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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-ILPC-2006-09-21Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission Meeting Held September 21, 2006 Present: Alphonse Pieper, Chair Kristin Brennan Susan Stein Lynn Truame Leslie Chatterton, Staff A. Pieper called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. and read the legal notices for the public hearings. I. PUBLIC HEARING A-1. 412 University Avenue – proposal to construct garden shed; proposal to remove chimney; proposal to replace existing asphalt and metal roofing with rubber membrane. Property owner, Mike Posner, was present to address the Commission concerning the proposal. Public Hearing On a motion made by S. Stein, seconded by K. Brennan, Chair A. Pieper opened the public hearing. There being no one to address the Commission, Chair A. Pieper closed the public hearing on a motion made by L. Truame, seconded by S. Stein. RESOLUTION RA-1: On a motion by K. Brennan, seconded by L. Truame. WHEREAS, 412 University Avenue is located in the University Hill Historic District as provided for in Sections 228-3 and 228-4 of the Municipal Code, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4(E) of the Municipal Code, an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness was submitted by property owner Michael Posner, and WHEREAS, the action under consideration is the construction of a 8’ x 12’shed with a pressure treated wood deck, corrugated steel walls and clear corrugated polycarbonate roof, to be located in the rear yard, and WHEREAS, the purpose of the action is to provide on-site storage space, and WHEREAS, following review of the application materials including a brief description of the shed dated September 13, 2006, accompanied by computer-generated plans and elevations showing dimensions of the shed and location in relation to the residence, the Commission finds that the applicant has provided sufficient documentation and information to evaluate impacts of the proposal on the subject property and surrounding properties, and 1 q/planning/groups/ilpc/minutes/template 2/0921 ILPC Meeting Date WHEREAS, it appears that the project is a Type II action under the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act and as such requires no further environmental review, and WHEREAS, following conclusion of a public hearing held on September 21, 2006, the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: • Constructed in 1891, the residence at 412 University Avenue is within the period of significance of the University Hill Historic District and is a contributing element of the district. • The building retains a high level of integrity. WHEREAS, in its determination of the current proposal, the Commission has considered the following: In this and all evaluation of proposals for alterations, new construction or demolition in historic districts, the ILPC 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 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 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 rear yard location of the proposed shed reduces visibility by the public and protects the historic integrity of the property and its environment, in keeping with Standards #2 and #9. The materials of the proposed shed differentiate the new work from the old, in keeping with Standard #9. - - 2 J:\GROUPS\Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission\ILPC Meetings\1989-2009 Materials\Minutes\2006\0921.doc ILPC Meeting Date The massing, size, scale and elimination of architectural detail are appropriate for this structure, the sole function of which is utilitarian, and protects the historic integrity of the property and its environment, in keeping with Standard #9. The shed is constructed as a temporary structure and and if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired, in keeping with Standard #10. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT the proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance of the University Hill Historic District, as set forth in Section 228-4(E)(1)(a) of the Municipal Code and be it further, RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal as presented meets criteria for approval as se forth in 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 4-0-0 Yes A. Pieper K Brennan S. Stein L. Truame No Abstain RESOLUTION RA-2: On a motion by K. Brennan, seconded by S. Stein. WHEREAS, 412 University Avenue is located in the University Hill Historic District as provided for in Sections 228-3 and 228-4 of the Municipal Code, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4(E) of the Municipal Code, an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness was submitted by property owner Michael Posner, and WHEREAS, the action under consideration is the removal of a red brick chimney located on the back corner of the residence, and WHEREAS, the purpose of the action is to remove an unused chimney that is currently the source of a roof leak, and - - 3 J:\GROUPS\Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission\ILPC Meetings\1989-2009 Materials\Minutes\2006\0921.doc ILPC Meeting Date WHEREAS, following review of the application materials including a brief description of the proposal dated September 13, 2006, accompanied by photocopied photographs of the existing chimney and the other chimneys located on the residence, the Commission finds that the applicant has provided sufficient documentation and information to evaluate impacts of the proposal on the subject property and surrounding properties, and WHEREAS, it appears that the project is a Type II action under the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act and as such requires no further environmental review, and WHEREAS, following conclusion of a public hearing held on September 21, 2006, the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: • Constructed in 1891, the residence at 412 University Avenue is within the period of significance of the University Hill Historic District and is a contributing element of the district. • The building retains a high level of integrity. WHEREAS, in its determination of the current proposed revisions the Commission has considered the following: In this and all evaluation of proposals for alterations, new construction or demolition in historic districts, the ILPC 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. #5 Distinctive features, finishes and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a historic property shall be preserved. As shown in the submitted photograph, the chimney proposed for removal is without detailing and is considerably shorter in height than the two other chimneys on the residence. (Unlike the others), this chimney is not an historic feature that characterizes the property and its removal does not diminish the historic character of the property as set forth in Standard #2. - - 4 J:\GROUPS\Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission\ILPC Meetings\1989-2009 Materials\Minutes\2006\0921.doc ILPC Meeting Date The chimney proposed for removal is not a distinctive feature that characterizes the historic property as set forth in Standard #5. The proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical or architectural significance of the University Hill Historic District as set forth in Section 228-4(E)(1)(a) of the Municipal Code, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal meets criteria for approval as set forth in Section 228- 4(E) (1) (a) of the Municipal Code, and be it further RESOLVED, THAT The Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission approves the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness. RECORD OF VOTE: Carried 4-0-0 Yes A. Pieper K. Brennan S. Stein L. Truame No Abstain RESOLUTION RA-3: On a motion by K. Brennan, seconded by S. Stein. WHEREAS, 412 University Avenue is located in the University Hill Historic District as provided for in Sections 228-3 and 228-4 of the Municipal Code, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4(E) of the Municipal Code, an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness was submitted by property owner Michael Posner, and WHEREAS, the action under consideration is the replacement of existing metal tile previously covered fibrous aluminum roof coating, with a rubber membrane, and WHEREAS, the purpose of the action is to replace the front porch roof covering that has deteriorated to the point of failure and is causing damage to other porch elements, and WHEREAS, following review of the application materials including a brief description of the proposal dated September 13, 2006, accompanied by a photocopied photograph of the existing porch roof, the Commission finds that the applicant has provided sufficient documentation and information to evaluate impacts of the proposal on the subject property and surrounding properties, and - - 5 J:\GROUPS\Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission\ILPC Meetings\1989-2009 Materials\Minutes\2006\0921.doc ILPC Meeting Date WHEREAS, it appears that the project is a Type II action under the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act and as such requires no further environmental review, and WHEREAS, following conclusion of a public hearing held on September 21, 2006, the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: • Constructed in 1891, the residence at 412 University Avenue is within the period of significance of the University Hill Historic District and is a contributing element of the district. • The building retains a high level of integrity. WHEREAS, in its determination of the current proposed revisions the Commission has considered the following: In this and all evaluation of proposals for alterations, new construction or demolition in historic districts, the ILPC 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. #5 Distinctive features, finishes and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a historic property shall be preserved. #6 Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where 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 feature shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence. As described in the brief narrative, the visual appearance and physical integrity of the existing metal roof has been substantially compromised with the application of multiple layers of fibrous aluminum roof coating. In this case the removal of historic materials cannot be avoided as set forth in Standard #2. - - 6 J:\GROUPS\Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission\ILPC Meetings\1989-2009 Materials\Minutes\2006\0921.doc ILPC Meeting Date The early metal tile roofing is a distinctive feature, finish, construction technique or example of craftsmanship as set forth in Standard #5. The in-kind material replacement of the roof sheathing with metal tiles will create less than optimum surface for this low sloped roof, and may result in premature moisture problems. The rubber membrane will match the old in color and other visual qualities, as set forth in Standard #6 The proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical or architectural significance of the University Hill Historic District as set forth in Section 228-4(E)(1)(a), now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal meets criteria for approval as set forth in Section 228- 4(E) (1) (a) of the Municipal Code, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission approves the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the following conditions: Staff shall review and approve paint color selection. RECORD OF VOTE: Carried 4-0-0 Yes A. Pieper K. Brennan S. Stein L. Truame No Abstain B. Uris Library Plaza, Arts Quad Historic District – proposal for redesigned landscape between Uris and Olin Libraries. Property owner, Laurene Gilbert, was present to address the Commission concerning the proposal. Public Hearing On a motion made by K. Brennan, seconded by L. Truame, Chair A. Pieper opened the public hearing. There being no one to address the Commission, Chair A. Pieper closed the public hearing on a motion made by K. Brennan, seconded by S. Stein. RESOLUTION RB: On a motion by S. Stein, seconded by K. Brennan. - - 7 J:\GROUPS\Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission\ILPC Meetings\1989-2009 Materials\Minutes\2006\0921.doc ILPC Meeting Date WHEREAS, Uris Library on the Cornell University Campus, is located in the Arts Quad Historic District, as provided for in Sections 228-3 and 228-4 of the Municipal Code, Landmarks Preservation, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4(E) of the Municipal Code, an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness was submitted by the property owner’s representative Landscape Architect, Laureen Gilbert of Cornell University’s Department of Planning, Design and Construction, and WHEREAS, the action under consideration is the redesign of the landscape plaza in front of Uris Library and between Uris and Olin Libraries, including removal of an existing stone wall and overgrown Yew bushes, the installation of granite block pavers, stone benches, a lawn area, a bed for annual plants and new bicycle racks, and WHEREAS, the purpose of the action is to improve the setting for the statue by Jacques Lipchitz called “The Song of the Vowels” and to strengthen the relationship of this plaza to the Arts Quad Historic District, 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 for which no further environmental review is required, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has reviewed submitted documentation of the including a brief narrative description of the proposal dated September 6, 2006, accompanied by a photocopied color photograph of the existing condition, and a plan sketch of the proposed condition dated May 24, 2006, 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, following review of the application materials and conclusion of a public hearing held on September 21, 2006, the ILPC made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: Constructed in 1891, Uris Hall falls within the period of significance of the area now known as the Arts Quad Historic District, 1868 – 1904. This period represents the time between construction of the first building, Morrill Hall in 1868 and construction of the final contributing building, Goldwin Smith in 1904. - - 8 J:\GROUPS\Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission\ILPC Meetings\1989-2009 Materials\Minutes\2006\0921.doc ILPC Meeting Date In this case, the existing plaza, constructed about forty years ago, does not fall within the district’s period of significance and the proposal is reviewed as an alteration to a non-contributing feature for its impact on the context, setting and environment for Uris Hall, and its impact on the Arts Quad Historic District as a whole. Individual elements of the plaza in front of Uris Library are not considered to be historic and the review will focus on the impact of the proposed action on the site context for Uris Library and impact on the district as a whole. WHEREAS, in its determination of the proposal to rehabilitate the plaza in front of Uris Library, the ILPC has considered the following: In this and all evaluation of proposals for alterations, new construction or demolition in historic districts, the ILPC 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 or spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided. #4 Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved. #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 Based on design and materials of the existing plaza it is not likely that materials and features of the existing plaza are historic and documentation of features of the earlier landscape are not available in reference to Standard #2. - - 9 J:\GROUPS\Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission\ILPC Meetings\1989-2009 Materials\Minutes\2006\0921.doc ILPC Meeting Date The only feature of the existing plaza that may be considered significant in its own right is the Joseph Lipchitz sculpture, “Song of the Vowels”, in keeping with Standard #4. The alteration of the landscaped plaza, which is the setting for the sculpture, will provide better view of the sculpture. As an alteration of an existing landscape plaza which is compatible in massing size and scale with the sculpture, the Uris Library and the Arts Quad Historic District, the proposed redesign does not further impact spaces that that characterize the site of the sculpture, the Uris Library, or the Arts Quad Historic District, in keeping with Standards #2 and #9. The new work is differentiated as a contemporary landscape. The removal of overgrown plantings and installation of simple stone seating is compatible in massing, size, scale and architectural features and protects the historic integrity of the Uris Library, the statue that continues as the focal point of the plaza and the Arts Quad Historic District, in keeping with Standard # 9. If removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of Uris Library and the Arts Quad Historic District would be would be unimpaired, in keeping with Standard #10. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance of the Arts Quad Historic District, 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 Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission approves the request for a Certificated of Appropriateness. RECORD OF VOTE: Carried 4-0-0 Yes A. Pieper K. Brennan S. Stein L. Truame No Abstain C. 604 East Buffalo Street, Carriage House Café, East Hill Historic District – proposal for new sign. There was no representative present to address the Commission concerning the proposal. - - 10 J:\GROUPS\Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission\ILPC Meetings\1989-2009 Materials\Minutes\2006\0921.doc ILPC Meeting Date Public Hearing On a motion made by L. Truame, seconded by K. Brennan, Chair A. Pieper opened the public hearing. There being no one to address the Commission, Chair A. Pieper closed the public hearing on a motion made by L. Truame, seconded by S. Stein. RESOLUTION RC: On a motion by L. Truame, seconded by S. Stein. WHEREAS, 604 East Buffalo Street is located in the East Hill Historic District as provided for in Sections 228-3 and 228-4 of the Municipal Code, Landmarks Preservation, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4(E) of the Municipal Code, Landmarks Preservation, and application for a Certificate of Appropriateness was submitted by business owner Mark Chandler, and WHEREAS, proposals for new signs on historic buildings are also subject to provisions of Section 272-16(B) of the Municipal Code requiring Landmarks Commission review and approval of signs on landmark sites, and WHEREAS, the action under consideration is a proposal to erect a new sign painted on barn wood and hung perpendicular to the building’s front façade, and WHEREAS, the purpose of the proposal is to improve visibility of the sign and call attention to the Café. WHEREAS, the project 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 ILPC has reviewed submitted documentation including the brief narrative dated August 24, 2006, and two photocopied black and white photographs submitted with the narrative, 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, following review of the submitted materials and conclusion of a public hearing held on September 21, 2006, the ILPC made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: Constructed in the 1890s the building served as the carriage barn for the Gauntlett house located at ___ East Buffalo Street. The barn is a contributing element of the East Hill Historic District. - - 11 J:\GROUPS\Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission\ILPC Meetings\1989-2009 Materials\Minutes\2006\0921.doc ILPC Meeting Date WHEREAS, in its determination of the proposal to erect a new sign on the west (front) façade of the carriage barn the ILPC has considered the following: In this and all evaluations of proposal for alterations, new construction or demolition in historic districts, the ILPC is guided by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and in this case, specifically the following standards: #3 Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall no be undertaken. #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 barn wood sign in an urban location such as Ithaca’s downtown may not be appropriate; in this case, where it to be is placed on a rustic building type, it is appropriate in keeping with Standard #3 The addition of the sign does not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new sign is differentiated from the building’s historic fabric and, as shown in the submitted photographs, is compatible with the massing size, scale and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment in keeping with Standard #9. The addition of the sign 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 will be unimpaired in keeping with Standard #10. - - 12 J:\GROUPS\Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission\ILPC Meetings\1989-2009 Materials\Minutes\2006\0921.doc ILPC Meeting Date NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance of the East Hill Historic District, 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 Commission approves the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness. RECORD OF VOTE: Carried 4-0-0 Yes A. Pieper K. Brennan S. Stein L. Truame No Abstain II. PLEASURE OF THE CHAIR A. Administrative Matters B. Public Comment on Matters of Interest C. Communications III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Postponed June 6, 2006 IV. OLD BUSINESS V. NEW BUSINESS VI. ADJOURNMENT Respectfully Submitted, Leslie A. Chatterton, Secretary Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission - - 13 J:\GROUPS\Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission\ILPC Meetings\1989-2009 Materials\Minutes\2006\0921.doc