08/12/24 Historic Preservation Commission

City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission Minutes August 12, 2024 Opening: The regular meeting of the City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was called to order by Chairperson Warren Coupland at 6:02 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 Present Mr. Testa Present Ms. Pessagno Absent Ms. Wilson-Stridick Absent Mr. Johnson (Alternate 1) Present Mr. Hammeran (Alternate 2) Present Also Present: Chris Gillin-Schwartz, Esq., HPC Solicitor, Judith Decker, HPC Secretary MINUTES Motion made by Mr. Boecker to approve the July 15, 2024, Minutes seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. RESOLUTIONS Madison Cape May RE, LLC, 1025 Beach Avenue, Block 1095, Lots 8-13 - Resolution 2024-25 Lord, 1239 New York Avenue, Block 1132, Lot 27 - Resolution 2024-26 BAJ Family LLC, 805 Stockton Avenue, Block 1068, Lot 20 - Resolution 2024-27 Motion made by Mr. Testa to approve Resolutions 2024-25 through 2024-27 seconded by Mr. Boecker and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. APPLICATIONS APPROVED/DENIED IN REVIEW Ator, 235 Windsor Avenue, 1026/36, Contributing - Roofing Benevento, 201 Beach Avenue #1, 1019/28 C-01, Non-contributing - Condenser Bennett, 1107 Beach Avenue C6, 1115/28 C-12, Non-contributing - Condenser Bezaire, 228 Windsor Avenue, 1022/10, Contributing - Fence Borgia, 721 Washington Street, 1079/5, Contributing - Condenser, Deck Caselton/Console, 217 Perry Street, 1038/5.01, Contributing - Windows Chatzkel, 629 Hughes Street, 1058/26, Contributing - Condenser City of Cape May, 1048 Washington Street, 1110/14, Key Contributing - Condenser Clemens, 504 Jefferson Street, 1074/8, Contributing - Revised Landscape Plan RES 2023-22 Curtin, 911 Washington Street, 1094/21, Contributing – Paver patio DLOJ Trust, 1009 Stockton Avenue, 1096/14, Contributing - Roofing Doherty, 237 Windsor Avenue, 1026/37, Contributing - Roofing Durstewitz, 1012 Lafayette Street, 1111/3, Contributing - Roofing, Condensers Flamini, 807 Queen Street, 1093/20, Non-contributing - Condenser HPC Minutes August 12, 2024 1 Grace, 1615 New Jersey Avenue, 1186/9, Contributing - Siding Herman, 1116 New Jersey Avenue #4, 1115/11 C-04, Non-contributing - Condenser Hudson, 1017 New York Avenue, 1103/50, 51, Contributing - RES 2024-22 Amendment Jagadesen, 906 Stockton Avenue, 1081/29, Non-contributing - Garage Reconstruction Lawrence A. Pray Builders Inc., 523 Bank Street, 1054/22, Non-contributing - RES 2024-08 Amendment Klotz, 1003 New Jersey Avenue, 1102/57, Key Contributing - Roofing Martenstein, 101 Philadelphia Avenue, 1116/31, Contributing - Roofing Mission Inn Cape May LLC, 1117 New Jersey Avenue, 1116/23, Key Contributing - Repair Side Decking In Kind Myers, 611 Jefferson Street, 1090/58, Contributing - HVAC Tutira NJ LLC, 209 Broadway, 1023/28, Contributing - HVAC Supple, 927 Beach Avenue Unit #3, 1081/18 C-03, Non-contributing - HVAC Motion made by Mr. Stevenson to approve the applications approved or denied in review seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Mr. Carroll and Mr. Boecker from 1048 Washington Street, Mr. Testa from 906 Stockton Avenue. NEW BUSINESS Boettcher & Pessolano - 1209.50 Lafayette Street, Block 1061, Lot 83.03, Not Rated New House Owners Mitch Boettcher and Gaye Pessolano were present with Jim McAfee, McAfee Architects. Mr. Boettcher introduced the project as a new 1900 SF house on an approved subdivided lot. The plans are the same as the photo of the house built at 104 Bergen Lane, West Cape May, included the packet but with shingle siding, not clapboard as proposed. HPC requested using the smooth side of the Hardie Board siding. HPC favored the cottage plan which fits into the streetscape. Motion made by Mr. Boecker to grant final approval conditional upon using the smooth side of the siding seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Claytor - 1515-1519 New Jersey Avenue, Block 1175, Lots 7-10, Contributing Roofing, Siding, Windows, Doors, Fence, Railing, Shower Enclosure, Walkway, Lighting, Awnings Architect Mark Asher, Asher Slaunwhite Architects, appeared with contractor Jim Barnes. Solicitor Gillin- Schwartz asked Mr. Asher if he was authorized to represent his clients including all conditions to be ratified in writing before construction; Mr. Asher stated that he was authorized. Mr. Asher confirmed that no variances are needed. He presented the project to rehabilitate the house including: replacing the cedar siding in kind, repairing trims, replacing the second-floor replacement windows with all wood windows and repairing first floor original windows, new wood railings in kind, new wood doors, repairing the front porch, and replacing the concrete walkway with brick. The outbuilding will receive new windows, siding and rehabilitation. HPC had questions regarding the Siteline Jeld Wen windows proposed. The applicant confirmed that the windows would be all wood true divided light or simulated divided light with the same mullion pattern and size as the originals. Motion made by Mr. Boecker to grant final approval conditional upon the Jeld Wen windows, patio doors, screen door, and garage door all be wood non-clad with window cut sheets and railing details to match existing and be submitted to the review committee for approval seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Jordan - 911 Corgie Street, Block 1093, Lot 16, Non-contributing Second Floor Rear Addition, Elevation, Siding, Windows, Steps, Deck HPC Minutes August 12, 2024 2 Mr. Johnson recused himself from the application. Project Manager Kevin Olandt, Fenwick Architects, appeared with owners Stephen and Kathleen Jordan. Mr. Olandt reported that the Non-contributing house would be lifted two feet to meet current flood regulations with floors leveled and repaired. Also proposed are replacing the asbestos siding with smooth cement board, new 2/1 windows and relocating windows, converting the one-story rear porch to two stories. In response to a question from the Solicitor, Mr. Olant stated that they did not anticipate any Zoning Board relief. HPC noted that the third parking space shown in front of the façade of the building should be removed. They did not favor the front door design but liked the improvements to the house. Motion made by Mr Carroll to grant final approval conditional upon review committee review of a revised plan showing elimination of the third parking space from and using a ¾ light front door seconded by Mr. Boecker and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Mr. Johnson rejoined the meeting. Colehower - 298 Windsor Avenue, Block 1023, Lots 3 & 4, Contributing Two Story Addition, Expanded Deck and Patio Architect Paul Kiss, OSK Design Partners, appeared with owner John Colehower requesting final approval. Mr. Colehower made a presentation about the property. Mr. Kiss noted that no zoning variances will be needed. He presented the plan for a rear addition with no change in roof height, an expanded deck, a paver driveway and walkway. New windows were approved by HPC in 2023. All parking spaces on the plan will be moved to the rear of the front façade. A streetscape view was distributed by Mr. Kiss. HPC noted that they preferred true half width shutters. Mr. Boecker cited page 54 of the Standards that additions should be subordinate to the original house. Discussion followed regarding the rooflines. HPC agreed that the ridge height on the addition should be reduced. Motion by Mr. Boecker to grant final approval conditional upon submission of a revised plan to the review committee showing a reduced ridge height of 1.5-2’, windows and doors be non-clad, and the driveway to be red brick pavers seconded by Mr. Carroll and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Cement Ship Inc - 1613 Beach Avenue, Block 1185, Lot 17, 18, 19, Key Contributing Two Story Rear/Side Addition, Siding, Rebuild Front Porch, Window and Trim Repairs, Renovate Garage Mr. Testa recused himself from the application. Architect Dave Schultz, DAS Architects, appeared with owners Margaret and Hunter Cochrane. Mr. Schultz presented the plan to elevate the 3-story 1912 house 2’8” and renovate with no variances needed. They propose new cedar siding, repairing trims and doors, replacing most lancet arch upper sash windows with 6/1 new wood windows and reconstructing the circa 1960s front porch with a brick foundation and all appropriate materials. A wrap around 2,243 square foot 2 story and 1 story addition is proposed to the rear and sides which will replace most of the rear of the home. The existing original garage was altered later and they propose to remove the lean-to and renovate it with appropriate materials. A later bay window on the east elevation is in question. Mr. Coupland noted that per the Standards, on Key Contributing properties, additions visible from the front or side yard are not appropriate. He thought the bay window was a later addition and suggested a two-story bump out; HPC agreed with this idea. HPC favored the garage and front porch renovation and requested original photos, if possible. Mr. Boecker objected to the addition as it will demolish approximately 24% of the original house, a significant portion, including 21 original lancet arch windows. Also, the addition proposed is larger than the original house which is not appropriate (Standards, pg. 53). The applicants agreed to restore or replace the lancet arch windows HPC Minutes August 12, 2024 3 on revised plans. HPC considered the current addition proposal would threaten the Key Contributing status. Discussions followed regarding amendments to the east and west elevations, creating a two-story east side bay bump out and retaining the original chimney. The applicants agreed to a 45-day extension and HPC offered to meet with the applicants informally on a Tuesday morning to discuss revisions to the plans. Motion made by Mr. Carroll to table the application with a 45-day extension seconded by Mr. Hammeran and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. Mr. Testa rejoined the meeting. Testa - 1501 Beach Avenue, Block 1174, Lots 28, 29, Key Contributing Rear Patio, Walls, Fence, Six Dormer Storm Windows Commissioner Testa presented his plan to replace 80 linear feet of a 5’ high rear yard Murphy 301 cedar fence and build a 30’, 4’ high L-shaped brick wall topped with a 2” limestone cap to enclose a 420-425 square foot paver patio courtyard with no alterations to the house or Non-contributing garage. Six additional custom wood storm windows are proposed for the dormer windows. With few HPC comments, a motion was made. Motion made by Mr. Carroll to grant final approval as presented seconded by Mr. Hammeran and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: Mr. Testa. OPEN TO PUBLIC Public comment was opened at 7:56 p.m. and closed at 7:56 p.m. with no public comment. DISCUSSION Parking Beneath Residential Buildings & Boat & Trailer Parking Mr. Coupland reported that this issue would be returning to the Planning Board. Mr. Coupland, Mr. Testa and Mr. Boecker agreed to attend the Planning Board meeting when it is placed on an agenda. Historic District Map Mr. Coupland explained recent amendments deleting several sites on the distributed new draft of the Local Historic District map. Discussion followed. The mailing and public meeting will follow. Motion by Mr. Boecker that the map with the historic district delineated in yellow dated August 12, 2024, as prepared by Paul Dietrich, City Engineer, be approved as presented seconded by Mr. Testa and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Coupland, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Boecker, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Testa, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hammeran. Those opposed: none. Those abstaining: none. There was discussion regarding coordination between city boards. HPC Annual Training Ms. Decker requested an update on HPC training in 2024. She will follow up with the state and HPC. Solicitor Gillin-Schwartz noted that he wanted a written confirmation via at least an email from an applicant owner that their representatives are authorized to speak for them at meetings. Ms. Decker agreed to add verbiage to the confirmation email she sends out with the final agenda to applicants. HPC Minutes August 12, 2024 4 There was a discussion regarding approvals in review with no decision reached. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Coupland at 8:48 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 August 12, 2024 5