03-15-2021 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - Virtual

City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission Monday, March 15, 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 Present Mr. Cogswell Present Ms. Pessagno Absent 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 MINUTES: Motion made by Mr. Clemans to approve the minutes of December 21, 2020. Seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. RESOLUTION(S): Laufman, 1125 New York Avenue, 1117/22, 23, 24 – Resolution #2021-03 Harrison, 1000 New York Avenue, 1102/1, 2, 61, 62 – Resolution #2021-04 Carey, 279 Windsor Avenue, 1027/17 – Resolution #2021-05 Swain’s Property Management LLC, 305 Jackson Street, 1040/2.01 – Resolution #2021-06 Waugaman, 278 Windsor Avenue, 1023/13 – Resolution #2021-07 Carter, 800 Washington Street, 1091/1 – Resolution #2021-08 Neligan, 701 Benton Avenue, 1070/1 – Resolution #2021-09 Motion made by Mr. Clemans to approve Resolutions #2021-03, #2021-04, #2021-05, #2021-06, 2021-07, 2021-08 as corrected, and #2021-09. Seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. HPC 1 March 15, 2021 APPLICATIONS APPROVED IN REVIEW: Garner, 664 Hughes Street, 1066/9, Contributing – Fence Cape May Sea Glass Properties LLC, 933 Beach Avenue, 1081/16, Non Contributing – Elevate House Oceanfront Properties LLC, 1045 Beach Avenue, 1101/7, 8, 9, Non Contributing – Sign, Deck, Railing Mendoza, 818 Washington Street, 1091/4, Contributing – Siding, Remove Storm Windows, Shutters, Window Sashes, Reparge Masonry Hollenbach, 1030 New York Avenue, 1102/17, Contributing – Revised Railing Detail Novino, 351 Congress Street, 1031/84, Contributing – Second Story Addition Smith, 626 Hughes Street, 1057/10, Contributing – Roof Franzini, 529 Bank Street, 1054/23, Non Contributing – Add Partial Porch, Decking, Stairs, Driveway, Walkway Fisher, 710 Sewell Avenue, 1070/2, Contributing – Railing System Final Details Dempsey, 810 Columbia Avenue, 1074/4, Contributing – Walkway, Driveway Ritz, 1603 New Jersey Avenue, 1186/18.02, Non Contributing – Add Dormer, Siding, Windows Petrillo, 836 Washington Street, 1091/9, Contributing – Window Trim & Grills Donahue, 810 Dale Place, 1092/32 & 33, Not Rated – Replace Side Door with Window, Siding Seltzer, 513 Franklin Street, 1076/4, Contributing - Roof, Rails, Brackets Franklin Perth LLC, 22 Stockton Place, 1062/2, Non Contributing – Remove Chimney, A/C on Platforms, Replace Window with Sliding Door, Windows, Remove Deck, Pavers Martino, 609 Beach Avenue, 1056/13.01, Non Contributing – Railing Kirchner, 1307 Beach Avenue, 1146/25 C-02, Key – Door Walchak, 834 Lafayette Street, 1092/10, Contributing – Final Plans with Dimensions of All New Elements Sellars, 407 Broadway, 1032/21, Contributing – Replace Door with Windows, Siding, Soffits, Window Trim, Doors Goldstein, 1124 Lafayette Street, 1113/6, Contributing – Enlarge Deck, Railing, Add Steps & Shower 908 Madison LLC, 908 Madison Avenue, 1094/13, Non Contributing – Enlarge Rear Screen Porch, Roof, Doors Burns, 261 Grant Street, 1023/22, Contributing – Fence Cataldo, 1109 Washington Street, 1113/32, Non Contributing – Fence Smokowski, 309 Franklin Street, 1073/25, Contributing – Rebuild & Expand Shower 623-625 Columbia Ave. Assoc. LLC, 623-625 Columbia Avenue, 1057/17.01, Contributing – Roof, Cornice Motion made by Ms. Wilson Stridick to approve the Applications Approved in Review. Seconded by Mr. Clemans and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. APPLICATION APPROVED IN REVIEW: Moore Trustee, 1507 Beach Avenue, 1174/26, Key – Deck, Patio Motion made by Ms. Wilson Stridick to approve the Applications Approved in Review. Seconded by Mr. Clemans and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: Mr. Testa. Vice Chairperson Carroll joined the meeting at 6:09 PM OLD BUSINESS: CARTER..……………………….……………...................................................800 WASHINGTON STREET WINDOWS BLK 1091 LOT(S) 1 (KEY) HPC 2 March 15, 2021 Chairperson Coupland shared that he previously visited the property with former Commissioner Cataldo and, recently, Commissioners Clemans and Carroll visited the property to inspect the windows. Architect Catherine Lorentz and Owners John and Gerry Carter were present for this application. Architect Lorentz showed the addendum pages on her screen and described the windows in detail. Chairperson Coupland commented that the back window was not original and does not match the look/period of the house. Commissioner Boecker asked about the four over one versus six over one, and the applicants agreed to the six over one windows. Chairperson Coupland asked about the diamond patterned windows, and Mr. Carter replied that Jeld-Wen makes all wood diamond windows. It was determined that the window sashes to be six over one on the first and second floors, and the garage windows to be replaced same for same. Motion made by Mr. Carroll for double hung first and second floor sashes to be replaced with six over one grid patterns, the diamond shaped windows to be repaired exactly to match existing profile, the garage window sashes to be replaced same for same. Seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. Motion made by Mr. Carroll for the front steps to be replaced with sixteen-inch landing, brick risers and blue stone tread. Seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. NJ CAPE PROPERTIES LLC…..……………………….……………….......................918 LAFAYETTE STREET RENOVATIONS/NEW GARAGE BLK 1094 LOT(S) 9, 10 (CONTRIBUTING) Attorney Jeffrey Barnes introduced the application and Principal Gino Cianglini and Architect Blaine Steinman. The property was described as an irregular lot with a single family home. The applicant is seeking changes to the porches and addition of a new two car garage. The rating of the structure had changed in December from non contributing to contributing. Architect Steinman referred to drawings P-1 through P-10 and said that some of the proposed materials were changed based on a phone conversation with Chairperson Coupland. Commission members were allotted time for questions and comments. There was discussion on the deck and column materials where the HPC said they would expect wood on a contributing structure plus the garage materials to match the house. Motion made by Mr. Testa for conceptual approval as submitted with cut sheets for doors, lighting and trim to be approved in review. Seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. YANICH/WOLF…..……………………….………………………….......................1015 NEW JERSEY AVENUE RAILINGS/BALUSTERS BLK 1102 LOT(S) 51 (CONTRIBUTING) Owners Beverly Yanich and Linda Wolf were present for this application for railings and balusters. Ms. Yanich explained the concern about the balusters failing, so they were replaced unexpectedly by family members. They did not realize they needed HPC approval. HPC 3 March 15, 2021 Commission members were allotted time for questions and comments. There was discussion on the sizing, mass and open space for the balusters and heavier top and lower rails. It was agreed that duplicating the adjacent house railing and balusters of two inch square spindles with separation of two to three inches to be most appropriate. Motion made by Mr. Testa for approval subject to submission of a plan to be approved in review. Seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. NEW BUSINESS: LOCKE…………….……………………………………………………………..……….1144 WASHINGTON STREET PORCH/SHOWER BLK 1110 LOT(S) 31 (CONTRIBUTING) Owners Sara Thorne-Locke and Robert Locke and Architect Paul Farnan were present for this application. Architect Farnan described the project for a rear covered and screened porch and shower with the railing to match the front with square painted wood columns. Commission members were allotted time for questions and comments. There was discussion on the skylights and materials. Architect Farnan said the one existing skylight is visible from the street and the proposed skylight is to provide more light to the screened porch. Mrs. Locke said they will consider the project without skylights. Motion made by Mr. Carroll for conceptual approval of the application. Seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. CAPE CJ LLC………………………………..………………………………………..………..…1301 BEACH AVENUE PATIO/LIGHTS BLK 1146 LOT(S) 26.02, 27, 28 (KEY) Manager Jeff Gernitis and Architect Joe Ross presented this application for a patio and lights. Architect Ross shared that the project requires Zoning Board approval for variances but not lot coverage. He gave a history of the building and described Sheet A-1 – titled Proposed Paver Terrace and advised that they are seeking conceptual approval. Architect Ross added that the light fixtures will match those already at the property and also at 215 Decatur. Manager Gernitis showed Exhibit A-1, a rendering of the completed project and stated that people want to eat outside in response to the pandemic. He added that the patio will be used for staying and dining guests. Commission members were allotted time for questions and comments. Commissioner Becker asked about the wall cap material, and Architect Ross replied that it will be brick. Commissioners Testa and Wilson Stridick made positive comments on the project. Motion made by Mr. Testa for conceptual approval as submitted with the light fixtures as showed and the wall to be capped with brick. Seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7- 0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. HPC 4 March 15, 2021 248 GRANT ST QPR (HEALEY)………………….……………………………….……………248 GRANT STREET ELEVATE ROOF/ADDDITION/ BLK 1019 LOT(S) 12 (NON CONTRIBUTING) DECKS/RENOVATIONS Owner Katherine Healey, Architect James Chadwick and Builder Brian Sullivan were present for this application. Owner Healey described the property as being built in the 1980s while the neighboring property she also owns at 236 Grant Street was built in 1976. She said the project is for more covered outdoor entertaining area and moving of the family pool table to a game room. Architect Chadwick explained that the project will be accomplished in numerous phases with this being Phase 1. He reviewed the application plans page by page and shared that they propose to change the roof material, add a gable roof for a new bath and bedroom and connect new raised deck # 1 and new raised deck # 2 to ease circulation throughout the building and an eventual elevator. The tower area was described and the proposed third floor plan with a roof line that extends to provide shade. He showed the proposed front elevation and reviewed the materials changes including roof to standing seam metal roof and the tower door to complement the front door. Architect Chadwick said no variances are needed. Commissioners were allotted time for questions and comments. Commissioners commented that the tower is an addition that looks like a separate structure from the main structure and thought that the height of the tower may not meet the zoning restriction. Commissioner Testa found the standing seam metal roof to be an improvement. There was a discussion on the size of the standing seam of either one or one and one quarter inches with the determination that a cut sheet would be needed with more detail. There was concern about the left side of the house and also the front façade. Motion made by Mr. Carroll to table the application with the applicant agreeing to a waiver of the time constraints for a decision. Seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7- 0. Those in favor: Mr. Clemans, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. Commissioner Clemans exited the meeting. CAPE MAY SEA GLASS PROPERTIES LLC……………………………………..…………..933 BEACH AVENUE ELEVATE/RENOVATIONS BLK 1023 LOT(S) 13 (NON CONTRIBUTING) Chairperson Coupland explained that the rating for this property changed from contributing to non contributing in December 2020, but he felt that the rating should be contributing. He added that he believes changing the streetscape would be detrimental. Commissioner Coupland advised that an application was approved to move the building back in the setback and elevate plus two feet BFE to support what has taken place. This new application is to elevate the structure and move it forward. Attorney Andrew Catanese, Owners Bonnie and Sean Wilhelm and Project Designer Adam Crossland were present for this application. The project was described as removal of an addition and construction of an addition while making the property seven units from the current eleven units with permits in place. Chairperson Coupland stated that the Flood Ordinance does not approve elevating historic structures above BFE plus two feet except for flood mitigation. Owner Wilhelm shared her Power Point presentation, Exhibit A-1, with the HPC. Designer Crossland said that there will be five units in the front building which is to be pushed two feet forward, pending variances for setbacks, and two units in the rear building. He said the columns HPC 5 March 15, 2021 would be changed from round to square, and the height of the building would change from the submission materials to BFE plus five and a half feet in order to park underneath the building. Attorney Catanese said the applicant is trying to eliminate lawn parking, but they cannot comply with all design standards. OPEN TO PUBLIC: Discussion was open to the public at 9:27 PM. Anne Brawner Peabody, 937 Beach Avenue said the lawn parking has not been allowed for a number of years. She said the streetscape is beautiful and photographed often. She felt that the project will be a detriment to the streetscape, the porch will not be level with her porch and the porch next door and the planned rear pool will be outside their kitchen window. Jules Rauch, 1010 New York Avenue, spoke in opposition of the project. Discussion was closed to the public at 9:46 PM. Commission members were allotted time for questions and comments. Chairperson Coupland said the HPC is charged to follow the standards and ordinances. There was a discussion on BFE plus two feet and freeboard. Attorney Catanese offered that the materials proposed can help bring the structure back to contributing status. Chairperson Coupland said that ambiance cannot tolerate parking under the structure. There was a discussion on parking and the design standards. Attorney Catanese said that this is a big project, and continued input from the HPC is welcome. Motion made by Mr. Testa to table the application with the applicant agreeing to a waiver of the time constraints for a decision. Seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Testa, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: None. Those abstaining: None. OPEN TO PUBLIC: Discussion was open to the public at 10:24 PM and closed at 10:25 PM with no public coming forward to comment. DISCUSSION: Commissioner Cogswell shared information about LP SmartSide siding that is comprised of treated and compressed wood strands. He plans to get a cut sheet on the product to share with the HPC. Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Cogswell at 10:26 PM, with all in favor. Respectfully submitted: Karen Keenan – HPC Secretary HPC 6 March 15, 2021