02-22-2021 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - Virtual

City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission Monday, February 22, 2021 - 6:00 PM 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 PM virtually on Zoom and livestreamed on Facebook. In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this meeting was provided. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Roll Call: Mr. Coupland, Chairperson Present Mr. Carroll, Vice Chairperson Present Mr. Clemans Absent Mr. Cogswell Present Ms. Pessagno Present Ms. Wilson Stridick Present Mr. Testa Present Mr. Stevenson Alt. 1 Present Mr. Boecker Alt. 2 Present Also Present: Robert Fineberg, Esquire – Commission Solicitor Chris Bezaire, Commission Liaison Karen Keenan, HPC Secretary John Tudor, HPC Compliance Officer RESOLUTION(S): Walchak, 834 Lafayette Street, 1092/10 – Resolution #2021-02 Motion made by Mr. Carroll to approve Resolution #2021-02. Seconded by Ms. Pessagno and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: Mr. Testa. APPLICATIONS APPROVED IN REVIEW: Marks, 8211 Washington Street, 1090/20, 21 & 22, Contributing – Pool Shed, Roof, Siding, Windows Bagley, 825 Beach Avenue, 1067/8, Contributing – Fence Aubinoe, 111 Jefferson Street, 1082/22, Contributing – Mansard Roof Newman, Trustee, 641.5 Hughes Street, 1058/21, Contributing – Fence Kane, 809 Kearney, 1069/8 & 9, Contributing – Steps, Railing Martino, 609 Beach Avenue, 1056/13.01, Non Contributing – Columns, Concrete Miller, 913 Madison Avenue, 1111/13 C-913, Contributing – Shed Tanaka, 917 Corgie Street, 1093/14, Contributing – Fence Smith, 1021 New York Avenue, 1103/48 & 49, Contributing – Sidewalk, Driveway, Walkways, Add Patio Fiocca, 1143.5 Lafayette Street, 1061/69.02, Non Contributing – Front Door Kelly, 208 Franklin Street, 1069/5, Contributing – Roof Swain’s Property Management LLC, 305 Jackson Street,1040/2.01, Contributing – Siding Victorian Station LLC, 311-317 Beach Avenue, 1033/5, Non Contributing – Roof Elaine’s Property Management LLC, 513 Lafayette Street, 1053/13, Contributing – Flat Roof Hardin, 1117 Beach Avenue, 1115/24, Contributing - Roof HPC 1 February 22, 2021 Motion made by Mr. Testa to approve the Applications Approved in Review. Seconded by Ms. Pessagno and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. ANNOUNCEMENT: Solicitor Fineberg announced that the no new applications would be presented after 10:00 PM and that the meeting would end by 10:30 PM. The following applicants opted to present their applications at the March 15, 2021 meeting: MAGRAW…………………………………………………………………………………………….619 HUGHES STREET ROOF BLK 1058 LOT(S) 29 (CONTRIBUTING) NJ CAPE PROPERTIES LLC…..……………………….……………….......................918 LAFAYETTE STREET RENOVATIONS/NEW GARAGE BLK 1094 LOT(S) 9, 10 (CONTRIBUTING) YANICH/WOLF…..……………………….………………………….......................1015 NEW JERSEY AVENUE RAILINGS/BALUSTERS BLK 1102 LOT(S) 51 (CONTRIBUTING) Commissioner Cogswell joined the meeting at 6:07 PM. OLD BUSINESS: LAUFMAN………………………………………………………………………..….……….…1125 NEW YORK AVENUE ADDITIONS/NEW GARAGE BLK 1117 LOT(S) 22, 23, 24 (CONTRIBUTING) Owner Dorrie Laufman and Architect Joseph Courter were present for this revised application which was presented at an earlier meeting. Architect Courter explained the changes to the design including the dormers and reviewed the materials list including cedar, Jeld-Wen true divided light windows. Commissioners were allotted time for questions and comments. Chairperson Coupland said the exterior trim that is PVC is not appropriate, and Architect Courter replied that they will use cedar trim. There was a brief discussion on the steel fence, and it was determined that a properly designed steel fence can be appropriate. Cut sheets for the windows, fence and garage doors are to be submitted for approval by the Review Committee. Motion made by Mr. Testa to approve the application as submitted subject to fascia and soffits to be wood material (not PVC), Jeld-Wen window cut sheets, fence cut sheet, and cut sheet for the garage doors, as agreed by Architect Courter. Seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. HARRISON………………….……………………………….…………………………….…1000 NEW YORK AVENUE ADDITION/ADD GARAGE/SHED BLK 1102 LOT(S) 1, 2, 61, 62 (CONTRIBUTING) Architect Joseph Ross was present for Owners Pamela and Thomas Harrison. He shared that the project has received conceptual approval with several conditions: consider removing two car attached garage, face detached garage to Madison Avenue, rehabilitate carriage shed and remove dormers. He said the four dormers are removed (so no zoning variance will be needed), the garage HPC 2 February 22, 2021 has been located in the extreme back corner of the property and faces Madison Avenue, and the carriage shed has been moved back from the road to meet the setbacks. Architect Ross added that they attempted to satisfy all the conditions of the conceptual approval with only front door to remain resulting in a more pleasant streetscape. Architect Ross described the two fences, shown on Sheet A-1, a cedar perimeter fence and privacy cedar wood fence along the detached garage and detached carriage shed. He reviewed the materials list in detail with cedar shingles on the carriage shed, standing seam metal roofing on the porches and garage with one-inch seams, wood shingles, Kolbe Heritage (or equal) windows, traditional trims, and mahogany exterior decking. There was a discussion on the windows with the determination being that the windows are to be painted wood windows. The high-backed wood benches on the entry porch were discussed, and Architect Ross agreed to work them into the porch design. There was discussion on the elevation of the structure and it was determined that the applicant will raise to elevation 12 to accommodate a two-foot freeboard and one-foot of non-flood material, an exception due to the unique features of the property including the size. OPEN TO PUBLIC: Discussion was open to the public at 6:49 PM. Jules Rauch, 1010 New York Avenue, asked about elevating the structure. He said the streetscape would be better if the carriage house remains in place. He shared concern about the possibility of a second floor apartment above the new two car garage. Architect Ross answered the question about the proposed elevation of the structure and said that the lot coverage is confirming with all water to drain to New York and Madison Avenues. He added that no living space is permitted in the garage attic and that the ceiling joist at six feet makes it not habitable. Discussion was closed to the public at 6:59 PM. Commission members were allotted time for questions and comments. Members agreed with moving the garage and carriage shed. Motion made by Mr. Carroll for approval of the application with the conditions that the of the ground floor elevation to be at 12 feet not setting a standard, Kolbe windows changed to Jeld-Wen all wood windows with painted wood exterior, and recommend the benches to remain on the front porch. Seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 5-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: Ms. Pessagno, Mr. Stevenson. NEW BUSINESS: CAREY…..……………………….……………….......................................279 WINDSOR AVENUE DORMER ADDITION BLK 1027 LOT(S) 17 (CONTRIBUTING) Project Manager Kevin Olandt of Fenwick Associates and Owner Dennis Carey were present for this application for a dormer addition and front porch renovation. Manager Olandt shared that the rating for the property changed to contributing in December 2020. He described the property as a bungalow with the project to expand the existing dormers on the second floor towards the rear to accommodate the addition of rear bedrooms. HPC 3 February 22, 2021 There was a discussion on the materials with the applicants agreeing to use wood bevel siding for the new areas of work, wood windows and wood railing. The applicant will submit revised plans and a new materials list. Motion made by Mr. Carroll for final approval of the application subject to revised drawings showing windows and siding changes as appropriate and a new materials list and cut sheets for the windows and railing for Review Committee approval. Seconded by Ms. Pessagno and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. SWAIN’S PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC..……………………….……………..........305 JACKSON STREET FENCING BLK 1040 LOT(S) 2.01 (NON CONTRIBUTING) Owner Terri Swain and Project Manager Emmett Vandegrift of Dennisville Fence were present for this application. Manager Vandegrift described the project to upgrade and replace the fencing that serves to protect the goods that are stored outside in the summer. He said the proposed fencing is black vinyl coated chain link fencing. Owner Swain added the current fencing is in poor condition and unsafe. She said she is trying to restore the look that was approved in 1984. Chairperson Coupland shared that the materials are not conforming in the district, so he felt the whole commission should comment on the application. Members expressed support of the application. Motion made by Mr. Testa for final approval of the application as presented. Seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. WAUGAMAN..……………………….……………...................................................278 WINDSOR AVENUE SIDING BLK 1023 LOT(S) 13 (NON CONTRIBUTING) Owners John and Janice Waugaman presented this application and gave a history of the family’s ownership of the property. John Waugaman explained that the siding is paneled cedar that was really intended for use on sheds, and they propose Hardie plank siding. Chairperson Coupland said that Hardie plank has been approved in the past, but it is more appropriate to use wood when it is present. Commissioners were allotted time for questions and comments. Commissioners expressed support for the use of Hardie plank for the property. Motion made by Mr. Testa for final approval of the application as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. CARTER..……………………….……………...................................................800 WASHINGTON STREET WINDOWS BLK 1091 LOT(S) 1 (KEY) Architect Catherine Lorentz and Owners John and Gerry Carter were present for this application. Architect Lorentz introduced the application, and Owner John Carter shared the ownership of the property and the deteriorating, flimsy windows. Chairperson Coupland shared that the Secretary of Interior Standards state that it is not recommended to replace versus repair wood windows. HPC 4 February 22, 2021 Architect Lorentz referred to pages 9, 11 and 12 of the application that show the original plan and that the windows are rotted beyond repair, especially the basement windows plus the attic windows and the dining room windows that were installed on the designer showcase are low quality windows. She said the proposed wood windows will be custom made. Architect Lorentz shared her screen and showed the attic windows on page 13 plus the lower windows with the diamond shaped mullions to be replaced with custom casement windows. She also showed the garage windows that currently have vines growing through them and lots of broken glass. Architect Lorentz showed the addendum that was prepared in response to the HPC questions. She suggests all windows be replaced with the following priorities: all basement windows, front and rear attic windows, north side windows and designer showcase windows. She added that the Jeld-Wen wood windows are proposed for all windows that are not custom wood windows. Chairperson Coupland said that he had visited the property with former Commissioner Tom Cataldo and agreed that the showcase windows and the basement windows could be approved in review. He added that they believed many of the other windows, including the first and second floor double hung windows, could be repaired. It was determined that Commissioners Carroll and Clemans will visit the site for a further inspection and that an inventory of the windows is in order. The participants will provide the Commission Secretary available dates for the site visit. Motion made by Mr. Testa for approval of replacement of the cellar windows, attic windows, and rear 2005 Show House windows with wood true divided light windows and the first and second floor windows and garage windows to be inspected further. Seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. Solicitor Fineberg stated that an additional resolution for the windows that are subject to the site visit will be required. NELIGAN……………………………………………………………………………………….…..701 BENTON AVENUE ROOF BLK 1070 LOT(S) 1 (CONTRIBUTING) Roofer Mike Trainor presented this application for a metal roof to replace the existing asphalt roof. Chairperson Coupland said that a cedar roof is more appropriate but that the full Commission should review the application. Roofer Trainor said the roof will be a board and batten style, and the dormers will be sided with clapboard cedar with the current asbestos to be removed. The reveal to be the same as the siding on the house. Commissioners were allotted time for questions and comments. After discussion, it was determined that the metal roof will have caps at the end of the seams. Motion made by Mr. Carroll for approval of the application with the sides of the dormers to done with clapboard with same reveal as the house siding and the metal roof as proposed to have caps at the end of the seams and ridge to be like a standing seam roof. Seconded by Ms. Wilson Stridick and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. HPC 5 February 22, 2021 OPEN TO PUBLIC: Discussion was open to the public at 8:43 PM and closed at 8:48 PM with no public coming forward. DISCUSSION: Chairperson Coupland shared information about a $45,000 grant application that was approved by City Council and submitted by the HPC to the State. This application will enhance the National Historic Landmark status and recognize the contributions of the African American community to Cape May. Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Cogswell at 8:50 PM, with all in favor. A verbatim recording of said meeting is available on the City of Cape May website. Respectfully submitted: Karen Keenan – HPC Secretary HPC 6 February 22, 2021