Historic Preservation Commission

HPC Meeting Minutes February 21, 2013 The Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday, February 21st, 2013 at the City Council Chambers, 305 Gay Street. An Ethic Training program began at 6:00PM with two members of the Ethics Commission, Mr. Steve Rideout and Charles McFadden giving a presentation. Members sitting in on this training session included Farrell McCoy, Dormaim Bromwell Green and Brian Roche. At the conclusion of this training session, Brian Roche called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. Brian Roche presented the opening statement and conducted a roll call of those members present. Commissioners Attending: Brian Roche, Chair; Dormaim Bromwell Green, Will Dennehy- Vice-Chair, Farrell McCoy. Absent: Katie Clendaniel. Other Representatives or Staff Attending: Dan Brandewie, City Planner II. Oath Administered-Persons Wishing to Testify: Mr. Roche reviewed protocol for the meeting and administered the oath to all persons wishing to testify. Approval of Minutes: Brian Roche asked for a motion to approve the minutes of December 8th, 2012, January 17th, and February 7th, 2013 minutes. Motion made by Will Dennehy to approve the minutes, second by Dormaim Bromwell Green. Motion Carried. Consent Agenda: HPC#25-13, 1102 Locust St., George McBrien, (owner), replace two additional windows on upper front façade due to damage. Staff reported that the owner has requested amendment for two additional windows on the front facade due to damage. Staff visited the site on 1-18-13 and confirmed the damage. The HPC approved two windows on the lower floor previously Specifications to be the same as previously approved. There were no objections to approving this as a consent agenda item from the public or Commission. Will Dennehy moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the following recommendation: to approve the replacement of two additional windows on the upper front façade due to damage. Replacement windows to match previously approved replacement windows with external grid patterns and simulated exterior divided lites, seconded by Dormaim Bromwell Green. Motion Carried. Regular Agenda Items HPC#28-13, 1106 Glasgow St., Ann Call was present to comment on the application to replace existing wood door and screen door on the front of house; install shingles on ½ roof of garage to match existing. The garage was half completed previously and shingles would match existing. There were no additional comments. HPC moved to close the discussion. Will Dennehy moved to approve the application as submitted, seconded by Dormaim Bromwell Green. Motion Carried. HPC#29-13, 302 Oakley St., Karen Todd (owner) was present to respond to any questions. Brohawn and Brooks (contractor) would replace existing 3 tab shingles with architectural shingle (Harvard slate), replace jalousie windows on rear porch with vinyl replacement windows; replace-install storm doors on front and sides of house. There were no comments from the public. HPC members acted to close the discussion. Farrell McCoy moved to approve the application as submitted, seconded by Dormaim Bromwell Green. Motion Carried. Extension/Continuation HPC# 12-13, Long Wharf Park, City of Cambridge Public Works Department. On behalf of the City, Mr. Tim Crosby and Mr. Lou Hyman reviewed plans to construct a restroom facility a Long Wharf Park which has been reviewed by the Committee appointed by the City to provide public input. Mr. Crosby noted it was similar in style and height to an accessory building found on High Street. The HPC approved an application previously to allow temporary construction of a standpipe structure and the temporary placement of shed structure not to exceed 9 months consistent with the Planning and Zoning Commission's and Council's direction. Public comments included concern over lack of windows and light in the facility and vandalism. Additional public comments supported the project. HPC Commission, Farrell McCoy, objected to the lack of windows being provided. The HPC acted to close the discussion. After further deliberation and given the fact that the design attempts to replicated design qualities of accessory buildings found elsewhere in the district, members voiced support for the project. Dormaim Bromwell Green moved to approve the construction of a 272 sq. ft. restroom facility consistent with the design and location as specified in the application and presentation material provided to the HPC at this meeting. Facility to replace temporary structure as previously authorized on temporary basis; seconded by Farrell McCoy. Motion carried with Will Dennehy and Dormaim Bromwell Green voting in favor and one vote in opposition from Farrell McCoy. Chairmen, Brian Roche, abstained from voting. HPC#39-10, 801 Locust St., Janice Olshesky, (owner), was present to request an extension to the previous COA's issued for the rehabilitation of this house and an amendment request to redesign a rear covered entranceway. A small rear porch would be removed to accommodate a covered entranceway to the rear of the house. Ms. Olshesky also presented specifications on the solar panels on the upper porch roof. This application of solar panels was previously reviewed and approved by the HPC approximately 4 years ago but no specifications were submitted. Mr. Brandewie submitted additional photographs along with the applicants that demonstrated that the panels should be minimally visible from the street due to the pitch of the roof. There were no objections from the public. After further discussion, the HPC acted to close the discussion. Mr. Roche noted that the Secretary of Interior Standards recommend that solar panels, if approved are to minimally visible from the street view and it appears that this aspect of the proposal meets that criteria. The rear entranceway compliments the structures. He has no objections to application. After further deliberation, Will Dennehy moved to approve the plans and design of a rear addition (Design Alternative B) as specified in application; to approve the installation of laminate solar panels on metal roof on new side porch addition. Based on design, solar panels will be minimally visible from street and installation is generally consistent with Sect. of Interior standards for Sustainability. Specifications of materials for rear addition, solar panels, porch and roofing materials to be provided to staff for further evaluation prior to issuance of building permit. Work schedule of previously reviewed construction/rehab items is approved with the exception of accessory building which requires zoning approval. Administratively Approved/Routine Maintenance: Mr. Brandewie noted the following items were approved administratively: HPC#30-11, 447 Race Street, Steve Vondenbosch: relocate existing front door to swing out; modify plans to install temporary landing in rear; install revised rear entrance door; HPC#07-41-05 110 West End Ave., Extension Request filed by Stephanie Davidson, Sue Swift (owners). Extension request to restore front porch; removal of enclosed area; installation of tapered columns, porch railing (porch flooring to be determined once existing condition is known)-no change from previous approval by HPC on November 19th, 2009. Other Business Discussion of Setting Schedule/Appointment of Subcommittees. Mr. Brandewie noted that Brian Roche and Will Dennehy have volunteered to research and prepare draft material on rehabilitation. Katie Clendaniel and Dormaim Bromwell Green volunteered to assist in writing design guidelines on signage. Enforcement Update Staff noted there are some minor enforcement issues currently being acted upon including a satellite dish. Mr. Brandewie presented draft material on the Rules of Procedures and By-Laws. No action taken. No new information was available on the situation with the fire damaged building on Race Street. Katie Clendaniel moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Dormaim Bromwell Green, at approximately 9:30 PM. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Daniel L. Brandewie, City Planner II Note: These minutes were approved at the meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission meeting on August 15th, 2013.