07/18/2022 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 18, 2022 Opening: The meeting of the City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was called to order by Chairperson Warren Coupland at 6:05 p.m. at Cape May City Hall. 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 Absent Mr. Stevenson (Alt. 1) Present Mr. Boecker (Alt. 2) Present Mr. Carroll, Vice Chairperson Absent Mr. Coupland, Chairperson Present Also Present: HPC Secretary Judith Decker and Solicitor Robert Fineberg. Ms. Pessagno arrived at 6:10 p.m. MINUTES Motion made by Ms. Wilson Stridick to approve the June 20, 2022, Minutes seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Ms. Pessagno. RESOLUTIONS Wood, 413 Broadway, 1032/1, Resolution #2022-27 Pyfrin, 213 Grant Street, 1022/24, Resolution #2022-28 Woody/Pocher, 22 Congress Street, 1024/6, Resolution #2022-29 Horvath, 200 Madison Avenue, 1097/6.02 & 7, Resolution #2022-30 Conrad, 347 Congress Street, 1031/ 82 & 83, Resolution #2022-31 Cauley, 1517 Beach Avenue, 1174/19, 20 & 21, Resolution #2022-32 Perry Street Associates, LLC, 29 Perry Street, 1034/21, Resolution #2022-33 Motion made by Mr. Boecker to approve Resolutions #2022-27 thorough #2022-33 seconded by Mr. Stevenson and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Ms. Pessagno and Ms. Wilson Stridick on Woody/Pocher. APPLICATIONS APPROVED IN REVIEW Antoniades, 814 Washington Street, 1091/3, Contributing – Sidewalk, apron AUGZZ LLC, 501 Beach Avenue, 1047/1 C-120, Non-contributing - Signs Bailey, 239 Windsor Avenue, 1026/38, Contributing – HVAC Brooks Inciardi, 911 Stockton Avenue, 1082/18, Contributing - Windows Cape CJ LLC, 1301 Beach Avenue, 1146/26.02, Key Contributing – Generator Cape Sea Glass Prop, LLC, 933 Beach Avenue, 1081/16, Non-contributing – Changes to Res 2021-34: siding, decking, lighting Casasday, 21 Second Avenue, 1014/19, Contributing – Paver driveway Chew, 1365 Washington Street, 1145/16, Contributing – Windows, AC unit Coupland, 737 Washington Street, 1079/8, Contributing – Arbor HPC Minutes July 18, 2022 1 Fleck, 1101 Washington Street, 1113/34, Contributing – AC unit Garner, 664 Hughes Street, 1066/9, Contributing – Roof, siding, railing repairs Gazda, 1015 Washington Street, 1111/6, C-01 to C-04 Contributing – HVAC Koehler, 1005 Beach Avenue, 1095/15, Key Contributing - Railings Krupinski, 1307 New Jersey Avenue, 1147/34, Contributing – Deck, generator Marquis Condo Assn, 501 Beach Avenue, 1047/1, 5, 6, 7, Non-contributing – Antennas Nelson, 201 Beach Avenue, Unit 201, 1019/28 C-16, Non-contributing – AC condensers Salvini, 32 First Avenue, 1014/4, Contributing - Siding Senatore, 1001 Washington Avenue, Unit 4B, 1111/11, Non-contributing – HVAC Seweryn, 16 S. Broadway, 1016/6, Non-contributing – Deck Shumeyko, 1331 New Jersey Avenue, 1147/22, Non-contributing – HVAC Uffleman, 10 North Street, 1021/2, Contributing – Synthetic grass - Denied 15 First Ave LLC, 15 First Avenue, 1016/21 & 22, Contributing – Fence 106 Decatur Realty, LLC, 106 Decatur Street, 1041/12, Contributing – Renovations Mr. Coupland noted that Uffleman, 10 North Street, was denied in review and would be struck from the list. Motion made by Mr. Boecker seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 6-0 to approve the applications approved in review. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Ms. Pessagno. APPLICATIONS Cauley – 1517 Beach Avenue, Block 1174, Lots 19, 20, 21, Contributing Alternative window and door options for front elevation Jerry Blackman, OSK Design Partners, was present with owner Patrick Cauley. At the June 20, 2022, meeting HPC and the applicant had agreed by motion on the configuration of the second-floor front façade as: a single French door flanked by two 9/1 replicas of the large first floor windows in the center recessed bay and double French doors in the outer two bays with no sidelights. Mr. Blackman presented a revised proposal for the front second-floor window and door arrangement as: a double French door flanked by smaller windows in the center bay, and double French doors in the outer two bays with all sidelights eliminated. HPC approved of the changes. Motion made by Mr. Cogswell seconded by Ms. Wilson Stridick to approve Elevation #1 of the application and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Adams – 339 Congress Street, Block 1031, Lots 80 &81, Non-contributing Garage conversion, windows, doors, pergola, and deck expansion Mr. Stevenson recused himself from this application. Paul Farnan, Fulcrum Design Group, appeared with John and Rebecca Adams seeking final approval. Mr. Farnan noted the structure is non-contributing due to changes over time and the use of synthetic materials. Synthetic materials are proposed for this project. Zoning approval has been granted. The garage is proposed to be converted to living space with a loft area within the existing footprint with Andersen 400 series windows and an expansion of the porch. In response to HPC concerns, the applicant confirmed that the project would not create a second living space, nor would there be plumbing in the converted garage space. HPC would like to review floor plans and Mr. Boecker requested a 4/1 configuration first floor windows. Motion made by Mr. Boecker seconded by Ms. Pessagno and carried 6-0 to approve the plan conditional upon submission of floor plans to Review Committee, no use of the addition as a second dwelling unit at any time in the future, and the use of four over one or four over four windows on the first floor. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. HPC Minutes July 18, 2022 2 Thorkildsen – 218 Grant Street, Block 1019, Lot 18, Non-contributing New front porch, windows, siding Architect Catherine Lorenz and owner Christine Thorkildsen were present. Ms. Lorenz presented the plan to rehabilitate the front façade of the house by adding a front porch, a brick veneer foundation, new Hardie board siding, new four over one Andersen 400 series windows as needed. are proposed where needed, and a new front door. HPC favored the plan. Motion made by Mr. Boecker to approve the plan seconded by Ms. Pessagno and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Sea Shore S Cape LLC – 821 Stockton Avenue, Block 1068, Lot 14, Not rated New Dormers Paul Farnan, Fulcrum Design Group, presented the project to expand two rear dormers and add an additional dormer on the third floor. The structure was built within the last decade and was previously non-contributing. All materials will be in kind with existing: Hardie board siding, Andersen double hung windows, and an asphalt shingle roof. Motion made by Mr. Cogswell to approve the plan as submitted seconded by Mr. Stevenson and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Cicchitti – 402 Clay Street, Block 1061, Lot 57.03, Not rated Pool House/Storage Building Ms. Pessagno recused herself from this application. As no representative was present, Mr. Coupland explained that the pool house was built without HPC review or zoning approval and does not meet the height requirement of 13’ for an accessory building. He added that it was red tagged by the Zoning Officer twice and work continued anyway. He suggested that the application be denied in its entirety. Adam Crossland, Bachich Architects, arrived at 7:46 p.m. Mr. Coupland explained the proceedings and the decision agreed upon. Motion made by Mr. Coupland to accept the plan as presented seconded by Mr. Cogswell and denied 7-0. Those in favor: none. Those opposed: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Coupland. Those abstaining: none. Discussion followed. Mr. Crossland explained that the client is deciding whether to reduce the height of the pool house to 10’ to comply or apply for a zoning variance for the additional height. Mr. Fineberg advised Mr. Crossland that the HPC cannot hear the application until a variance is obtained or the building height is reduced, at which time the application can be reviewed. City of Cape May – 717 Franklin Street, Block 1080, Lot 31, Non-contributing Demolition Deputy City Manager Louis Belasco, on behalf of the City of Cape May, presented the plan to demolish the house at 717 Franklin Street, adjacent to the AME church. Mr. Coupland responded that Cape May has a grant underway to review and make recommendations to Congress to amend the National Historic Landmark district status for the contribution that African Americans have made to the district. The study report may have an impact on the subject building and change its rating. As that grant report is due at the end of September, he thinks it reasonable to table this application until that finding is in to submit a professional and informed written advisory letter to City Council. Mr. Belasco reported that the building is starting to collapse, and the tenant is moving out. Because the city has no use for the building, it will remain a hazard and continue to deteriorate. The city would like to showcase the Colonial House on that lot, if it can be moved, or it will support at least 20 much needed parking spots. Mr. Coupland responded that HPC Minutes July 18, 2022 3 HPC will not have the necessary information to make an informed recommendation until the October meeting. Mr. Coupland stated that he is on record supporting demolition of this building as non-contributing, but its status may change in light of its association with the AME church when the grant study is completed. Accordingly, HPC cannot make an informed recommendation until the grant study is completed and the state Historic Preservation Office has had an opportunity to comment. Discussion ensued. It was confirmed that 717 Franklin Street was built in 1930 and was moved to its current site. Mr. Belasco noted that it appeared that the last time it was used as a parsonage was in 1977. Although not part of this application, Mr. Belasco informed HPC that the city is awaiting an engineering report on the colonial house to determine if it can be moved and that a joint application for demolition/relocation had been submitted to the state Historic Preservation Office. HPC was in agreement that it would be best to await the grant report to present an informed letter of recommendation to council. Motion made to table by Ms. Campbell seconded by Mr. Cogswell and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cogswell, Ms. Pessagno, Ms. Wilson Stridick, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Coupland. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Open to the Public – public comment was opened at 7:15 p.m. Dan Uffleman, 10 North Street, asked why his synthetic turf application was denied. Mr. Coupland responded that it was not appropriate in the historic district as it was not used in the period of significance: 1850-1940. Mr. Fineberg explained that any inappropriate, artificial materials cannot be approved by HPC. Discussion followed. Harry Bellangy, President of Greater Cape May Historical Society (CMHS) which operates the Memucan Hughes Colonial House owned by the city of Cape May, stated that 717 Franklin Street was a relocated Coast Guard building He agreed with the HPC decision to table. CMHS is concerned that the Colonial House may not survive a move and he suggested retaining an engineering firm familiar with historic buildings. Mayor Mullock noted that the city’s engineering firm should have an opportunity to comment. Mr. Mullock reported that two very significant preservation projects are beginning this year: the Franklin Street school/library project and the AME church restoration. He noted that when the city made the application for demolition, the building at 717 Franklin Street was non-contributing, in very poor condition, and the city considered the best use for that lot was to support the key contributing properties of the school and church. He added that it is vital that what is built in the city is thriving and functional and added that non-contributing building demolitions are approved all the time. Mr. Coupland reiterated that with the professional study underway completed, HPC will have full information. Mayor Mullock agreed with the HPC decision to wait until October and thanked HPC for their work. Public comment was closed at 7:34 p.m. Conceptual Approvals Following discussion regarding the filing and expiration of conceptual plans, Mr. Fineberg explained that conceptual approval is simply a non-binding recommendation from HPC. HPC thought a time limit could be put on the conceptual approval. No decision was reached. HPC Application Form Mr. Coupland reported that Mr. Fineberg, Mr. Testa and Mr. Cogswell have been working on a draft, which will be presented next month. Bylaws Update Ms. Wilson Stridick reported that she agreed to help Mr. Carroll with the awards project and turned the Bylaws update over to Mr. Testa. Mr. Testa agreed to work on the bylaws once the application form is completed. Best Practices Review Mr. Coupland asked HPC members to submit photos of completed HPC reviewed projects to Ms. Decker for a critique training session on best practices to be held at a future date. HPC Minutes July 18, 2022 4 HPC Training 2023 Mr. Coupland asked all members to review the training webinar and report back to Ms. Decker to complete the mandatory HPC training for 2022. HPC Standards Update Grant Ms. Campbell reported that the kickoff meeting will be held on July 25, 2022. The state supplied a list of potential consultants and sample guidelines for consideration. The subcommittee will be formed, and a meeting held following the kickoff meeting. Discussion followed. Appeals to Zoning Board Mr. Fineberg advised HPC that there are two appeals of HPC decisions scheduled for the Zoning Board: The Lokal property on August 25, and McMahan on Sept 22. He will report back on those hearings. He added that he has been collaborating with Solicitors Rich King and Chris Gillin-Schwarz drafting a letter to the Zoning Board regarding their standard of review when they hear cases from the HPC and clarification of due deference of HPC decisions. The letter will be submitted to the Zoning Board prior to the appeal cases. The final letter will be distributed to the HPC. Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Cogswell at 8:16 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 July 18, 2022 5