06/17/2024 Historic Preservation Commission

City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission Minutes June 17, 2024 Opening: The regular meeting of the City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was called to order by Chairperson Warren Coupland at 6:01 p.m. 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. Boecker Present Mr. Stevenson Absent Mr. Testa Present Ms. Pessagno Present Ms. Wilson-Stridick Present Mr. Johnson (Alternate 1) Present Mr. Hammeran (Alternate 2) Present Also Present: Solicitor Chris Gillin-Schwartz and HPC Secretary Judith Decker. MINUTES Motion made by Ms. Wilson-Stridick to approve the Minutes of the May 20, 2024, seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Testa, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Johnson. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. RESOLUTIONS Cohen, 16 Reading Avenue, Block 1115, Lot 17.02 - Resolution 2024-15 DuHaime, 921 Stockton Avenue, Block 1082, Lot 14.01, Resolution 2024-16 Hoff, 1006 Washington Street, Block 1110, Lot 2, Resolution 2024-17 Peter, 930 Washington Street, Block 1093, Lot 9, Resolution 2024-18 The Painted Lady Condominium Association, 11 North Street, Block 1022, Lot 20 - Resolution 2024-19 Motion made by Mr. Boecker to approve Resolutions 2024-15 through 2024-19 seconded by Ms. Wilson- Stridick and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Testa, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Johnson. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Ms. Pessagno, Mr. Carroll from 930 Washington Street and Mr. Johnson from 930 Washington Street. APPLICATIONS APPROVED/DENIED IN REVIEW Adams, 1013 Stockton Avenue, 1096/13, Contributing - Condenser Angelini, 1230 Lafayette Street, 1129/12.01, Non-contributing - Exterior Shower Cappelletti, 458 West Perry Street, 1031/1, Non-contributing - Condenser Re-location - Denied Carroll, 625 Hughes Street, 1058/28, Contributing - Condenser Chalfonte Partners Inc, 301-309 Howard Street, 1071/7, Key Contributing - Roofing Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, 500-502 Lafayette Street, 1052/15-16 - Non-contributing - Roofing Coupland, 737 Washington Street, 1079/8, Contributing - Condenser DeGroff, 15 South Lafayette Street, 1021/4, Contributing - Porch Ceiling Dellas Inc, 501 Washington Street, 1052/6, Non-Contributing - Condenser Guill, 111 North Street, 1026/21, Contributing - Windows, Door, Porch Screens, Lattice HPC Minutes June 20, 2024 1 Haaz, 1201 New Jersey Avenue, 1131/35-36, Non-contributing - Garage Door, Railings, Columns, Facia, Trims Healey, 236 Grant Street, 1019/13.01, Non-contributing - Landscape Berm Henery, 413 Clay Street, 1061/64.03, Non-contributing - Exterior Shower Hoberman, 15 Jefferson Street, 1081/27, Contributing - Reconstruct Rear Stairs Johnson, 11 Broadway, 1018/17, Non-contributing - Condensers, Lattice Enclosure Kliewe, 501 Hughes Street, 1049/10.01, Non-contributing - Pool, Patio, Fence McBride, 11 Decatur Street, 1047/8, Contributing - Porch Columns, Railings, Decking Mission Inn Cape May LLC, 1117 New Jersey Avenue, 1116/23, Key Contributing - Patio pavers Mitra, 205 Perry Street, 1038/11.02, Contributing - HVAC Mita Trust, 711 Beach Avenue, 1062/6, Key Contributing - Condenser Rudolph Family Trust, 1015 New Jersey Avenue, Contributing - Condenser, Platform, Lattice Rulon, 209 South Lafayette Street, 1030/16-17, Non-contributing - Roofing Ryan, 1012 New York Avenue, 1102/6, Contributing - Windows - Denied Stonitsch & Witt, 1216 New York Avenue, 1131/9.02-10, Contributing - Front Steps Summer Station Condo Association, 217 Beach Avenue, 1019/25, Non-contributing - Steel Decking Repair Victoria’s Walk Condo Association, 1621 Beach Avenue, Unit 107, Non-contributing - Deck Repairs Welde, 255 Grant Street, 1023/19, Contributing - Facia 207 Howard Street LLC, 207 Howard Street, 1069/12, Contributing - Condenser 213 Properties LLC, 213 Windsor Avenue, 1026/28, Contributing - HVAC 834 Washington LLC, 834 Washington Street, 1091/8, Contributing - Sidewalk, Steps Motion made by Mr. Carroll to approve the applications approved or denied in review seconded by Mr. Boecker and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Testa, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Johnson. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Mr. Coupland from 737 Washington Street and Mr. Carroll from 625 Hughes Street. APPLICATIONS OLD BUSINESS: Rubino - 26 Mount Vernon Avenue, Block 1014, Lot 3, Contributing Elevation, Additions, Second Story, Shed Architect Steve Fenwick appeared with owners Robert and Patty Rubino seeking final approval for a plan last reviewed on May 16, 2022. As the two-year approval period expired in May 2024, an extension was requested and granted prior to the meeting. No Zoning Board variances will be sought. Mr. Fenwick reported that amendments to the plan include adding a shed, deleting the pool, and extending the driveway so cars would be parked beyond the front of the building as per HPC. HPC concluded that the addition was larger and taller than the original house and therefore inappropriate and may threaten the Contributing status of the property as well as affect the streetscape. During a long discussion, the Solicitor noted that conceptual and informal reviews are non- binding. HPC made several suggestions for improvements to the plan. It was agreed that the applicants would consult with the HPC review committee prior to returning to the full commission. The applicants verbally agreed to an extension of 45 days. Motion made by Mr. Carroll to table the application conditional upon the applicant waiving the review period seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Testa, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Johnson. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Moca Family Trust - 12 North Street, Block 1021, Lot 3, Contributing Amend Rear Addition, Windows, Doors, Roofs Project designer Adam Crossland, Bachich Architects, appeared with owners Montu and Casey Patel and Marcello Mogavero, Southwater Construction, with amendments to the plan as per several meetings with the HPC review committee following the May 20 meeting. Mr. Mogavero stated that the ridgeline was dropped to a 4/12 HPC Minutes June 20, 2024 2 pitch and the shutters were adjusted to fit the windows true. HPC thanked the owners for the informal meetings to assist with the plan. Mr. Carroll noted a bracket missing on the plans. Motion made by Mr. Boecker to grant final approval as presented with the bracket added to the plans seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Testa, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Johnson. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Jersey Development Group - 359 Congress Street, Block 1031, Lot 2.02, Not Rated New Single-Family Home Owner Scott Peter, Jersey Development Group, appeared seeking final approval for a 2.5 story new home with no Zoning Board variances sought. Mr. Peter announced that the house was set to the side of the odd-shaped lot and an attempt will be made to save as many trees as possible. Proposed are: an asphalt roof, smooth Hardi Plank siding, Azek windows with shutters sized fit the windows, Azek railings and trims, mahogany doors, a brick faced foundation with lattice infill and a brick paver driveway with two parking spaces behind the façade of the house. HPC asked about the lack of sheds or a patio around the pool; the applicant offered to add a shed. HPC did not favor the third-floor triple window dormer or upper level doors. The applicant agreed to add two separate dormers, doors to match the front door, railings to be 1.5” with spacing no more than 3”, fence specs, lighting details and adjustments to the elevations upon return. Motion made by Mr. Carroll for conceptual approval with an amended balcony and dormers, larger brackets, correctly sized shutters, any exterior sheds, fences, railings at 1.5’ with 3” spacing, seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Testa, Ms. Pessagno, Mr. Johnson. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Ms. Wilson-Stridick. Hudson - 1017 New York Avenue, Block 1103, Lots 50 & 51, Contributing Rear Addition, Porch, Siding, Windows, Railings, Roof, Trim Architect Bill Campbell, OSK Design Partners, presented the plan seeking final approval for owners Dan and Mabeth Hudson who were unable to attend. Solicitor Gillin-Schwartz asked Mr. Campbell if he was authorized to represent his clients including all conditions; Mr. Campbell stated that he was authorized. He presented the plan to convert a first-floor rear deck into a screened porch with a bedroom addition above within the footprint of the existing deck. A cedar roof and cedar shingle siding to match existing are proposed with all-wood Marvin windows with an IPE deck. All Azek has been removed from the plan as per HPC conceptual approval at the April 15, 2024, meeting. Motion made by Mr. Boecker to grant final approval with the siding named as “shingle” seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Testa, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Johnson. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. NEW BUSINESS Oceanfront Properties LLC - 1045 Beach Avenue, Block 1101, Lots 7-9, Non-contributing Rooftop Solar Panels James Leo, RCL Solar presented the plan to install rooftop solar panels invisible on the flat roof of the Grand Hotel with inverters to be in a fenced area in the rear of the hotel and all lines hidden in a service stairwell. Motion made by Mr. Testa to grant final approval as submitted seconded by Mr. Boecker and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Testa, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Johnson. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. HPC Minutes June 20, 2024 3 230 Grant Street Cape May LLC - 230 Grant Street, Block 1019, Lot 14 Demolition Attorney Peter Chacanias presented the project to demolish a non-contributing existing house and introduced owner Katherine Healey and Architect James Chadwick. Ms. Healey made a statement regarding the demolition request. Mr. Chadwick presented seven of the Nine Points of Demolition. HPC determined that the application met the standards. In response to a request from Mr. Carroll, Ms. Healey confirmed that she retracted the demolition for 236 Grant Street (Resolution 2023-14) with Secretary Decker. Motion made by Mr. Testa to grant demolition as submitted seconded by Ms. Wilson-Stridick and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Testa, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Johnson. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. OPEN TO PUBLIC Public comment was opened at 7:50 p.m. and closed at 7:50 p.m. with no public coming forward to comment. DISCUSSION Payment of Bills - Mr. Coupland announced that he signed the bills for June. Historic District Map Mr. Coupland reported that the proposal for a new historic district map was not accepted by the Planning Board. He would like to revisit the Planning Board with a more comprehensive presentation including recommendations from the state. Mr. Testa suggested that the Chair present the HPC approved map to any city body. The Solicitor thought letter notification to residents including the grandfathering for current owners was a good idea; HPC agreed and would draft the letter. Motion by Mr. Boecker as follows: Since the HPC developed, considered, and unanimously approved at a public hearing on December 18, 2023 (via Resolution 2023-47) an updated map (dated December 11, 2023) for the Cape May City Historic District, which among other things, is intended to fix boundaries, to clarify certain anomalies within the district, and to include a grandfathering clause, I move that the Commission now designate and appoint its Chair to develop and make a comprehensive presentation to the Cape May City Planning Board before the end of the Summer 2024, and to any other City body as thereafter required or deemed appropriate, in each case in order to finalize said map as the official map of the Historic District of the City of Cape May seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Testa, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson-Stridick, Mr. Johnson. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Bylaws Update Mr. Testa reported that this project to update the Bylaws has not yet begun. Following discussion, it was agreed that the Secretary would distribute the existing bylaws to HPC with the intention to present a final draft by the new year. Liaison to City Administration Mr. Testa suggested that an HPC commissioner be appointed liaison to the city officers and agencies to assist with matters relevant to HPC. Deputy Mayor Baldwin is the liaison only to City Council. Mr. Gillin-Schwartz and HPC favored the idea. Mr. Testa volunteered for the position and will draft a conceptual role for the liaison and submit it to the Solicitor for review at the next meeting. HPC Minutes June 20, 2024 4 HPC Parking Proposals Mr. Gillin-Schwartz reported that the proposals were submitted to Secretary Karen Keenan for Planning Board review. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Testa at 8:17 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 Minutes June 20, 2024 5