01-10-2022 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - Virtual

City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Monday, January 10, 2022 - 6:00 p.m. Opening: The regular meeting of the City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was called to order by Chairperson Warren Coupland at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom with a livestream on YouTube. In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this meeting was provided. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Roll Call Ms. Campbell Present Mr. Cogswell Present Ms. Pessagno Present Ms. Wilson Stridick Present Mr. Testa Present Mr. Stevenson (Alt.1) Present Mr. Boecker (Alt.2) Absent Mr. Carroll, Vice Chair Present but not voting Mr. Coupland, Chairperson Present Also Present: Robert Fineberg Esq., HPC Solicitor, Judith Decker, HPC Secretary, Karen Keenan, Board Secretary REORGANIZATION Mr. Coupland announced that Mr. Carroll would be reappointed by City Council on January 11, 2022, and, therefore, would be participating in discussions but not voting. Mr. Fineberg confirmed that Oaths will be taken next month. Appointment of Chairperson: Motion made by Mr. Testa to appoint Warren Coupland as the Chairperson to the Commission for the year 2022. Seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Appointment of Vice Chairperson: Motion made by Mr. Coupland to appoint Tom Carroll as the Vice Chairperson to the Commission for the year 2022 Conditional upon reappointment by the action of City Council and the Mayor. Seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Appointment of Legal Advisor/Solicitor to the Commission: Motion made by Mr. Coupland to appoint Robert Fineberg, Esquire, as Legal Advisor/Solicitor to the Commission for the year 2022. Seconded by Mr. Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Designation of Official Newspaper: HPC 1 January 10, 2022 Motion made by Mr. Coupland for approval of the Cape May Star & Wave as the Official Newspaper of the Commission for the year 2022. Seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Designation of Meeting Dates and Time: Motion made by Mr. Cogswell to approve the advertised meeting dates for the Commission for the year 2022 and January 2023. Seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Appointment of a Rotating Member Review Committee: Motion made by Mr. Coupland for a rotating Member Review Committee for the Historic Preservation Commission. Seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. RESOLUTION(S) Gounaris, 515 Bank Street, 1054/19 – Resolution #2021-44 Pashelinsky, 655 and 655.5 Hughes Street, 1058/10 & 18 – Resolution #2021-45 Belotta-O’Gorman, 817 Stockton Avenue, 1068/16 – Resolution #2021-46 Mullock, 808 Corgie Street, 1090/2 – Resolution #2021-47 Motion made by Mr. Cogswell to approve Resolution #2021-44 through 2021-47, seconded by Ms. Wilson Stridick and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. MINUTES Motion made by Mr. Testa to approve the March 15, 2021, Minutes seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 5-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Ms. Pessagno and Ms. Campbell. Motion made by Mr. Testa to approve the May 17, 2021, Minutes seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Ms. Campbell. Motion made by Mr. Testa to approve the June 21, 2021, and August 16, 2021, Minutes seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those abstaining: Ms. Campbell. Motion made by Mr. Testa to approve the October 20, 2021, Minutes seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Motion made by Mr. Testa to approve the November 22, 2021, Minutes seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Ms. Pessagno. APPLICATIONS APPROVED IN REVIEW Acker, 637 Hughes Street, 1058/24, Key Contributing – Roofs Bell, 816 Kearney Avenue, 1069/3, Contributing – Roof Burlick, 902 Lafayette Street, 1094/1 C-902, Contributing - Railing Campbell, 15 North Street, 1022/19, Contributing – Roof Cape May Marlin & Tuna Club Inc., 1390 Lafayette Street, 1145/8, Non-Contributing – Roof Chamberlin Hospitality Group Inc, 25 Jackson Street, 1041/28, Contributing – Porch Floor & Railings HPC 2 January 10, 2022 Crowley, 806 Lafayette Street, 1092/3, Contributing – HVAC Dempsey, 665 Hughes Street, 1058/15. Contributing – Temporary Propane Tank Guarino, 943 Sewell Avenue, 1089/34, Non-Contributing – AC and Air Handler Hammer Rentals LLC, 716 Madison Avenue, 1090/32, Contributing – Windows, Siding Hendricks, 106 Trenton Avenue, 1131/17, Contributing – Generator Howard, 706 Corgie Street, 1077/1, Contributing – Windows Kennedy, 1323 New Jersey Avenue, 1147/14,15,25,26, Contributing – Roof Kennedy, 722 Columbia Avenue, 1071/6, Contributing – Deck, Walkway Keywood, 1234 Washington Street, 1128/22,23, Non-Contributing – Fence Kiraly, 295 Windsor Avenue, 1027/23.02, Contributing – Shower Enclosure Lesser, 207 Congress Place, 1029/2, Key Contributing – Sidewalk Locke, 1144 Washington Street, 1110/31, Contributing – Deck Longfellow, 652 Hughes Street, 1066/5, Contributing – HVAC system Lothian, 1146 Lafayette Street, 1113/11,12, Non-Contributing – Fence Masterson, 904 Lafayette Street, 1094/1 C-904, Contributing – Railing Parker, 716 Corgie Street, 1077/4, Contributing – Windows Perrin, 18 Jefferson Street, 1067/6, Non-Contributing – Rear railing Smith, 925 Columbia Avenue, 1090/41.01, Non-Contributing – Fence Sundstrom, 1008 Lafayette Street, 1111/2, Contributing – Porch Roof Wardell, 819 Benton Avenue, 1073/9, Contributing – AC Condenser Welden, 320 Jefferson Street, 1073/10.02, Contributing – Fence, Gas Vent Woolworth, 22 Congress Street, 1024/6, Contributing – Porch Motion made by Mr. Cogswell to approve the applications Approved in Review seconded by Ms. Wilson Stridick and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Mr. Testa from 106 Trenton Avenue. APPLICATIONS Uffleman – 219 North Street, Block 1031/Lot 43, Contributing, Rear Addition - Postponed Cape Real Estate – 18 Reading Avenue, Block 1115/17.01, Non-contributing Representative Scott Peter announced that the tax assessor changed the final address to 18 Reading Avenue from 19 Reading Avenue as shown on the plans. The plan was revised following a Planning Commission review advised by HPC. Mr. Peter presented the revised plan for a 2-story home with Hardiplank siding with a 7” reveal, columns, a wood deck, and window boxes. Mr. Coupland requested, and Mr. Peter agreed to a 6” reveal. Mr. Carroll asked about bracket detail. It was confirmed that no brackets will be used. HPC confirmed that a pool would not be permitted at this site. Mr. Carroll had questions about the driveway and parking. Discussion ensued. Mr. Peter agreed to extend the driveway to accommodate 3 cars behind the sightline of the front façade by moving the shed. Mr. Peter agreed to eliminate the deck following HPC objection. The meeting was opened to the public at 6:34 p.m. Caller Catherine Davis, 1127 New Jersey Avenue, objected to the pool, open deck, and parking. HPC confirmed that the open deck was eliminated, parking was extended, and a pool was not proposed, nor would it be approved. Public comment was closed at 6:40 p.m. Motion made by Mr. Testa to grant Conceptual Approval subject to the Hardiplank having a 6” reveal, the absence of any deck, the extension of parking as far back into the lot as can be feasibly accomplished to eliminate parking in front lawn area, seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Cape Real Estate – 16 Reading Avenue, Block 1115, Lot 17.02, Non-contributing Representative Scott Peter announced that the tax assessor changed the final address to 16 Reading Avenue from 17 Reading Avenue as shown on the plans. He presented the plan for a 2-story house with single columns, cedar shake siding, a standing seam metal roof, and a garage, between the new house just presented and townhomes on the beach side. Mr. Coupland noted that other parts of the roof are proposed to be asphalt. Mr. Peter stated that the proposed pool would not be visible from the street. Mr. HPC 3 January 10, 2022 Carroll suggested eliminating the front porch railing by elevating the landscaping; Mr. Peter responded he would use berms, if possible, to eliminate the railings. Mr. Testa had parking questions; HPC agreed that parking in Cape May is a major issue in summer. The applicant replied that three cars would fit into the driveway behind the sightline of the front façade. HPC objected to the pool and suggested several design changes. Discussion followed. Mr. Coupland suggested tabling the application. The meeting was opened to the public at 7:05 p.m. Caller Catherine Davis, 1127 New Jersey Avenue, objected to the pool and parking. Mr. Coupland stated that the applicant would return with a final plan. Public comment was closed at 7:07 p.m. Motion made by Mr. Testa to table the application subject to a waiver of the statutory review period seconded by Mr. Cogswell. Mr. Peters agreed to the waiver. The motion carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. 1152-1154 Washington Street Condo LLC – 1152-1145 Washington Street, Block 1110, Lots 36 & 37, Contributing Chris Zehnder and Chris Conlin, owners of the twin homes in question, were present. Mr. Zehnder presented a plan to restore the house. As the front porch is detaching from the house, they plan to level and rebuild the floor joists, remove and replace the porch floorboards with mahogany, replace five posts, and replicate the railings with custom posts and sawn balusters and add arch and bracket detail at the eave line of the porch. Screening will be replaced in kind between the brick piers. As needed, the soffit will be repaired, and the cornice brackets will be replaced in kind. Mr. Zehnder proposed to replace five failing windows at the rear of his south side of the twin house with 2 over 2 wood windows. Mr. Carroll made suggestions on the choice of wood and rail construction. Mr. Testa applauded the choice of materials and contractor. HPC offered material and design suggestions including shutters. Discussion followed. The applicant agreed to appropriate shutters on the front elevation and will make a design submission. Motion made by Ms. Pessagno to grant final approval in review conditional upon the applicant’s choice of balusters and windows the submission of design for solid shutters on the first level and louvered shutters on the second level seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Schultz – 215 Jefferson Street, Block 1083/Lot 1, Non-Contributing Presenting this proposal were: Jeffrey Barnes, Esq., Troy and Nicole Schultz, and Architect Jeffrey Little. The applicants propose to demolish the existing dwelling and build a new house on the same footprint. The nine points of demolition were reviewed by Attorney Barnes. Motion made by Mr. Testa to issue a certificate of demolition seconded by Ms. Wilson Stridick and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. The proposed new house was discussed. In response to a question from Mr. Carroll, Mr. Schultz responded that the plan met current zoning setback requirements. Mr. Coupland related that parking under the house facing the street is not consistent with what has been approved by HPC. Mr. Testa concurred and suggested a rear entry garage. The vertical design of the house was met with HPC objections. An 11’ flood elevation is shown on the plan. A 16” front wall is shown to reduce the illusion of height. HPC suggested eliminating the garage, increasing the height of the retaining wall, and adding a driveway off Benton with impervious parking behind the building sightline. Additional suggestions by HPC were: landings on the front stairs with terraced landscaping a red brick foundation rather than stone, clapboard siding rather than vertical, jerkinhead rather than gable roofed dormers and clipped side gables to give the impression of less height to fit in with Cape May. Larger windows were agreed to on the right-side elevation. Mr. Coupland suggested tabling the application for plan modifications. Motion made by Mr. Testa to table the application subject to waiving the statutory period seconded by Ms. Pessagno. The applicant requested a cursory review prior to the next meeting. HPC agreed to a review by committee prior to the next full commission review. A vote was taken, and the motion carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, HPC 4 January 10, 2022 Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. The Bassett Family – 701 Kearney Avenue, Block 1063/Lot9, Contributing Joe Ross, Architect, appeared representing the applicants. He stated that no changes have been made to the plan since conceptual approval was granted in October of 2019. Zoning Board approval was received in November of 2021. Mr. Ross is seeking final approval for the plan for a 149 square foot bathroom addition over the kitchen and a roof that mimics that on the Kearny side of the house. A Vermont slate roof is proposed, stucco siding, and Jeld Win all wood windows. Wood railings will be restored or replaced in kind. HPC favored the plan. Motion made by Mr. Testa to grant Final Approval as submitted seconded by Ms. Wilson Stridick and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. O’Donnell & Wehmeyer – 1624 New Jersey Avenue, Block 1185/ Lot 10.02, Non-Contributing Joe Ross, Architect, appeared representing the applicants seeking conceptual approval. The modern house was built in 1995 and is set back from the road with cantilevered decks and a recessed front- loading garage. Mr. Ross proposed 16’ second and third floor covered front porches with a Mansard roof detail and a window replacing a slider of the second floor. Exterior front steps are proposed. The building is set as far back as permitted on the property which leaves a huge front yard buffered by landscaping where a pool with enhanced landscaping is proposed. The recessed garage and carport are proposed to remain. HPC does not support front entry garages, but this garage is extant and recessed and the mission would be to improve it. Mr. Ross noted that pool in the front yard will have to go to zoning as non- conforming. Mr. Coupland stated that HPC does not support pools. Mr. Testa noted that a covenant regarding the landscaping could be expected from HPC as was required with a neighboring property. HPC was favorable to the improvements to the front façade of the house. Motion made by Mr. Testa to grant Conceptual approval to the application as submitted seconded by Ms. Pessagno and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. OPEN TO PUBLIC: Discussion was open to the public at 8:51 p.m. DISCUSSION While awaiting public comment, Mr. Coupland announced that the February 14, 2022, meeting of the HPC would be virtual. While awaiting public comment, Mr. Coupland informed HPC that an HPC decision about a cedar shake roof was being appealed to zoning and he would be meeting with Mr. Fineberg regarding the January 27 meeting which he will be unable to attend. A recommendation will be made to HPC about a member joining the meeting. Washington Street Mall Lighting Mr. Coupland sent information on the Washington Street Mall lighting project to HPC members. He asked if Lorraine Baldwin was on the line, and she responded that she was. He explained that in communications with the City it states the mall lighting project is now done so he presumes that there would not be a phase II. They would have to re-submit to HPC for Phase II. The HPC obligatory response to City Council is that they did not have enough information to render a decision. HPC has voiced its opinion to the extent possible. His impression is that the City does not intend to take any action. It appears the lighting will remain in effect. Mr. Coupland asked for HPC comments. Mr. Testa stated that, on the basis of the motion that passed, HPC appointed a committee to work with the applicant to develop a report. He asked if any more information was received from the applicant. Mr. Coupland replied that they sent back the lumens and a hand drawn sketch of lighting locations. He believes the project was not lighting for safety as presented but lighting for cosmetic appeal. He objects to the style of lighting HPC 5 January 10, 2022 as inappropriate for Cape May and sought HPC input regarding a further response to the city. The lumens were not an issue. Mr. Testa thought the HPC memorandum to the city was very clear and expressed disappointment, as did Mr. Coupland, that the bid was moved forward without the HPC report. Going forward, HPC must know more about city project scheduling to give HPC time for review. Ms. Pessagno reported that the Washington Street Mall applicants and the city manager did not know the project was subject to HPC review. She does not think there will be a phase II. Mr. Coupland emphasized that phase II would be an individual property project and be subject to HPC review; Ms. Pessagno concurred. Ms. Baldwin thanked HPC for their comments. She thinks the Bid wants to make things right and wants to know if there is anything else they can do. Mr. Coupland responded “no” and added that what was installed would not have been approved as appropriate. He appreciated the comments from Ms. Pessagno and Ms. Baldwin but added there have been other city projects put in without appropriate HPC review and input and he hopes this can serve as a guide for future projects. Mr. Carroll and Ms. Campbell commented that the lights are up, appear to be popular, and they think HPC should move forward without further response. HPC Standards Book Mr. Coupland reported that the HPC Standards book is outdated and will be updated with new relevant zoning changes and the updated 2017 National Trust standards. He asked Ms. Campbell to chair a committee to work on the new standards book with Ms. Baldwin to be liaison to Planning and City Council. He is seeking two more HPC volunteers for the committee to contact Ms. Campbell. The project plan should be presented to Planning and City Council while underway. Ms. Campbell would like to make the standards more accessible with a clear understanding of the purpose of the standards. The updated standards will be loaded to the website. Mr. Cogswell added a history of the current standards book. Mr. Coupland stated the project should be completed this year. The Secretary closed public comment at 9:16 p.m. Grants Mr. Coupland announced that he is seeking a volunteer to help develop a submission to obtain grant funding for an Underground Railroad tour to begin in Cape May with similar elements to the lighthouse tour of New Jersey to include significant sites up to Philadelphia and maybe north Jersey. Mr. Carroll noted that a Museums+Arts+Culture (MAC) committee is already working on a similar grant. Mr. Testa asked if the Tubman organization was working on anything similar. Mr. Coupland said he would reach out to them. He will reach out to MAC to find out their progress. Property Surveys Mr. Coupland informed HPC that the state has deemed Cape May current in their inventory and is no longer willing to issue grant funds each year as they have been doing. He thinks HPC should seek matching grants to continue the effort to complete 150-200 surveys each year. Village Green needs to be completed as per the Secretary of the Interior’s mandates. He has asked the city to contribute money for this effort in the 2022 budget. Mr. Carroll thought the state historic commission was the best place to seek grant money. Mr. Coupland reported that the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) agreed to accept a block-by-block survey of Village Green as it is noncontributing. Ms. Campbell suggested that a windshield survey for re-certification can be done instead of intensive surveys to save money. Mr. Carroll concurred and suggested historic preservation interns. Mr. Coupland emphasized that a certified consultant would have to approve any survey to obtain SHPO approval. Discussion ensued. Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Carroll at 9:32 p.m. with all in favor. A verbatim recording of said meeting is available on the City of Cape May website. Respectfully submitted: Judith E. Decker – HPC Secretary HPC 6 January 10, 2022