project, focusing on the applicable Secretary’s Standards. M. McGandy observed that, judging exclusively from the criteria the Commission is tasked with reviewing, the proposed project simply does not appear to be a good solution to the problem. Although the proposed design can certainly be characterized as distinctive, it is not compatible with the historic character of the site in any way and only succeeds in obscuring and diminishing the aesthetics of the historic overlook. While M. McGandy would not argue that safety considerations are not highly relevant to the discussion, there is nothing to suggest the project could not be designed using a more rigorous, long-term approach (and for which a comprehensive study of the rockface would be most helpful). C. O’Malley expressed her agreement with M. McGandy, while D. Kramer remarked that the proposed changes certainly cannot be characterized as compatible with the historic integrity of the property and its environment. E. Finegan affirmed that the portion of Fall Creek Drive in question is one of the most unique spots in the city and some kind of genuinely creative solution is needed to preserve it, while accomplishing the goal of improving pedestrian safety. 3 of 12 ILPC Minutes March 13, 2012 L. Truame indicated the Commission probably has reached a point when it can vote on the project. She added that the applicant also is perfectly free to return with another proposal, since it does not sound like it is possible to discuss alternative solutions at this meeting. M. McGandy remarked it would be helpful to explore the feasibility of making Fall Creek Drive a one- way road and prohibiting commercial truck traffic along it, as a way of improving pedestrian safety that without negatively impacting the historic view shed or the historic stone wall. C. O’Malley indicated that she likes that idea. It would seem Cornell should certainly be able to explore additional pedestrian barrier alternatives, perhaps by examining other successful solutions to the same kinds of problems (e.g., Blue Ridge Parkway). The Commission directed L. Truame to contact the Planning Board and the Department of Public Works, asking them to look into the traffic changes that were discussed with the aim of improving pedestrian safety. RESOLUTION: Moved by M. McGandy, seconded by D. Kramer. WHEREAS, Fall Creek Drive is located within the Cornell Heights Historic District, as designated under Sections 228-3 and 228-4 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(E) of the Municipal Code, an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, dated February 22, 2012, was submitted for review to the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) by Dan McClure on behalf of property owner Cornell University, including the following: (1) two narratives respectively titled Description of Proposed Change(s) and Reasons for Changes(s); (2) captioned photographs of existing conditions in the project area; and (3) a narrative describing the applicant’s understanding of how the proposed project relates to each of the ten Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has also reviewed 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 completion of the installation of a 42” high, black vinyl-coated chain-link fence atop the city- owned guardrail that was installed along Fall Creek Drive in August 2011, 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 4 of 12 ILPC Minutes March 13, 2012 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 3/13/12, 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. The natural stone retaining wall along Fall Creek Drive in the location of the proposed fence is identified in Section 7 of the National Register Nomination for the Cornell Heights Historic District as likely being an original landscaping feature within the district. In February 2011, a portion of the stone retaining wall in this location collapsed. As a temporary measure to prevent drivers from going off the road and down the slope of the gorge, the Department of Public Works (DPW) placed concrete barriers in this location. In August 2011, the DPW removed the temporary concrete barriers and began installing standard metal guardrails around this curve in the road. City Improvements of this type are not subject to issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness; however, the Landmarks Ordinance requires that plans for such work be submitted to the ILPC for comment prior to commencement of the work. Such submission did not occur. As part of the guardrail project, the DPW worked with Cornell on the installation of black chain-link fencing that would attach to the guardrails and connect to existing fencing that runs along the edge of the gorge, as well as down to the hydroelectric power plant, preventing pedestrians from walking behind the guardrails. Work on the fence was halted in September 2011 when the City and Cornell were advised by the Office of the City Attorney that a Certificate of Appropriateness would be required for installation of the chain-link fence. The purpose of the proposal now before the ILPC is to complete the installation of the black, vinyl-coated chain-link fence atop the new City guardrail along Fall Creek Drive. 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: 5 of 12 ILPC Minutes March 13, 2012 #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. #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. With respect to Standard #2, the installation of the black, vinyl-coated chain-link fence atop the new City guardrail along Fall Creek Drive will not remove distinctive materials, but will alter features and spaces that characterize the property. The proposed fence would create a visual, as well as physical, barrier that would isolate the stone retaining wall from the rest of the district. Installation of the proposed fence would result in a severe negative impact on the historic view shed in this unique location. With respect to Standard #9, installation of the proposed fence does not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. Also with respect to Standard #9, the proposed fence is not compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features of the historic district, including its landscape features, such as the adjacent stone wall, to protect the historic integrity of the environment. The modern man-made material of the proposed fence, its size (particularly its height), and its scale are not compatible with the material, size, and scale of the low natural-stone retaining wall. The height of the proposed fence is additionally problematic for the negative impact it would have on the view from this historic overlook, altering the unique character and historic integrity of this location within the district. With respect to Standard #10, the proposed fence can be removed in the future without impairment of the essential form and integrity of the historic environment. RESOLVED, that, based on the findings set forth above, the proposal will have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance of the Cornell Heights Historic District, as set forth in Section 228-4E(1)(a), and be it further, RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal does not meet criteria for approval under Section 228-4E (1)(a) of the Municipal Code, and be it further RESOLVED, that the ILPC denies the Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness. RECORD OF VOTE: 5-0-0 6 of 12 ILPC Minutes March 13, 2012 Yes M. McGandy D. Kramer E. Finegan S. Gibian C. O’Malley No Abstain B. 120 N. Cayuga Street, the Clinton House, Clinton Block Historic District – Proposal to Install Photovoltaic Panels. (Tabled at meeting held on Tuesday, February 14, 2012.) The applicant did not appear. In the applicant’s absence, the Commission proceeded with the Public Hearing and subsequent review of the proposed changes. Public Hearing On a motion by S. Gibian, seconded by D. Kramer, E. Finegan opened the public hearing. There being no public comment, the public hearing was closed on a motion by M. McGandy, seconded by D. Kramer. L. Truame indicated the Commission had asked the applicant to explore reconfiguring the locations of the solar panels, which it has now done. The panels on the northwest portion of the roof have been moved. Originally, the attachment of the panels to the roof were also a concern, but the solution the applicant has now proposed has obviated that particular concern. M. McGandy observed this application serves as a great example of the kind of give-and-take between an applicant and the Commission that can result in a satisfactory compromise that meets the Secretary’s Standards. E. Finegan indicated the solar panels no longer appear to have any notable negative visual impact from street-level. C. O’Malley expressed her appreciation the applicant was able to move the panels back. RESOLUTION: Moved by D. Kramer, seconded by M. McGandy. WHEREAS, 116-120 North Cayuga Street, the Clinton House, is located within the Clinton Block Historic District, as designated under Sections 228-3 and 228-4 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code in 1980, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4(E) of the Municipal Code, an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, dated January 25, 2012, was submitted for review to the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) by property owner, Frost Travis, including the following: (1) two narratives respectively titled Description of Proposed Change(s) and Reasons for Change(s); (2) an aerial photograph dated 12/15/11 and titled Sheet PV-S1, showing the proposed layout of solar panels on the roof; (3) a street-level photograph showing the appearance of the proposed solar panels on the south slope of the Clinton House roof, from the vantage point of a pedestrian looking north down North Cayuga Street; (4) product 7 of 12 ILPC Minutes March 13, 2012 information for the proposed electric inverters to be installed as part of the system; and (5) an e-mail from Solar Liberty, describing the options for location of the inverters, the appearance of the wiring needed for the inverters, and the method of installation of the PV panels and its impact on the roof surface; and WHEREAS, additional materials were submitted by the applicant including an aerial photograph showing a revised panel layout by Solar Liberty, titled Sheet PV-S1 and dated March 1, 2012; a revised street-level view sent in the body of an e-mail from Jason Henderson, dated March 2, 2012 and showing the appearance of the proposed solar panels on the south slope of the Clinton House roof, from the vantage point of a pedestrian looking north down North Cayuga Street; and revised information about the mounting method for the photovoltaic panels, sent in an e-mail from Jason Henderson dated March 2, 2012, with attachments including a cut- sheet for the S-5-T mounting clamp and a photograph of PV panels installed on a standing- seam roof using another (unidentified) mounting clamp; and an e-mail from Jason Henderson containing a link to the S-5 clamp website, showing the variety of clamps available for use on standing-seam roofs, from which the contractor would select the style most appropriate for the specific seam profile at the Clinton House; and WHEREAS, the ILPC has also reviewed the Description of Architecture narrative from “Documentation for the Certification of Clinton Block Historic District, Ithaca, New York,” and the City of Ithaca’s Clinton Block Historic District Summary Statement, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has also reviewed The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation & Illustrated Guidelines on Sustainability for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings, which provide guidance on the appropriate use of photovoltaic panels for historic structures, and WHEREAS, the proposed project involves the installation of 92 photovoltaic panels on the roof of the Clinton House, as stated in the narrative Description of Proposed Change(s) and shown on the two photographs of the property submitted in March (replacing those submitted in February, which showed a different panel layout), and installation of an electric inverter which was originally proposed for the alley between the Clinton House and Clinton Hall, but which the property owner now proposes to install elsewhere (in a location yet to be determined, potentially the interior of the building), 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 2/14/12, at which this proposal was tabled so that the applicant could provide further information about options for the configuration of the panels on the roof, and WHEREAS, that information has now been provided, now therefore be it 8 of 12 ILPC Minutes March 13, 2012 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 Clinton Block Historic District Summary Statement, the period of significance for the area now known as the Clinton Block Historic District is 1830- 1901 based on the earliest construction and 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 local businessmen, Jeremiah Beebe, Henry Ackley, and Henry Hibbard; and prominent figures of the later 19th and early 20th centuries, such as William Seward, Horace Greeley, and Frances Perkins. Constructed within the period of significance of the Clinton Block Historic District and possessing a high level of integrity, the property is a contributing element of the Clinton Block Historic District. The purpose of the proposal is to install photovoltaic panels to supply a portion of the Clinton House’s energy usage in a sustainable manner. 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: #2 The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided. 9 of 12 ILPC Minutes March 13, 2012 #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. With respect to Standard #2, as shown on the revised photographs submitted in March 2012, the proposed photovoltaic panels are located on the south slope of the main central gable roof, the west slope of the main south wing roof, the south slope of the rear southwest wing roof, and the south slope of the rear northwest wing roof of the Clinton House. No panels would be placed on the most easterly end of the main central gable roof. As indicated in the March 2, 2012 e-mail describing the installation method, the panels would be mounted on clamps that attached directly to the standing-seams of the metal roof. The panels would lie parallel with the roof plane. The installation of photovoltaic panels in the proposed locations using the proposed mounting method will not alter features and spaces that characterize the property. With respect to Standard #9, the photovoltaic panels will be installed using clamps that attach to, but do not penetrate, the standing-seams of the existing metal roof covering. Installation of photovoltaic panels in the proposed locations using the proposed mounting method will not destroy historic materials that characterize the property and will be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features of the property. With respect to Standard #10, as described above, the installation of the photovoltaic panels will be accomplished with clamps that will dimple, but not penetrate, the standing-seams of the metal roof. Installation of the photovoltaic panels in the proposed locations using the proposed mounting method will 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. 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 Clinton Block Historic District, as set forth in Section 228-4E(1)(a), and be it further, 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 ILPC approves the Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness. 10 of 12 ILPC Minutes March 13, 2012 RECORD OF VOTE: 5-0-0 Yes D. Kramer M. McGandy E. Finegan S. Gibian C. O’Malley No Abstain II. PLEASURE OF THE CHAIR A. Administrative Matters (none discussed) B. Public Comments on Matters of Interest (none discussed) C. Communications (none discussed) III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES As moved by M. McGandy and seconded by D. Kramer, Commission members unanimously approved the following meeting minutes, with no changes: • February 14, 2012 (Regular Meeting) IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Draft Letter to J. Novarr re: Palms Tavern Signs L. Truame reported that at a previous Commission meeting it had been suggested to write a letter to the new Palms Tavern building owner, exploring the idea of donating some of the signs. Before that letter could be sent, the signs in question were removed; the seller retained them when the property was transferred. Subsequently, it was determined (by some research Mary Tomlan had conducted) that the signs were not in fact original to the building. V. NEW BUSINESS (none discussed) VI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, and as moved by M. McGandy and seconded by D. Kramer, the meeting was adjourned at 6:51 p.m. by Vice-Chair E. Finegan. Respectfully Submitted, Lynn Truame, Historic Preservation Planner 11 of 12 ILPC Minutes March 13, 2012 12 of 12 Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission